Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and also allow the car to start. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of your car.

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver in the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break in time, just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement compatible with your car key replacements. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll need 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, and then install the new one carefully to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside them that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it can be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call a locksmith.

If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price it's possible to program it yourself. This is typically a less expensive option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your car remotely. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are affordable and automotive locksmith simple to replace, but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, as even one door left open can influence how the fob functions.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming method only works for cars which use the same technology. If your car has different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that must be done by a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however you may be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide the possibility of a guarantee. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, in the event that you lose your keys to visit a dealer to have them replaced. However, they usually cost of replacement car key 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 are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s, and many vehicles come with them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most common car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They are typically found at an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that consumers will pay for anything to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

You can replace your key at an independent locksmith who is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own a traditional, metal key or a smart electronic key. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find an expert to replace it. But that might not be as costly as you think, especially if the key fob includes a smart feature like an automatic locking system or remote start button.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you may be able to purchase the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. However, you'll likely still require a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming on the internet or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be quite difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's recommended for both owners and automotive locksmith lessees alike to have two working key fobs before experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key it is possible to purchase an extra key at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob may require a professional to program, however, which can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have a "flip" that is similar to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the service department of the dealer.