Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Typically replacing key replacement car requires a visit to the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do when your key fob isn't working is to change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a unique sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any gadget that spends most of its time scurrying around in your purse and pockets they may cease to function when they age.
If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will sell batteries for keys compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. vehicle key replacement 'll need to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one carefully to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature but can be dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.
You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for a replacement key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle, and that most require special equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your car via the internet. If you lose yours or need a new one you might be able to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure it has fresh batteries. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the function of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key turn off your car and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button of the new fob for a certain time period generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming technique only works on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is distinct from the other, it will require special programming. This is only possible at an authorized dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however, you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to do the work.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they may even tell you about the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership to obtain an alternative. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other places and they may not be the most affordable option. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.
A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on many automobiles. They're a great method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your car. They can be found at an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.
You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have a traditional, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you'll have to find a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has a smart feature like an automatic locking system or remote start buttons.
Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and then start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.
You may be able to purchase a new keyfob through a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still require a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.
Certain automakers offer instructions on do-it-yourself key fob programming online or in their owner's manuals. The steps aren't easy and you may need an additional key fob to complete the process. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one.
If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key that you can get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.
People who have German automobiles, for instance one, with the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife could only find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only company that has the tools needed to do this.