Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you based on the make of the vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob isn't working, the first thing you should do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a specific sequence that goes to a receiver inside the car replacement key to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any gadget that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function when they age.

If you're fortunate your dealer has replacement keys car batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your car. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include a small physical key stored inside that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. While this is a useful feature, it could be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours or require a new one you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. The exact process depends on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals contain specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob for a certain time period, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you want to add to your car's system.

This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need special programming. This is only possible by a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the tools to complete the task for a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able be at your location to complete the work.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire how much they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she may even tell you about the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed if you lose your keys to visit a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other places, and they might not be the most affordable option. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your mobile car key replacement without using traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are typically found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of a replacement car key of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device.

If you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can search the search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to hire a professional to replace the item. It might not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob comes with a smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less than what the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still require a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's guides or online. The steps aren't easy and you may require a second key fob in order to complete the process. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to its smart key that you can make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob might require programming by a professional. However, this can be expensive in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacement car key cost.

Those with German automobiles, for instance those that come with the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs typically use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only manufacturer with the tools needed to do so.