9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use 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 with the dealer and the cost is according to the vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do if your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do much more than unlock and lock the car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a unique sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break in time as does any other electronic device that you carry around in your purse or pockets.

If you're fortunate your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one carefully to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. While this is a convenient feature, it can be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset, or call a locksmith in the event of need.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one, you might be in a position to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to perform the work.

If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, when you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations, and they might not offer the best deal. There are several alternatives to get your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your car and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your car. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto car key replacement near me parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the key is made of metal and encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key replacement for car fobs are different types of car fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge key fob prices because they know consumers will pay for anything to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

If you own a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated 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 cheaper than the dealers. You can search a search engine in order to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find a professional to replace the item. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start.

Smart keys are found in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would have to pay if you bought it through a dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's guides. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car key replacement service near me also has a traditional metal key it is possible to purchase one at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob may require a professional to program however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip" which is similar in function to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.