10 Quick Tips About Car Key Fob Replacement
10 Quick Tips About Car Key Fob Replacement
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Car Key Fob Replacement
A lot of cars today use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to the dealership, which charges depending on the make 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 need to do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other gadget that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they age.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at many auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.
Some of the latest fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.
If you're able to buy an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than purchasing a brand new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it has fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the functioning of the fob.
To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob in a certain time period, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your car's system.
This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is separate and requires special programming. This is only available through an authorized dealer.
Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the equipment to complete the work at a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they have the possibility of a guarantee. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be tempted, when you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get car key replacements them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and they might not provide the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob repaired, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are often cheaper than the dealership, and can save you money.
A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of automobiles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to take your vehicle.
The most commonly used car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
If you own a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any particular auto manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area.
Locksmiths
When your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to pay a professional to replace it. But that might not be as cheap as you think, especially if the key fob includes a smart feature like an automatic locking system or a remote start button.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is hit. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but 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 locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
It is possible to purchase a new keyfob through a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less than what you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.
Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owner's manuals or on the internet. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even complete it all. This is why it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.
If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, however this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare or if the key requires replacement.
Those who own German cars, for example one, with a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife, could only get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.