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This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Car Key Fob Replacement
Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge depending on the make of the vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing to do in the event that your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do a lot more than just lock and unlock the car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other device that spends the majority of its time in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they age.


If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and at 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 have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it could be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact an locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your car and require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock the car remotely. If you lose yours or require a new one you may be in a position to program a replacement yourself. The exact process depends on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually available online. Owner's guides can also provide specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, since even one door left open can influence how the fob operates.

To reprogram a remote key, turn off your car and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob for the same time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming method is only applicable only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different and requires specific programming. This is only available at the dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat fee, but you might be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the task for less than what you'd pay in the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your home to complete the work.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what their charges are and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Examine your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even inform you of their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that allows you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the late 90s, and many vehicles come with them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most popular type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. These are usually found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys that house the key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and can program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can search a search engine in order to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, especially if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. The codes are not stored on the fob but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs online or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though you may require an additional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key it is possible to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob may 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 requires replacing.

key replacements for cars who have German automobiles, for instance, that have the "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only manufacturer with the tools needed to do this.

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