5 Laws That Will Help The Car Key Fob Replacement Industry

Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your car.

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

Battery

The first thing to do when the key fob you have is not working is to replace the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly emitting an encoded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they age.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have replacement key fob batteries compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob and install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some newer fobs have a small physical key stored inside of them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for people with the tendency to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

If you're able to buy an additional key fob at an affordable price it's possible to program it yourself. This is typically a less expensive alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the car remotely. You may be able to create a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals contain specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure it's got new batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, because even a door left open could influence how the fob functions.

To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in a time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that is only done by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to your home to complete the job.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost of replacement car keys and if they offer an assurance. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships may charge more than other places and may not be the most affordable option. There are alternatives to get your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of vehicles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their vehicle back. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. They offer a broad range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can even use a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob has a smart feature, like automatic locking or remote start.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is hit. The codes are not stored on the fob, but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob through a hardware store or locksmith near me car key replacement keys car - the advantage - that specializes in car security for less than what you would have to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.

Some automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be a bit tricky, though, and you might need another key fob that is functional to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional key shank addition to the smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key isn't lost car keys replacement together with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if your key requires replacing.

For those who have German cars, for instance, that have a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife could only get cheapest replacement car keys fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs use an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.