Cheap Car Key Fob Replacement
Unless your fob is one of the most expensive "smart" models that work with advanced security systems for vehicles replacing it shouldn't cost too costly. The key is to shop around.
The majority of dealerships claim they cannot provide cheaper fobs due to the fact that they have to have specific programming equipment that works with many newer cars. But there are a few alternatives to that.
1. Purchase a new battery
The majority of key fobs open in a clamshell-like style along a seam which divides the two sides. To replace the battery you need to snap them open with a pry tool like a flat screwdriver, watch knife, or flat screwdriver. Use the tool to wrap around the fob case's fasteners to create a gap and then slowly push it open. Don't force it; doing so will likely cause internal damage. The inside of the fob cases could vary depending on the year, model and make of your vehicle. Examine the case or the owner's manual before buying a replacement battery. Fobs use small, coin-shaped batteries, referred to as CR2025 and CR2032. They're generally available at general stores, home improvement centers and some auto parts stores for $5-10 per box. Most fobs only require one battery, however certain fobs, like the Ford Mustang key fob, require two batteries.
After you have removed the battery that was removed, be sure to put the new one in the correct place. Make sure it is correctly aligned, and facing the right way. Many fobs have two symbols, positive and negative on both sides, so it's important to determine which is which. Then, snap the fob together. If the fob continues to not function, it might need to be reprogrammed at a dealer.
You can attempt to reprogram the fob yourself if you've checked whether it has the right battery and isn't damaged, however most dealers charge for this service. Some charge a couple hundred dollars, whereas luxury dealers may charge more than $500 to reprogram the fobs of high-end cars, such as Tesla's crystal fob. Comparison shopping and checking the price of used fobs on eBay or local classifieds are great ways to save money.
2. replacement car key fob case fobs aren't cheap. They are more expensive than traditional keys, and come with advanced technology and security features. Some even come with LCD displays that let drivers operate the car's parking system using the fob and include a built-in remote starter. These "smart" fobs can cost hundreds of dollars to replace in the case that they are lost or damaged.
Many automotive locksmiths recommend against purchasing generic aftermarket fobs that work with a wide range of cars. The reason is that aftermarket key fobs are often difficult to program, and may not work with the security system of your vehicle. Make sure you choose key fobs that are made specifically for the specific make and model of your car. This will ensure that the key fob replacement is compatible and works exactly as it should.
Some key fobs that are aftermarket are available at hardware stores, but in the event that your vehicle is older and has the basic key fob which doesn't have advanced security features then the best choice is to head to an auto dealer. This is because modern cars have a key fob that requires specific programming, which normally only dealers can do by using computer software.
The key fobs of the majority of modern vehicles are laser-cut key shanks that fold into the fobs when not being used. They are more expensive than traditional keys and can only be purchased from an auto dealer, and they will also require the reprogramming required for them to function. Reprogramming is free at the dealer in certain cases. However, it's always advisable to first see what will be involved.
3. Buy a new key fob
If your key fob is stolen or lost, you'll need replacement. Fobs are an integral component of keyless entry systems in modern cars and they provide remote control for the car's windows, doors, trunk or alarm. A basic key fob will cost around $50 to manufacture and a more sophisticated model equipped with a transponder chip could cost up to $500.
Some dealerships sell keys that are made for the market but the process of programming them could be difficult. Some websites ship pre-programmed fobs to your door if you want to save money. Just remember that a working key must be in place to program the replacement.
The type of key fob you require depends on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. A basic key fob that opens doors and opens the windows is typical in minivans, trucks and some SUVs. Certain cars come with keys that is a switchblade design with a spring-loaded key that folds into the fob, then pulled out when needed. They are more difficult to duplicate, and can cost upwards of $200 in order to replace and reprogram.
Other types of key fobs offer a wider range of functions, such as remote start and advanced security features. They tend to be more expensive, and you'll have to pay for the dealership visit if your key fob gets lost.
4. Buy a new key shank
The key fob in your car does much more than simply unlock doors and turn on the engine. It also serves as an effective deterrent to theft as well as a security feature. However the more sophisticated your fob and the more sophisticated it is, the more it will cost to replace if you lose it or is damaged. Kelley Blue Book recently contacted dealerships that sell new cars to determine how much they charge for replacement fobs and found that prices varied from as low as $50 up to several hundred dollars.
Most modern automobiles require a key fob remote which has an transponder chip that makes the car start. According to Mel Yu of Consumer Reports they are the most costly to replace as they have to be reprogrammed by the dealer using special equipment only available at that location.
Genesky, a Chicago-area locksmith, says that he's seen dealerships charge $300 for a key fob replacement. He can typically do the task for less than half the cost if he is able to find the right type of key.
There are many different sizes and shapes of key fobs. Metal keys are the most affordable to duplicate, but they are also the most prone to theft. Laser-cut keys, also referred to as sidewinder keys are more secure due to their unique cut, which is more difficult to duplicate. Switchblade keys are keys with springs that fold up into the fob to resemble an actual switchblade. Smart keys aren't keys, but a remote that lets you to lock and unlock your vehicle using proximity sensors, or to start it by pressing a button.
A basic key copy starts at around $5 for a key made of metal but keys with chips and proximity or comfort controls can cost $150 to $500. You can save money by ordering an empty fob online and having it duplicated at a local auto parts or hardware retailer instead of the dealership.
5. Buy a new key
A lot of modern key fobs provide more than simply the ability to unlock a vehicle and start it. They can also control other functions, such as rolling down the windows or summoning a car from a parking space. This additional function increases the cost of replacing an unusable or damaged fob.
In addition to the actual cost of the new key fob replacements may also include programming and labor costs. These costs can be very high in the case of an expensive model that is more expensive and requires specialized programming to function with your car's computer. The type of key you own could also affect the cost of replacing your fob.
For example, a basic key that is made using a traditional steel or brass 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 new fob will also depend on the materials it is made of and whether the key shank is blank or fully with the lock cylinder.
Another factor that can increase the cost of a new device is whether or not it has a push-button start feature which requires it to be placed into a special receiver in order to work. This feature is typically only available on high-end models. It makes them harder to steal.
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 keys won't come with the same features or look as the original key that came along with your vehicle. Additionally, you'll need to provide the VIN number of your car to these places in order to have a replacement key cut.