Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and begin your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you based on the make of your car.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how:

Battery

The first step to take if your key fob is not working is to change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time in your purses and pockets they are prone to break when they age.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer key fob batteries mobile replacement car keys that will work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to take the old one from your fob and install the new one carefully to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside of them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a useful feature, but it can be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at a price that you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key replacement for car fobs will work with your car, and that most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's guides also contain specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure it's got fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors as even one door left open can influence how the fob functions.

To reprogram a remote key, 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, usually about 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks and switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob, or has a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that is only performed by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They typically have the equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealership. They may even be at your location to complete the work.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer an assurance on the work. Also, 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're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even inform you of their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership for a replacement. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you unlock and start your car key fob replacement without having to use the traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle or set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on a lot of vehicles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car keys lost replacement, but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car. These are usually found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement car key fobs for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. Many of these locations carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to hire an expert to replace it. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or remote start.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Based on the model and year, you could be able to purchase the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. But, you'll most likely need to pay an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be quite difficult, however, and you might need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even to complete it all. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to a smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank and the fob may require programming by a professional. However, this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacement.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have a "flip" which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.