The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Key Fob Replacement

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Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques 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 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 lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time, just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement that will work with your car. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic car key replacement circuit board.

Some of the newer fobs have 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 useful 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 trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your emergency car key replacement to see if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, however an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors in one open door could compromise the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your car and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming technique 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 a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the equipment to complete the task for less than what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to come to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer what 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 for your car to determine whether it covers lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be tempted, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are other options for getting your key fob repaired, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now common on a variety of vehicles. They are a great way to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most common car key fob type is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. They are typically found in an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car keys replacements fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know consumers will pay anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys, or a smart, electronic key. They offer a broad range of replacement key for car keys and they can cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll have to find an expert to replace the item. It may not be as expensive as you think, especially if your key fob has an advanced feature, like remote start or automatic locking.

Smart keys are used in most modern cars to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you could have the option to buy a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's guides or online. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car key cover replacement is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to the smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank and the fob may need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing.

Those with German cars, for example those that come with the "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealer. The reason is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company with the equipment necessary to accomplish this.