The 10 Scariest Things About Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars today use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you according to the model of your vehicle.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob stops working, the first thing you should do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time, just like any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer batteries for keys compatible with your car. If  automotive key replacement  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, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Some of the latest fobs have a small key that can be pulled out when your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature but can be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at a price that you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. But, be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require special equipment to program.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require to replace it you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries. They are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the same time frame, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process 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 utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require specific programming. This can only be done at an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They typically have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able be at your location 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 check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. 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 make an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships might charge more than other places and they may not offer the best deal. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your vehicle without the need for the traditional metal key. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of automobiles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are typically located at an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the key made of metal is encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. Many of these locations carry a large selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to locate an independent locksmith in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to engage an expert to replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob through a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or on the internet. These steps can be difficult and you may require a second key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional key shank addition to its smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob may require programming by a professional, but this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key requires replacing.

Those who own German automobiles, for instance one, with the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. The reason is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is generally the only company with the tools needed to accomplish this.