Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership and the cost is based on your vehicle’s make.

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

Battery

If your key fob stops working, the first thing to do is change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do much more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they’re constantly sending out an encoded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren’t indestructible, though as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your pockets and purse, they can stop working as they age.

If you’re fortunate, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You’ll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid 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 them that you can remove if keys aren’t able to open your door or start your engine. This is a great feature, but it could be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having issues 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 an amount you’re comfortable with, you may be able to program the key yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car and most require special equipment to program.

Programming

The majority of modern cars keys replacement are equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require a new one you might be capable of programming the replacement key fob for car yourself. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Owner’s guides can also provide details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that it’s got new batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functionality 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 in the same time frame, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you’d like to add to your vehicle’s system.

Be aware that this reprogramming method is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specific programming. This can only be done at an authorized dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would spend at a dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Also check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy for your car replacement keys to determine if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even inform you of their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership, and can 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 usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your mobile car key replacement, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They are a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to your car’s ignition. They can be found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, where the key made of metal is encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without a physical keys.

A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. It’s not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable price. However, you can save some money by choosing the correct battery and programming it in a different method.

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 particular auto manufacturer. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and can cut and program them at less than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you’ll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, especially if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. The codes are not stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and start it. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than you would pay if you went through the dealer. You’ll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners’ guides or online. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. For that reason, it’s recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key, you’ll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key doesn’t get lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

Those with German cars, for example, that have the “flip” function that is similar to a switchblade knife, may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. The reason for this is because these fobs typically use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer’s service department, which is usually the only company with the tools needed to do so.