How To Explain Car Key Fob Replacement To A Five-Year-Old
Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars now use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and also allow the car to start. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer and the cost is based on your vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob isn't working the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly emitting an encoded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break into pieces over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your purse or pockets.
If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob, and then install the new one with care to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it can be risky for those with an inclination to lose keys. Some use 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 manufacturer to determine whether the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.
If you can purchase an extra key fob for a price you're comfortable with, you may be able to program it yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars come with electronic keys, 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. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's guides also contain details on programming. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are cheap and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the functioning of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you want to add to your vehicle's system.
Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars which use the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This is only possible at a dealer.
You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the equipment to do the work for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They might even be able to your location to do the work.
If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed when you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, they usually 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 stores are usually less expensive than the dealership and could save you money.
A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's an oval or rectangular 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 '90s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They are a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most commonly used car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They can be located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the key made of metal is encased inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.
auto replacement key overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay for anything to get their vehicle back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
You can replace your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. They offer a broad selection of replacement keys, and are able to cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to find a professional to replace the item. It may not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.
Smart keys are found in all modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.
Based on the model and year, you could have the option to buy the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll probably require a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.
Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's guides. These steps can be tricky and you may require a second key fob to complete the procedure. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing 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 key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive 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 costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacement.
Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip", which functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.