5 Laws That Will Help The Car Key Fob Replacement Industry

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you according to the model of the vehicle.

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

Battery

The first thing you should do in the event that your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do more than lock and unlock the car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out a coded signal in a unique sequence that sends to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break down over time, just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets.

If you're fortunate the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one carefully to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board.

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 it can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset or an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to buy an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle, and that most require special equipment to program.

Programming

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you may be able to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals also contain details on programming. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could compromise the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob for the same time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming technique only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that must be performed by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They typically have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the work.

If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them how much they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Examine your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain an alternative. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other places, and they might not be the most affordable option. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores 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 open and start your car without having to use a traditional metal key. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the  late 90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store.  replacement key for car near me  of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and they can program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in all modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending an unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you could be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still require a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's guides. The steps aren't easy and you may require another key fob to complete the procedure. 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 the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price, assuming that the metal key isn't lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require a professional to program, however, which can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip", which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to do this.