Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of your car.
But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
automotive car key replacement
If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however like any other gadget that spends the majority of its time in your purse and pockets they may cease to function when they age.
If you're lucky, your dealer will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your car. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with the new one.
Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it could be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to open the doors. If automotive car key replacement are having issues with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset or a locksmith in the event of need.
If you're able to purchase an extra key fob for a price you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a cheaper 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 some require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need to replace it, you might be capable of programming a replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain details on programming. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. These are cheap and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the functioning of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in a time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.
Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars that utilize the 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 is only performed by a dealer.
You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the work.
If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even let you know about the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more than other locations, and they might not offer the best deal. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are often cheaper than the dealership, and can save you money.
A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your vehicle without using the traditional metal key. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. You can usually find them at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. They are popular because they let you open and start your car without the need for a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However, you can save some money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
If you own a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your local area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire an expert to replace it. But that might not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.
Smart keys are used in most modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Due to this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys.
It is possible to purchase a new keyfob through a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less money than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be difficult and you may need another key fob in order to complete the process. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one.
If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key it is possible to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob may require professional programming however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.
People with German automobiles, for instance those that come with a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife, might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.