9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and begin your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first step to take when your key fob is not working is to replace the battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do a lot more than just lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time in your purse and pockets they are prone to break as they get older.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys that work with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores and even at 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 need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with the new one.

Some of the latest fobs have a small key that can be pulled out when your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. While this is a great feature, it could be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith in the event of need.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours, or require to replace it you might be able to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that you have fresh batteries. They are cheap and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button of the new fob within a certain time period generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming method is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that is only done by a dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the tools to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd pay in the dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the job.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and they might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on a variety of vehicles. They're a great method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most common type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. These are usually found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, where the key made of metal is encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.

If you own a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost car key replacement, you'll have to engage a professional to replace the item. However, it might not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as an automatic locking system or remote start buttons.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is press. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less than what you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.

Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's manuals or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require an additional key fob to complete the procedure. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to the smart key that you can get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key isn't lost along with 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 expensive in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacement.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip" which is similar in function to the switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.