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Looking Into The Future What Will The Can You Replace A Car Key Fob Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
How to Replace a Car Key Fob

You're probably used to key fobs if you drive an automobile of today. These handy devices can lock and unlock your vehicle's doors, but can also provide a host of other convenience and security features.

However, sometimes these key fobs break or stop working altogether. CR spoke to dealerships and other experts on the best method to replace one and some possible money-saving tips.

Dead Battery

A lot of newer cars come with key fobs that can unlock the doors and start the engine at a pressing of the button. This is known as keyless entry and makes driving much more convenient than fumbling with keys or trying to find the key that is right in your pocket when you're driving. Fobs can also do things like roll down the windows, or summon and park the car for you.

If you lose your keyfob, or it's damaged, replacing it can be difficult and expensive. Check your vehicle's warranty or insurance coverage as well as roadside assistance to determine if a replacement is covered. If you don't have this coverage, your next best option is calling a locksmith. They have the experience of an auto dealership and can resolve your issue more quickly and cost-effectively.

The easiest way to fix your dead key fob is by replacing the batteries. These battery-shaped coins are available in hardware stores as well as online retailers and big-box retailers for as little as $10. If you are adept, you can replace the battery by yourself. Follow the steps in the owner's manual.

In some cases the replacement of a battery will not fix the problem and you'll have to get it reset. This is usually handled by a dealer, however you can find it on YouTube or in a few owner's guides.

A qualified locksmith can reprogram your key fob and also create any new keys that you need. They'll do it at less than what you would spend on for a dealer. However, they're usually not available or equipped with most recent technology for a range of different makes and models, so be sure to check their credentials before hiring them.

Another option is to download an app on your smartphone that lets you open and start the vehicle via a Bluetooth connection. These apps are available on the majority of popular smartphones. They can be downloaded from the manufacturer's site or from a third party service. These apps aren't as secure as a real key fob, but they let you drive the car while you wait for a replacement or repair.

Locked Out

Since their introduction in the 90s Car key fobs have become indispensable for starting cars and unlocking doors. These electronic devices can malfunction due to a variety reasons. Keep an extra key or fob in your car at all times to avoid being locked out. You can unlock your car with the phone app or manually opening the door. As part of your daily routine, it is important to make sure you have your keys in place before locking your car.

A specialist auto locksmith can assist you if you've lost or misplaced your key fob, or if it is out of sync. For a small fee, they'll resync your fob to the vehicle. If your keys aren't functioning and you're in need of a locksmith, they'll be able to make new keys.

You may find that locksmiths are less expensive than dealers when it comes to replacing the car key fob, particularly if you have one that is more recent. Dealers can charge as much as $400 to replace key fobs for certain brands of cars. how to get a replacement car key fob are protected by the latest digital encryption. Some dealers have only the technology to reprogram a new key fob through their service centers according to Consumer Reports automotive editor Mel Yu.

It's not only expensive however, it can also be stressful and anxious to be locked out of your vehicle. It's recommended to be prepared by having an extra key in your car or giving one to a friend and family member for safekeeping. You can also put in a car-tracking system with remote locking features as an additional security measure.

Another option is to contact roadside assistance if you've locked your keys in your car. Most roadside services will connect you to an auto locksmith mobile who can quickly unlock your door for a fraction of the cost. Some of these services can even help you start your vehicle if it can't start without a key fob.

Unresponsive Button

Key fobs were once a decorative piece of plastic attached to your keys. However, since remote entry systems become standard in the late 1990s, key fobs are now an integral part to your vehicle. Fobs usually come in black or dark gray plastic with buttons. They allow you to open your door and possibly set off an alarm. However, unlike traditional metal keys, they can't be inserted into the ignition to drive. Typically, the fob is connected to an electronic key or, as in the case of some Toyota models the key made of metal as well as the remote are a single switchblade-style device.

The key fob transmits a radio-frequency signal that is aligned with the receiver unit of the vehicle. This is how a car knows whether a driver is trying to enter it. Some fobs have additional features, like the ability to remotely lower all of the vehicle's windows.

You can purchase replacement keys for your car at an auto parts or dealership store. However, you will need to have them professionally programmed so that they match your vehicle. This is because most automobile manufacturers have their own unique code system and preparing a replacement fob to the same specifications as your current one requires technical and security knowledge that is exclusive to the dealer.

Certain newer cars come with a special key that can be used to call the vehicle and park it automatically. These are usually more expensive than standard fobs, however they offer a lot more convenience.


Fobs are often the most expensive component to replace, and some models require professional programming. A car dealership, or in more common cases an auto locksmith with the appropriate programming software and equipment, is able to do this. If you have a newer vehicle, a dealership is the best option, because they can program the majority of fobs for a very reasonable cost and typically within less than an hour.

Some older fobs are available from a hardware store and self-programmed, but this is rare for most modern automobiles. If you don't have a spare key fob you can use with your vehicle, it's best to go back to the dealership you purchased the car from. Most dealerships will offer you a discount if you are a frequent customer. This is a great option if your car fob has broken.

Other Problems

Key fobs are one of the most convenient features available to modern-day car owners. They let drivers lock or unlock their vehicle by pressing the button. Although they are convenient they aren't durable and may require repair or replacement. There are several things that you can do to ensure your device functions correctly. This includes cleaning the buttons regularly and replacing the battery as soon as it runs out. You can also store batteries in a safe location. Also, avoiding exposing your fob to magnetic fields or electromagnetic interference can also prolong the life of your device.

A dead key fob battery is among the most frequently encountered and easily fixable problems that can affect a car key fob. If you notice that the range at which your key fob can unlock your car is getting shorter or that the fob must be pressed multiple times to activate an option, it's likely that the battery is dead. Replacing the battery is relatively easy, since the majority of key fobs come with a small indentation that you can use a screwdriver or coin to remove. Simply take out the old battery and then insert a new one, making sure that you match the type of battery to the model.

A damaged lock is another common issue that can lead to an inoperative key fob. If you notice that your car's key fob doesn't unlock the doors or start the engine, it may be a problem with the locks themselves. This is especially applicable to older vehicles that have a manual transmission which can be a challenge to operate using a key fob.

A malfunctioning component within the key fob can also hinder its functioning. The causes can range from physical damage to worn out internal electronic components. If you notice that the key fob is damaged, you should contact an expert to determine the problem and determine if it's worth the effort to repair it or if it's more straightforward to replace. In some cases it is possible that a dealer is the best option as they are familiar with a specific brand and model of car.

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