13 Things You Should Know About Car Key Fob Replacement That You Might Never Have Known
Car Key Fob Replacement
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 and the cost is depending on the make of your vehicle.
But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing you should do when your key fob isn't working is to change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break down over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.
If you're fortunate the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, you can locate them at many auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.
Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside of them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a useful feature, but it could be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in 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 contact a locksmith if needed.
You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement key at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and that many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours or require an upgrade, you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that you have fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, since even one door left open can affect how well the fob functions.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as an indication that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your car's system.
Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car has an alternative type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key It will require special programming that can only be done by a dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price, but you might be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the tools to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They may even be at your location to complete the job.
If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them how much they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy to see whether it covers 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 could be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain an alternative. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.
A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They are a great way to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.
The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. These are usually found at an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys which house the metal key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after since they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However, you can save some money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.
You can change your key with an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you have a traditional, metal key or a smart electronic key. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to engage an expert to replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has a smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is hit. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and begin it. Due to this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys.
Based on the model and year, you might have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from an auto repair shop or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.
Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps are quite difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If key replacement has a traditional key shank addition to a 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 together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could require programming by a professional. However, this can be expensive when you need to create more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.
For those with German cars, for example those that come with a "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife, might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs use transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.