12 Facts About Car Key Fob Replacement That Will Inspire You To Look More Discerning Around The Cooler Water Cooler

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you based on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing to do if your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any device that spends the majority of its time in your pockets and purse they may cease to function when they age.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside of them that you can remove if keys don't open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an locksmith.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if it is possible to buy a replacement fob for an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your vehicle and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, that allow you to start and unlock your vehicle from a distance. If you lose yours or need an upgrade, you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries.  key replacement car  are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, since even one door that is left open could affect how well the fob functions.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car may respond by turning on the lights, turning off 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.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your car has an alternative type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized 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 less than what you'd 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 an assurance. 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 have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he may even tell you about the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other places for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without using a traditional key made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on a variety of vehicles. They're a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. They can be found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

If you own a traditional metal key, a push-button starter or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and can program and cut them for less than dealers. You can use a search engine in order to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to hire an expert to replace it. However, it might not be as costly as you think, particularly if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.

Smart keys are used in most modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their user's guides or online. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even perform it at all. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to a smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

For those who have German cars, for example, that have the "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife, could only find replacement fobs at the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.