Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with the dealer who will charge depending on the make of your car.
However, 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 going on in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with 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 enough, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take the old one from your fob, and then install the new one carefully to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for those who tend to lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith in the event of need.
You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.
Programming
www.g28carkeys.co.uk come with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock the car remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. The exact process depends on your vehicle model, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure you have fresh batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, as even one door that is left open could impact how well the fob works.
To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car might respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.
Be aware that this reprogramming technique only works for cars which use the same technology. If your car has an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This is only possible by a dealer.
You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership. They may even visit you to complete the job.
Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they have the possibility of a guarantee. Check your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even inform you of their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.
Dealerships
You may be tempted, if you lose your keys to visit a dealer to have them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money.
A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on a lot of automobiles. They are a convenient way to open your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it.
The most commonly used type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to your car's ignition. They can be located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know consumers will pay for anything to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device.
You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own a traditional, metal key or a smart electronic key. They offer a broad choice of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is lost, you'll need to hire a professional to replace the item. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob has an advanced feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.
Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to prevent 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 then start it. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.
You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.
Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require a second key fob in order to complete the process. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob might require programming by a professional, however this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacement.
People who own German automobiles, for instance those that come with a "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.