Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car key battery replacement. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer who will charge according to the model of the vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing to do when your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a unique sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking down over time as does any other electronic gadget that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. While this is a great feature, it can be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see if the chip can be reset or a locksmith if needed.

If you're able to buy an additional key fob at an affordable price, you may be able to program it yourself. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time period, typically 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime to signal an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming technique only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost, but you might be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able come to you to do the job.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they have a guarantee. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more than other locations and may not provide the best 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 lots of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your car without having to use a traditional metal key. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on many automobiles. They are a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. They are the most popular because they permit you to unlock and start your car without physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

If you own a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. These locations offer a wide selection of replacement keys, and are able to cut and program them at less than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to pay a professional to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start button.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car key button replacement to open doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Based on the model and year, you might have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from an auto repair shop or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' manuals or online. The steps aren't easy and you may need an additional key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car also has traditional metal keys it is possible to purchase an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, which could add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

For those who own German automobiles, for instance, that have the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to find replacement car keys cost near me fobs at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.