A Look At The Future: What Will The Car Key Fob Replacement Industry Look Like In 10 Years? Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you according to the model of the vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to replace the battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do a lot more than just lock and unlock the car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a specific sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any device that spends the majority of its time in your purse and pockets they are prone to break as they age.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature, but it could be dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset or a locksmith in the event of need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. 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 equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, as even one door left open can influence how the fob operates.

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 a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 minutes. key replacement car could respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you would like to add to your car's system.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is distinct from the other, it will require specific programming. This is only available through the dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the equipment to do the work for less than what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the job.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they have an assurance. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other places and they may not offer the best deal. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open 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, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you own a traditional, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and are able to program and cut them for less than dealers. You can search the search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and then start it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you might be able to purchase an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through the dealer. You'll still require a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.


Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owner's manuals or on the internet. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even to complete it all. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a 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 along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob might require programming by a professional, however this can be expensive when you need to create more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have a "flip" which is similar to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs use a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.