10 Tell-Tale Symptoms You Need To Buy A Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer that charges based on your vehicle's make.

However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing to do when your key fob is not working is to change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out an encoded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any device that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function when they age.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell replacement car key fob key fob batteries that will work with your car. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll typically need 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 remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside that you can pull out in the event that keys don't open your door or start the engine. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for those with the tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you're having issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and Car Key Fob Replacement start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one you may be capable of programming an alternative yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are cheap and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off or turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you wish to add to the system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob or has an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that is only performed by a dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the equipment to do the work for less than what you'd pay in the dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the job.

If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even inform you of their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you could be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of automobiles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your car without a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay for anything to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you own a traditional, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to hire an expert to replace it. But that might not be as expensive as you think, especially when the key fob has 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 press. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

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

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require a second key fob to complete the procedure. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car key replacement also has a traditional metal key it is possible to purchase one at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if your key requires replacement.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have a "flip" which is similar to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason for this is because these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the equipment necessary to accomplish this.