You Are Responsible For A Car Key Fob Replacement Budget? 12 Best Ways To Spend Your Money Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of the vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any gadget that spends the majority of its time in your purse and pockets they may cease to function as they age.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer replacement key fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

replacement keys car of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it could be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

If you're able to buy an additional key fob at an affordable price, you may be able to program it yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the car via the internet. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, as even one door that is left open could impact how well the fob works.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob in a time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as a confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming technique only works only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This is only possible through the dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost, but you might be able to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide an assurance. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due 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, when you lose your keys to visit a dealership to have them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on a variety of automobiles. They are a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most commonly used car key fob type is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. You can usually find them at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay for anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

You can replace your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you own traditional metal keys or a smart electronic key. Many of these locations offer a variety of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths


When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob comes with an advanced feature, like automatic locking or remote start.

Smart keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in car security for less money than you would pay if you went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their user's manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may need an additional key fob to complete the procedure. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.

If your car has a traditional key shank addition to its smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.

People who have German cars, for example, that have the "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.