11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and also allow the car to start. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of the vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob stops working the first thing you need to do is change its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a unique sequence that goes to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any gadget that spends most of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse they may cease to function as they age.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell key fob batteries replacement compatible with your car. If not, you can locate 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. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

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

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours or need to replace it you might be able to program the replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. These are cheap and easy to replace, however an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key turn off your car and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car might respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the exact same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be performed by an authorized dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however, you may be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would spend at a dealership. They might even be able to come to your location to perform the work.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers malfunctions or car keys lost Replacement lost fobs due to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership to obtain an alternative. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and may not offer the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths 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 battery replacement key fob lets you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on a lot of automobiles. They are a great way to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.

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

A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know consumers will pay for anything to get their car keys lost Replacement back. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith who is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys or a smart electronic key. They offer a broad range of replacement keys and are able to program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to find an expert to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with an advanced feature, such as an automatic locking system or remote start button.

Most modern cars have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less money than you would pay if you went through the dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may need an additional key fob to complete the process. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably require a professional to program however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.

People with German cars, for example those that come with the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the tools needed to accomplish this.