experienced are now equipped with key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and also allow the car to start. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge depending on the make of your car.
Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob isn't working the first thing to do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break down over time as does any other electronic device that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.
If you're fortunate your dealer has replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at many auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery, that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a set of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob and install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. While this is a useful feature, it can be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset or a locksmith if needed.
You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require special equipment to program.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs, which let you start and unlock the car via the internet. If you lose yours or require to replace it, you might be in a position to program a replacement yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however instructions are typically accessible online. Owner's guides can also provide specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it has fresh batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door can affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in the same time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you want to add to your car's system.
Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob or a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that is only performed by an authorized dealer.
You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the tools to do the work for a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They might even be able to come to your location to do the work.
If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see if it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.
Dealerships
You might be enticed, when you lose your keys to visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, they usually cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.
A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle, activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a variety of vehicles. They can be a useful method to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to steal your vehicle.
The most common car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. see this page , where the key is made of metal and encased inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your car without a physical key.
Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know consumers will pay anything to get their car back. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.
If you own a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the newer smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that have a wide selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can search an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.
Locksmiths
If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start buttons.
Smart keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They work by sending an unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.
Depending on your car's model and year, you might be able to purchase the 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 require a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.
Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their user's manuals or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require another key fob in order to complete the process. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before experiencing the anxiety of losing one.
If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to its smart key, you'll be able to make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.
Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip", which is similar to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. The reason for this is that the fobs are typically a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the tools needed to accomplish this.