Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and begin your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer, which charges depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing to do in the event that your key fob is not working is to change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver in the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking down over time, just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.

If you're fortunate the dealer you go to will sell replacement car key fobs batteries for keys fobs that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $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 and replace it with the new one.

Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside them that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a useful feature but can be dangerous for people who frequently lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset or an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to purchase an additional key fob at an affordable price it's possible to program the key yourself. This is usually a affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car replacement keys however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob withe without having to use a traditional metal key. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger 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 great method to unlock your car, however they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. They can be located at an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys which house the metal key inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay anything to get their car back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

You can replace your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars, whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and are able to program and cut them for cheaper 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 probably have to hire a professional replace it. But that might not be as expensive as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like automatic locking or remote start buttons.

Smart keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes are not stored on the fob but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less than what you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions on do-it-yourself key fob programming online or in their owner's guides. These steps can be a bit tricky, though, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car key fobs replacement has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key that you can get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob may need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be costly if you want to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacement.

Those who own German automobiles, for instance, that have a "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife, could only find replacement fobs at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.