Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and start the car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer that charges based on your vehicle's make.
But Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first step to take in the event that your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break down over time just like any other electronic gadget that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement that will work with your vehicle. 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 ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Some of the newer fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.
If you can purchase an extra key fob for a price you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which let you start and unlock your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require to replace it you may be able to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available online. replacement key for car near me will depend on the model of your vehicle. 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 program it. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, as even one door that is left open could affect how well the fob works.
To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in a certain time period typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you want to add to the system.
This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the exact same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob or an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee however you may be in a position to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the work.
If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them what their charges are and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they may even tell you about the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership to obtain an alternative. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are often cheaper than the dealership and can save you money.
A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a lot of vehicles. They're a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. These are usually found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for a reasonable price. However you can save money by using the correct battery and programming it in a different manner.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, particularly if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or a remote start button.
Smart keys are found in most modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes are not stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and start it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys.
You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.
Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's guides. These steps can be difficult and you may need a second key fob in order to complete the procedure. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car has an old-fashioned metal key it is possible to purchase a spare at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.
Those with German cars, for instance those that come with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.