How Do You Explain Car Key Fob Replacement To A 5-Year-Old
Car Key Fob Replacement
Many cars use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer that charges according to the vehicle's make.
However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:
Battery
If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, can do much more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly emitting an encoded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other gadget that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working when they age.
If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries compatible with your car. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.
Some of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for people who frequently lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine whether the chip could be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.
You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a much cheaper option than paying for a replacement key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment for programming.
Programming
Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours or need an upgrade, you might be able to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are affordable and easy to replace but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functionality of the fob.
To reprogram a remote, switch off your car and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to add to the system of your vehicle.
Be auto car key replacement that this reprogramming technique only works for cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that is only done by an authorized dealer.
A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price, but you might be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd pay in the dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the job.
If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them what their charges are and whether they have a warranty on the work. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy for your car to determine if it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she 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, when you lose your keys to go to a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other places and they may not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money.
A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on many automobiles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to rob your vehicle.
The most common type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.
A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their car back. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.
You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith who is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you have traditional metal keys, or a smart, electronic key. They have a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your local area.
Locksmiths
When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob comes with an advanced feature, like remote start or automatic locking.
The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is hit. These codes are not stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and begin it. Due to this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys.
Based on the model and year, you might be able to purchase the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership employs.
Some automakers provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming on the internet or in their owner's guides. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however you may require an additional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs before experiencing the frustration of losing one.
If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key it is possible to purchase one at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require a professional to program however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.
For those who have German cars, for instance one, with a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife, could only find replacement fobs at the dealer. The reason is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company with the necessary equipment to do so.