Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you based on the make of your vehicle.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing to do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly sending out an encoded signal in a specific sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however as with any other gadget that spends most of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse, they can stop working as they get older.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement that work with your car. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Some newer fobs have an electronic key inside that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. This is a convenient feature but can be dangerous for people who frequently lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with, you may be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact process depends on the model of your car however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button of the new fob in the same time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to add to the system of your vehicle.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that is only done by an authorized dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost, but you might be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the job.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even inform you of their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your car. These are usually found at an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the key made of metal is encased within a plastic part, and Car Key Fob Replacement keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. The latter are most popular because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and programming it in a different manner.

If you have 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 affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to pay a professional to replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, like remote start or automatic locking.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is hit. The codes are not stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.

Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's manuals or online. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require professional programming however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.

People who own German automobiles, for instance, that have a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife could only get replacement car keys with chips fobs from the dealer. The reason is that these fobs typically use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only company with the equipment necessary to do this.