Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your vehicle.
However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob isn't working, the first thing you need to do is replace its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do much more than lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its life jostling around in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they get older.
If you're fortunate the dealer you go to will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob, and then install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. While this is a great feature, it can 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 trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine whether the chip could be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.
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 cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Modern cars come with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need an upgrade, you might be able to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before vehicle key replacement try reprogramming your key fob, be sure you have fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key, switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10-30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.
Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that is only done by a dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee, but you might be able to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the tools to complete the work at a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your home to complete the job.
If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even let you know their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships might charge more than other places, and they might not be the most affordable option. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money.
A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's typically 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 were popular in the 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of vehicles. They're a great way to open your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.
The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car. They are typically located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular as 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. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.
Whether you have a traditional metal key a push-button starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular auto manufacturer. They have a wide range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to engage an expert to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with an advanced feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.
Most modern cars have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you might have the option of purchasing the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership uses.
Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs online or in their owner's manuals. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car has traditional metal keys, you can get one at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the metal key wasn't lost with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.
For those who own German automobiles, for instance, that have a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the equipment necessary to do so.