Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which 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 according to the vehicle's make.
However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing to do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any device that spends the majority of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets they are prone to break as they age.
If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside of them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. While this is a great feature, it could be a risk for people who have a 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, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see if 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 buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and some require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock your car remotely. If you lose yours or require to replace it you may be able to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure it's got new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is recommended to close all doors because even a door left open can influence how the fob functions.
To reprogram a remote key, switch off your vehicle and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat automotive key replacement for any additional fobs you wish to add to your car's system.
This reprogramming method is only applicable only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your car has different types of key fob or a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that is only performed by an authorized dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price however, you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to do the work.
If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership for an alternative. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and can save you lots of money.
A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a lot of vehicles. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.
The most common type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock 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 to get their car back. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.
You can replace your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. These locations offer a wide selection of replacement keys, and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can even use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire a professional to replace the item. But that might not be as costly as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.
Smart keys are used in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.
You might be able to purchase a new keyfob through a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. You'll still require a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.
Certain automakers provide instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's manuals or on the internet. The steps aren't easy and you may require an additional key fob in order to complete the process. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along 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 can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacing.
Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip" that is similar in function to a switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only company that has the tools needed to do so.