14 Businesses Doing A Great Job At Car Key Fob Replacement
Car Key Fob Replacement
Many vehicles use key fobs that 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 vehicle.
However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first step to take when your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking into pieces over time, just like any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your pockets or purse.
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 need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.
Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a great feature, it can be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip could be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.
If you can purchase an additional key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a less expensive option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which let you start and unlock the car via the internet. If you lose yours or require a new one you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. key replacements for cars are usually available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also contain specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that you have fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, because even a door left open can impact how well the fob operates.
To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob for a time frame typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.
Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This can only be done at the dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee however, you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the job.
If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.
Dealerships
If you've lost 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 might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and could save you lots of money.
A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on many automobiles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.
The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the key is made of metal and encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.
If you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional to replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start buttons.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is hit. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Because of this extra 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 from an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment that the dealership employs.
Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may require a second key fob to complete the process. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one.
If your car also has a traditional metal key it is possible to purchase an extra key at a key cutting or hardware store, provided that the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.
For those with German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife might only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealership. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only company with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.
