10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Car Key Fob Replacement

From Yuri Project

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with 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 when your key fob isn't working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break down over time just like any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have replacement key fob batteries that will work with your car. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Some modern fobs include a small physical key stored inside them that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. While this is a great feature, it can be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to determine if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed.

If you can purchase an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for a replacement key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain specific programming instructions. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob for a time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you wish to add to the system.

This reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the exact same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that can only be done by a 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 usually have the equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even come to you to do the job.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other places, and they might not offer the best deal. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than the dealership and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval 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 many automobiles. They are a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal your car key replacement service.

The most popular car key car replacement fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know consumers will pay anything to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable price. However you can save money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.

If you have a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can even use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire a professional to replace the item. It may not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car keys replacement to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less than what the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. But, you'll most likely have to hire an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming on their websites or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however you may require another key fob that is functional to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost for replacement car key and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, however this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare, or if your key requires replacing.

People with German cars, for instance those that come with a "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.