This Week's Top Stories Concerning Car Key Fob Replacement Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors and start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob will require a visit to the dealership, which charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob stops working the first thing you should do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break in time just like any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some of the latest fobs include a tiny 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 dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at a price that you are comfortable with. cost of a replacement car key is typically a affordable alternative to paying for a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock the car from a distance. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you need one. The exact process depends on your vehicle model however instructions are typically available online. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob within a time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different and requires specialized programming. This is only possible at an authorized dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price however you may be able to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to do the work for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They might even be able to be at your location to complete the job.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership to get an alternative. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer 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 lets you open and start your vehicle without the need for the traditional metal key. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle, activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They're a great method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. They can be found in an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after as they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical keys.

Many dealers overcharge prices for key fobs since they know consumers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. However, it might not be as expensive as you think, especially when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or remote start buttons.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.


Based on the model of your car and year, you might have the option of purchasing an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost 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 utilizes.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. It's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, however this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if your key requires replacing.

Those who own German automobiles, for instance one, with the "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason for this is because these fobs typically use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is generally the only company with the equipment necessary to accomplish this.