10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Should Know To Buy A Car Key Fob Replacement
Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars now use key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer, who will charge you based on the make of your vehicle.
But Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob isn't working the first thing you need to do is change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do more than lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break in time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Certain of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out when your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature, but it could be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith.
You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one, you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. These are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors since even one door left open could impact how well the fob operates.
To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in a time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you wish to add to the system.
This reprogramming technique only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different from the other, it will require specialized programming. This is only possible by the dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat cost however you may be in a position to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the tools to complete the work at a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to do the work.
If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have a warranty on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be enticed when you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more than other locations, and they might not be the most affordable option. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you lots of money.
A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car and set off an alarm or open the trunk. key replacement car were first popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save money by using the correct battery and programming it in a different manner.
If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can search a search engine in order to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you'll have to find an expert to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob has an advanced 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 when a button is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.
You might be able to purchase a new keyfob through a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security for less than what the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's guides or online. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to its smart key that you can get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost, assuming that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob could require programming by a professional. However, this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare, or if the key needs replacing.
Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip" which functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.