A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer who will charge according to the model of your car.
But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first step to take if your key fob isn't working is to change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, can do much more than lock and unlock the car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a specific sequence that sends to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break into pieces over time just like any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your purse or pockets.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that will work with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.
Some of the newer fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a great feature, it could be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.
If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. But, be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle, and that most require special equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock your car from a distance. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you might be able to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals contain specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functioning of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car may respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to your vehicle's system.
This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your car has different types of key fob or an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer.
Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They usually have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to do the work.
If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he may even tell you about the cost of this service before you make an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be tempted, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships might charge more than other places and may not be the most affordable option. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you money.
A car key fob is a piece technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without the need for the traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of vehicles. They're a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most common car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car replacement key near me. These are usually located at an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys that house the key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service needed to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob at an affordable cost of car key replacement. However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can search 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 find an expert to replace the item. It might not be as expensive as you think, especially if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, like remote start or automatic locking.
Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code each when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car key replacements near me to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.
Based on the model and year, you could have the option of purchasing the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through the dealer. But, you'll most likely need to pay an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership employs.
Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. These steps can be difficult and you may need another key fob to complete the procedure. It's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.
If your car also has traditional metal keys it is possible to purchase a spare at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the metal key wasn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, but this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key requires replacing.
Those who own German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, could only find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company that has the equipment necessary to do this.
Car Key Fob Replacement
