Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and begin your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership that charges according to the vehicle's make.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
The first thing to do in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to change its 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 vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break into pieces over time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse.
If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell key fob batteries replacement that will work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with the new one.
Some of the latest fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're experiencing issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith.
If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from a dealer. But, be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your car and require special equipment to program.
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 to replace it you might be able to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals contain specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure you have new batteries. They are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, as even one door left open can influence how the fob operates.
To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime to signal a confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your car's system.
Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob or an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that can only be performed by an authorized dealer.
You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the equipment to do the work for only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They may even come to you to do the work.
Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer the possibility of a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even let you know about the cost of this service prior to making an appointment.
Dealerships
If you lose your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain a replacement. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These 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 car without the need for the traditional metal key. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on many automobiles. They are a great way to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to steal your vehicle.
The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition of your car. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after since they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical keys.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.
You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys, or a smart, electronic key. They offer a broad choice of replacement keys and are able to program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can even use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area.
Locksmiths
When your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. But that might not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start buttons.
Smart keys are found in all modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending an unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.
It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in car security for less money than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.
Some automakers offer instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's manuals. The steps aren't easy and you may need another key fob in order to complete the process. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before experiencing the anxiety of losing one.
If relevant web site has traditional metal keys, you can get one at a key cutting or hardware store, provided that the key's metal was not lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key is required to be replaced.
People who own German cars, for instance, that have the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs use an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.
