11 Strategies To Refresh Your Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and begin your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you based on the make of the vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working, the first thing to do is change its 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 vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its life jostling around in your pockets and purse, they can stop working as they get older.

If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a 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 of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys.  key replacement for car  utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

If you're able to purchase an extra key fob for an affordable price you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is usually a affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the car remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. The exact process depends on the model of your car however instructions are typically available online. Some owner's manuals also contain details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure it's got fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, as even one door that is left open could impact how well the fob works.

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 frame, usually about 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is distinct and requires specific programming. This can only be done through the dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the tools to do the work for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be at your location to complete the job.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and if they offer a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even inform you of their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, when you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships might charge more than other places and they may not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are usually 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 vehicle without having to use a traditional metal key. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the  late 90s and a large number of vehicles include 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 usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the key made of metal is encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

If you have a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and can program and cut them for less than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.

Locksmiths

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

Smart keys are used in all modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

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

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though and you may need a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car has a traditional key shank addition to the smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key isn't lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, which could increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.

People who own German automobiles, for instance, that have the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.