Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Typically, replacing car transponder key replacement will require a visit to the dealership and the cost is according to the vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing you should do if your key fob is not working is to replace the battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however like any other device that spends most of its life jostling around in your purse and pockets, they can stop working when they age.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that will work with your car. If they don't, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob and install the new one carefully to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the newer fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a useful feature, it could be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having trouble getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith.
If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with, you may be able to program it yourself. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your car and require specialized equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours, or require a new one, you might be in a position to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure you have fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, since even one door that is left open could affect how well the fob works.
To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10-30 seconds. The car might respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to add to the system of your vehicle.
This reprogramming technique 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 specific programming. This can only be done through a dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however you may be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you'd pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to your home to complete the job.
Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide an assurance. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even inform you of their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are several alternatives to get your key fob repaired, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and can save you money.
A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of vehicles. They are a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after as they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.
If you own a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at a locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can even use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you will need to engage a professional to replace the item. However, it might not be as expensive as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or a remote start button.
Smart keys are found in most modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only certified 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 an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. But, you'll most likely require a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be quite difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key, you can get one at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the metal key wasn't lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob might require programming by a professional, but this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacing.
People who have German cars, for example, that have a "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from 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 usually the only company with the necessary equipment to do this.