20 Questions You Should Have To Ask About Car Key Fob Replacement Before Purchasing It Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and begin your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges according to the vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These tiny 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 you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a unique sequence that sends to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break in time, just like any other electronic gadget that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer batteries for keys that work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. This is a useful feature but can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If key car replacement are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement key at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your vehicle and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock the car from a distance. If you lose yours, or require a new one you may be capable of programming an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are cheap and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key, turn off your car and remove the ignition key that was originally used. 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, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime as a confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the exact same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that can only be done by a dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the work.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, if you lose your keys to visit a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other places and may not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are often cheaper than the dealership, and can save you money.

A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, however they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your car. They can be located at an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry 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.

A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know that customers will pay anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have a traditional, metal key or a smart electronic key. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use a search engine in order to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire a professional to replace the item. But that might not be as expensive as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. These codes aren't saved 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 only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.


It is possible to purchase a new keyfob through a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if bought it through a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that 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 another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even perform it at all. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car has traditional metal keys, you can get a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be expensive when you need to create more than one spare or if the key needs replacement.

Those who have German cars, for example one, with the "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only company that has the tools needed to accomplish this.