9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Typically replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership and the cost is based on your vehicle's make.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work the first thing to do is change the battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do much more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver in the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they get older.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even 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 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 when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to operate the doors. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement key at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which let you start and unlock the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or require an upgrade you may be capable of programming the replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key, turn off your car and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time period, 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 has been programmed. Repeat this procedure 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 vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob or has an ignition key made of metal, 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 able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to travel to your home to complete the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have a warranty on the work. Also check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they may even tell you about the cost of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other places, and they might not provide the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and Car Key Fob Replacement unlock your car, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They are a great method 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 one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your car. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without physical keys.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement car keys cost battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you own a traditional, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can even search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's manuals or online. These steps can be a bit tricky, though you may require another key fob that is functional to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase a spare at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not 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 could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacing.

People who own German cars, for example, that have a "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.