The Most Negative Advice We've Ever Heard About Car Key Fob Replacemen…

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing to do if the key fob you have is not working is to replace the battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to an inside cheap car keys replacement receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break into pieces over time as does any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with the new one.

Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside them that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. This is a great feature but can be risky for people who frequently lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to 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. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which let you start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours or need a new one, you might be capable of programming the replacement car keys cost yourself. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually available online. Owner's guides can also provide details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure you have new batteries. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different and requires special programming. This is only available through an authorized dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat price, but you might be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to complete the work at a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the work.

If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them what their charges are and whether they have a warranty on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car key repair to determine if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, they may even tell you about the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on a variety of automobiles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob model is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. They can be found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.

If you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement key fob for car keys and can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional replace it. But that might not be as costly as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like the automatic locking feature or remote start buttons.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is press. These codes aren't saved on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you could have the option to buy the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's guides or online. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the 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 a smart key it is possible to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost car keys replacement together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, which could increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.

Those who own German cars, for instance, that have a "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.