12 Companies Setting The Standard In Car Key Fob Replacement

Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership, which charges depending on the make of your vehicle.
But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob isn't working, the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These little 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 vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other device that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they are prone to break as they age.
If you're lucky your dealer has batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob and install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.
If you're able to purchase an extra key fob for a price you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.
Programming
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one, you might be in a position to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got new batteries. These are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, because even a door left open can influence how the fob works.
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 specified time period, typically 10-30 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 you wish to add to the system.
Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that is only done by an authorized dealer.
Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee however you may be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to do the work for less than what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to do the work.
If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.
Dealerships
If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and can save you money.
A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of automobiles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to rob your vehicle.
The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. They are popular because they let you open and start your car without the need for a physical key.
Many dealerships inflate key fob prices because they know consumers will pay for anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.
If you own a traditional metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any particular car manufacturer. They offer a broad range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional to replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, especially if the key fob includes a smart feature like the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is press. The codes are not stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and then start it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you might be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.
Some automakers offer instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming online or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be tricky and you may need an additional key fob in order to complete the process. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase an extra key at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the metal key wasn't lost in the fob. key fob replacement that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement.
For those who have German automobiles, for instance those that come with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife could only find replacement fobs at the dealer. The reason for this is because these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only company that has the tools needed to accomplish this.