The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In Car Key Fob Replacement Should Know How To Answer

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer and the cost is based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob stops working, the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time in your purse and pockets, they can stop working when they age.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob, and then install the new one with care to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain newer fobs come with 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 could be risky for those with the tendency 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 could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement key at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from the dealer. But, be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your car and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock your car remotely. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, be sure it has fresh batteries. They are cheap and easy to replace. However, an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.

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 in a time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime to signal a confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If  automotive car key replacement  has an alternative type of key fob or a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price, but you might be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to perform the work.

If you decide 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 or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even let you know their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys to visit a dealership to have them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and they might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than the dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They're a great way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal it.

The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, 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 which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs.  auto key replacement  are the most popular because they permit you to unlock and start your car without physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs since they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However, you can save some money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

Whether you have a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to engage an expert to replace the item. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, like automatic locking or remote start.

Smart keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and start it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob through a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs before experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key that you can make a spare at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank and the fob might need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be expensive in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key requires replacement.

For those who own German cars, for example those that come with a "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, could only find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs use an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.