Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Typically replacing a standard fob will require an appointment with the dealer, which charges based on your vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob stops working, the first thing you need to do is replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, can do a lot more than just unlock and lock the car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly sending out a coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break into pieces over time, just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they're 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. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside them that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. This is a great feature, but it can be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an locksmith.

If you're able to buy a replacement car key fob key fob at a price you're comfortable with it's possible to program it yourself. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying a replacement key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car key replacement online (http://www.saehan21.com/bbs/Board.php?bo_Table=free&wr_id=76577) and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or require to replace it you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually available online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time period, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need special programming. This is only available through the dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the equipment to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd pay in the dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the job.

If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, they may even tell you about the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to go to the dealership for an alternative. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other locations and they may not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your vehicle without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the late 90s, and many vehicles have them as standard features. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. They are typically found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the key is made of metal and encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire a professional to replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button.

Smart keys are found in most modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or 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 may have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost for replacement car key through the dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be a bit tricky, though and you may need another key fob that is functional to expedite the process or even perform it at all. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before experiencing the disappointment of losing one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase one at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could require programming by a professional, but this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacing.

For those with German cars, for example those that come with the "flip" function that is similar to a switchblade knife, might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the tools needed to do so.