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9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Car Key Fob Replacement
Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

The first step to take when the key fob you have is not working is to replace its battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a specific sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any gadget that spends most of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they age.

If you're lucky, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Some newer fobs have an electronic key inside that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it can be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to open the doors. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip can be reset, or call a locksmith in the event of need.

If you're able to purchase an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or need an upgrade you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact process depends on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to program it. she said are affordable and easy to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, because even a door left open can influence how the fob operates.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob for the same time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you wish to add to your car's system.

This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee 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 come to you to do the work.

Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.


Dealerships

You may be tempted, if you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. However, they usually cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular 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 now standard on many vehicles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. These are usually found in an auto parts store or a dealership. 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 well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for anything to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However you can save cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.

Whether you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any particular auto manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to engage a professional to replace the item. It might not be as costly as you think if your key fob has some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code each when the key is used. The codes are not stored on the fob but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in security for cars at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if bought it through a dealer. You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may need a second key fob to complete the process. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to a 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 isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob may need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacing.

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

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