Cheap Car Key Fob Replacement
If your fob doesn't integrate with the most recent vehicle security systems, it shouldn't cost too much to replace. The key is to shop around.
The majority of dealerships say they can't provide cheaper fobs due to the fact that they do not have the programming equipment to work with modern vehicles. There are ways around this.
1. Buy a new battery
Most key fobs open in a clamshell-like style along a seam which is a barrier between the two sides. They must be snapped open before you can replace the battery. This requires a tool called a flat screwdriver or watch knife. To open the fob case, you need to wedge the tool around its fasteners and slowly pry the case open. Do not force it, as doing so will likely cause internal damage. The inside of fob cases may vary depending on the model, year and make of your car. Examine the case or the owner's manual before purchasing a replacement battery. Fobs are powered by small coin-shaped batteries, CR2025 and. They're generally available at general stores, home improvement centers and some auto parts stores for $5-10 per box. Most fobs take just one battery, however some, such as the Ford Mustang key fob, require two batteries.
After you have removed the old battery, carefully place the new one in the correct place. Make sure it is properly aligned and facing the right way. Many fobs feature both a negative and positive symbol on both sides, so it's important to know which one is which. Then, snap the fob together. If the fob isn't working after replacing the battery, it might need to be reprogrammed by a dealer, says Yu of CR.
You can attempt to reprogram the fob yourself if you've confirmed that it has the correct battery and isn't damaged. However, car key fob replacement and programming for this service. Some charge as little as a couple hundred dollars, whereas luxury dealers can charge upwards of $500 to reprogram the fobs of high-end cars, such as Tesla's crystal fob. The best method to save money is to compare shopping and also comparing the price of a secondhand fob on eBay or local classifieds.
2. Buy a new key
Modern key fobs do not come cheap. They are more expensive than traditional keys, and they are equipped with sophisticated technology and security features. Some even have LCD displays that allow drivers to operate the car's parking system from the fob and include an integrated remote starter. Fobs like these are known as "smart," and can cost hundreds of dollars to replace when you lose or damage one.
Although some people have succeeded in finding generic, aftermarket fobs on the internet that work with most cars Some locksmiths from the automotive industry recommend against it. The fobs from aftermarket stores are typically difficult to program and may not be compatible with your car's security systems. Find key fobs that are made specifically for the particular make and model of your car. This will help ensure that the new key fob is compatible and works as it should.
Some aftermarket key fobs are available in hardware stores, but if your car is older and has a basic key fob that does not come with advanced security features, your best option is to go to an auto dealer. This is because most modern cars have keys that require specialized programming, which usually only dealers can do with computer software.
The key fobs in most modern automobiles are laser-cut keys that fold up into fobs when they are not in use. They're more expensive to buy than traditional keys and can only be purchased at an auto dealer, and they will also require the reprogramming required to make them work. In some cases the reprogramming process can be performed at the dealership for no cost but it's always important to know what the process involves first.
3. Buy a new key fob
If your key fob has been lost or stolen, then you will need to purchase replacement. Fobs are an integral part of keyless entry systems that are found in modern cars and they provide remote control of the car's doors, windows and trunks, as well as alarm. A basic key fob is about $50 to make, but a high-tech model equipped with a transponder chip could cost up to $500.
Some dealers offer aftermarket fobs but the process of programming can be difficult. If you want to cut corners, some online sites offer programmed fobs shipped right to your door. Be sure to have a working key must be present to program the replacement.
The type of key fob you need depends on the make and model of your car. Minivans, trucks, and a few SUVs utilize a standard key fob to open doors and roll down the windows. Some vehicles have a keyfob that is a switchblade design with spring-loaded keys that folds into the fob and then popped out when needed. They are difficult to replicate, and can cost upwards of $200 to replace and reprogram.
Other key fobs have more functions, including remote start or more advanced safety features. These typically cost more, and you'll need to pay for a dealer visit if you lose one.
4. Buy a new key shank
The key fob that you have in your car can do more than unlock doors and start the engine. It is also an deterrent to theft and an additional security feature. The more complicated the fob, the higher the cost of replacing it if it is lost or damaged. Kelley Blue Book recently contacted dealerships that sell new cars to determine what prices they charge for replacement fobs and found that prices ranged from as little as $50 to several hundred dollars.
Most modern cars require the use of a key fob remote with a transponder chip in order to make the car start. According to Mel Yu of Consumer Reports, these keys are the most costly to replace since they need to be reprogrammed by a dealer using special machines only available at that location.
Genesky, a Chicago-area locksmith has said that he's seen dealerships charge $300 for a replacement key fob. He can usually do the work for a fraction of the price if he gets the right key.
Key fobs are available in various shapes and sizes. Metal keys are the most affordable to duplicate, but they are also the most prone to theft. Laser-cut, also known as sidewinder, keys are more secure as they have a distinctive cut that is hard to duplicate. Switchblade keys come with spring-loaded keys that fold into the fob and resembles a switchblade. And the most advanced, smart keys aren't really an actual key, but an electronic remote that allows you to lock and unlock your car with proximity sensors or allow push-button start.
Basic key copies start at $5 for a steel only key. Key fobs that have proximity or comfort controls and chips can cost up to $500. You can save money by purchasing an empty fob online and having it duplicated by an auto parts store or hardware retailer instead of the dealership.
5. Purchase a new key
Many modern key fobs are more than just a way to unlock a car and start it. They also control functions like lowering the windows and summoning the vehicle from a parking area. However, this additional functionality can increase the cost of replacing the fob that has been damaged or lost.
In addition to the actual cost of a new key fob, replacements can also involve programming and labor costs. These costs can be very high in the case of an expensive model that is more expensive and requires special programming in order to work with the car's computer. The type of key that you own can also impact the cost to replace your fob.
For instance, a standard key that uses the traditional brass or steel key cylinder could be substituted with a blank key at a significantly lower cost than a fob with a transponder chip. The cost of a brand new key fob could vary based on its material as well as whether it has a lock cylinder or no.
Another factor that could increase the cost of a new fob is whether or not it comes with the option of a push-button start, which requires it to be inserted into an appropriate receiver to work. This is usually an option with premium models, which makes it more difficult to get.
To reduce the cost of buying a new key you may be able find a cheaper alternative at an auto parts store or a locksmith. These options will not offer the same features and look as the original key that came along with your car. These places will also require the VIN number to make a replacement.