Replacing a Key Fob
Modern cars come with key fobs that enable drivers to remotely start the car and open the doors. They can also activate the alarm. These remotes are similar to modern car keys, however they are equipped with buttons and usually cover a laser-cut switchblade or laser key.
You can get an additional key for your vehicle by visiting a dealership, or an automotive locksmith. But, you might also have other options. Here are a few.
Battery
The key fob is used to control the security systems in your car, including remote entry and ignition start. Keyless entry became commonplace in the 1990s, and a majority of new models use key fobs as a way to unlock doors and arm an alarm with the touch of a button. These devices can range in price from $150 to several hundred dollars depending on the number of features they come with. It is simple and affordable to replace the battery on a key fob, even without going to a dealer.
The battery in your keyfob is a shaped coin device. It can be removed from the plastic clip by taking it off. After releasing the clip, you can remove the old battery and then install an alternative one using a screwdriver or other tool. Some key fobs come with batteries that is easily removed by sliding it out, whereas others require more effort to replace. Once you've removed the battery that was in use, remove any metal or plastic that covers the battery's positive and negative posts. The positive post will typically have a red cover and will have a cable attached to it, while the negative post will be marked with a red stripe or a red sticker over it.
A few older key fobs look like a plastic keychain decoration with buttons that open the door, or remotely start your car. These units can often hide keys that are cut-able. The latest fobs, which do not contain the secret key, function differently. They have an electronic transmitter that transmits unique signals that can only be read by your car.
If you have an extra key fob, try using it to see if it works with the ignition of your car. If it doesn't, you'll need to have the fob reset by a dealer. If you have a key fob with more advanced features, like an LCD display, this could be more expensive, but it will also likely be the only method to operate your vehicle. Some dealers offer this service for a cost, while others may have an in-house technician who can do it for you.
Programming
Key fobs are an electronic device that lets you to unlock your car and start it without using a physical key. It is powered by a small batteries and communicates via radio frequencies with your vehicle. Most vehicles have an unique code to determine the correct frequency to transmit the correct information. If the replacement fob is not properly programmed, the vehicle won't recognize it and will not start or unlock the doors.
It is easy to re-program the majority of key fobs in a dealership or a locksmith. The code for your car is typically found in the owner's guide or can be obtained by a dealer. The right tools are required, and are available at a few dealerships and auto parts stores and even some locksmiths.
Certain key fobs need to be reprogrammed with the aid of specialized software, which is only accessible by a dealership or a reputable auto locksmith. These programs are used to ensure the integrity of the EEPROM system that stores security codes and other sensitive information on the computer in your vehicle. Consumer Reports explains that if the wrong software is installed, it can corrupt your EEPROM system and shut down your vehicle.
While it's tempting to purchase an inexpensive replacement fob on the internet and try to save money by programming it yourself, experts suggest staying clear of this option. You could be putting at risk the safety of your vehicle, and you could cause additional problems, such as a broken fob or a computer that's not working properly.
A locksmith will be competent to program an entirely new key for you at a cost that is reasonable. But be sure to select an established company with insurance in the event that the work goes off-track and your car is damaged. It's also a good idea to check your warranty, auto insurance policy or auto club membership for reimbursement or assistance with repair costs.
Dealership
In the past, metal keys were used for opening the doors of a car and also for to start it. But, in the '90s and beyond, more and more cars were sold with key fobs that allowed convenience features like push-button ignition and enhanced security. Today, nearly every new car comes with key fobs as standard equipment.
If you have lost a key fob it, the only option to replace it is to visit the dealer, where you'll need to pay for a replacement and then have it programmed to your vehicle. This could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of key and the features.
The car's manufacturer determines the price of a replacement key fob. This varies based on the type of car, the material, keyless entry features, etc. For instance, a fob that is equipped with advanced security functions such as rolling code encryption and anti-theft features will have an increased cost than one that simply allows you to open the doors and start the engine.
Your warranty or auto insurance club membership could be able to cover the cost of an entirely new key fob. In some cases it is possible to save money by purchasing an auto parts store fob that has the same design and programming as your original. key fob replacement for car can also find affordable and easy-to-program replacement fobs for numerous vehicles from online retailers.
Some dealers only offer fobs to replace the specific car model you drive, and that's typically due to their high-tech systems. For instance, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other luxury brands utilize an exclusive rolling-code encryption that can't be deciphered by fobs sold on the aftermarket.
If you have an older vehicle that is equipped with an ordinary key fob, you could purchase a replacement for about $50 at a hardware store or a big-box retailer. You can replace the battery yourself or let a locksmith do it. Most batteries in a car key fob are coin-shaped and cost less than $10 and are therefore a simple fix. Your owner's manual or a quick YouTube search will explain how to do this for the majority of models.
Auto Parts Store
You can save money by going to your local auto parts store rather than the dealership if you have to replace the traditional car key with fob or mechanical key in your car isn't working. They typically have various key replacements, from basic rectangular or oval key fobs to switchblade key kinds. They can also program and cut keys for you at a fraction the cost of a dealership.
Most modern cars are equipped with fobs that communicate via radio frequency signals to the vehicle. This technology was invented in the 1990s and allows you to open and close your car's doors, activate the security system, and open the trunk without the need to insert the physical key. Fobs are programmed for many different cars, but they aren't always compatible. If your fob isn't working properly, it may be required to replace the entire device, rather than just the key.
You may be able to purchase a replacement fob online from online retailers such as Amazon or eBay or specialist automotive stores, but you'll usually have go to the dealer for the latest models. This is because dealers have the special equipment required to prep a fob to ensure it will work with your specific vehicle. Some older fobs, ones from vehicles built prior to the 1990s and without a sophisticated security system are available at an auto parts store. They can be programmed online.
Consumer Reports says that the most efficient way to save money on car key replacement is by comparing prices prior to making a purchase. For example, they recommend calling your insurance company and roadside assistance provider to see if they can assist.
In addition, you could try to fix the car's issue yourself by waiting a while before spending money on an alternative key. You might be able to get your fob to work once more by allowing it to rest. Extreme temperatures and cold or sweat can cause it cease to function. You may also be able fix your fob by having it reset it. This is a simple procedure that's described in your owner manual.