The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

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A lot of cars today use key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment at the dealership, which charges depending on the make of your vehicle.

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 devices that have replaced traditional keys, can do more than lock and unlock the car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly emitting an encoded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break in time as does any other electronic device that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.

If you're fortunate your dealer has batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Some of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset, or contact an locksmith if you need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you require one. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also contain specific programming instructions. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars keys replacement that use the exact same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key 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 in a position to save money by 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 a dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even be able to inform you of the cost replacement car key of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys to visit a dealer to have them replaced. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other places and may not be the most affordable option. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These are typically cheaper than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s, and many vehicles have them as standard features. 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 type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by locating the correct replacement key fobs for cars battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

If you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. Many of these locations offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire a professional to replace the item. But it may not be as expensive as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you may have the option of purchasing a new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though, and you might need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process, or even to complete it all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional metal key you can purchase an extra key at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, however this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement.

For those with German automobiles, for instance, that have the "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealership. The reason for this is because the fobs are typically a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.