Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars today use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and allow you to start your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require a visit to the dealership, which charges depending on the make of your vehicle.
But Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob ceases to work the first thing to do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break into pieces over time just like any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your purse or pockets.
If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys that will work with your car. If not, automotive key replacement can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with the new one.
Some newer fobs have a small physical key stored inside them that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. While this is a convenient feature, it could be risky for people with the tendency to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're experiencing issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call a locksmith.
If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with, you may be able to program it yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one you may be capable of programming a replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, make sure you have new batteries. They are cheap and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functioning of the fob.
To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, usually about 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.
Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized dealer.
You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the equipment to complete the work at less than what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able come to you to do the work.
If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have a warranty on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your car-insurance policy to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed when you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and could save you money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you unlock and start your car without having to use a traditional metal key. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method.
You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith who is not associated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. They offer a broad range of replacement keys and they can program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can search an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to pay a professional to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob has a smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.
The majority of modern vehicles have 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 itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
Based on the model and year, you could be able to purchase an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through the dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership employs.
Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though you may require another key fob that is functional to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one.
If your car also has a traditional metal key, you can get one at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, however this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare or if the key needs replacement.
For those with German cars, for instance those that come with a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife could only find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason is that the fobs are typically a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only company that has the tools needed to accomplish this.