Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob stops working the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break in time just like any other electronic device that you carry around in your purse or pockets.
If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your car. If they don't, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.
Some of the latest fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it can be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to determine whether the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed.
If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle from a distance. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model, but instructions are often available online. over at this website include details on programming. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the function of the fob.
To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.
This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the same technology. If your car has different types of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that is only performed by an authorized dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost, but you might be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you'd pay at a dealership. They may even come to you to do the job.
If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them what their charges are and if they offer a warranty on the work. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed when you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations, and they might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are usually less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money.
A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on many vehicles. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchesblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular because they permit you to open and start your car without physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them at less than dealers. You can search an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.
Locksmiths
When your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, like automatic locking or remote start.
Smart keys are used in all modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. The codes are not stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and then start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you may have the option of purchasing the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through the dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership uses.
Some automakers offer instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming on their websites or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be difficult and you may need another key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key it is possible to purchase a spare at a key cutting or hardware store, provided that the key was not lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob are likely to require professional programming, however, which can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.
Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip", which is similar to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.