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

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A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and begin your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require 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 need to do is change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any device that spends the majority of its time in your pockets and purse they are prone to break when they age.

If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a great feature, it can be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to determine if the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to purchase an additional key fob at a price you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a less expensive option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your car and most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which let you start and unlock your car remotely. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car keys replacements. Some owner's manuals contain detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that you have new batteries. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, usually about 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars that utilize the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different and requires specialized programming. This is only possible at the dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price, but you might be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to do the work for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able come to you to do the job.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed when you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money.

A cheap car key replacement key fob allows you to unlock and start your cheap car key replacement near me without using traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the key is made of metal and encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. The latter are most popular 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 anything to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device.

Whether you have 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 replacement key near me manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with an advanced feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less money than you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require a second key fob to complete the process. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could require programming by a professional, but this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if your key requires replacement.

People with German automobiles, for instance those that come with the "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife, may only be able to get mobile replacement car keys fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.