Cheap Car Key Fob Replacement
If your fob isn't integrated with the latest car security systems it shouldn't cost that much to replace it. The key is to compare.
Most dealerships say they can't offer cheaper fobs because they require specific programming equipment that works with many newer cars. However, there are solutions to this.
1. Purchase a new battery
The majority of key fobs are clamshell-style and open at the seam that divides both sides. To replace the battery, you must open them with a pry tool like a flat screwdriver, watch knife, or flat screwdriver. To open the case, you need to wedge the tool in between its fasteners and slowly pry the case open. Do not push the case. This could result in internal damage. The inside of the fob cases could differ depending on the year, model and make of your vehicle. Make sure to check the case or the owner's guide before purchasing a replacement battery. Fobs are coin-shaped, small batteries referred to as CR2025 or CR2032. Batteries are available in general stores as well as home improvement stores and auto parts stores. They cost between $5-10 per pack. Some key fobs, like the Ford Mustang, require two batteries.
After you've removed the old battery, you can carefully insert the new battery in its place, making sure it's properly aligned and facing the correct way. Many fobs feature a positive and negative symbol on each side and it's crucial to identify which one is which. Snap the fob together. If the fob doesn't work after replacing the battery, it could need to be reprogrammed by a dealer, says CR's Yu.
You can try to reprogramme the fob on your own if you've checked whether it has the right battery and isn't damaged. However, the majority of dealerships charge for this service. Some dealers charge a few hundred bucks and luxury dealers can charge up to $500 for reprograming the fobs of high-end automobiles, like Tesla's crystal fob. The best way to save money is to shop around, as well as checking the cost of a used fob on eBay or your local classifieds.
2. Buy a new key
Modern key fobs do not come cheap. They are more expensive than traditional keys, and they have sophisticated technology and security features. Some have LCD displays, which permit drivers to control their car's parking system via the fob. Some include remote starters as well as an integrated LCD display. These "smart" fobs can cost hundreds of pounds to replace in the event they are lost or damaged.
Although some people have had success finding generic, aftermarket fobs on the internet that work with most cars, many automotive locksmiths recommend against it. The reason is that aftermarket key fobs can be difficult to program, and may not work correctly with your vehicle's security systems. Instead, search for key fobs made specifically for your vehicle's make and model. This will help ensure that the new key fob is compatible and functions just as it should.
Certain key fobs from the aftermarket can be bought in hardware stores, but if your car is older and has the basic key fob which does not come with advanced security features, your best option is to go to a dealership. The majority of modern cars come with the key fob, which must be programmed by a dealer using computer software.
The majority of modern vehicles come with keys that have an engraved key shank that folds into the fob when it's not in use. They are more expensive to buy than traditional keys, and are only available at an auto dealer, and they will also need to perform the reprogramming that is necessary for them to function. In some instances, reprogramming can be done at the dealership for free but it's always worth examining what the process will entail first.
3. Buy a new key fob
If your key fob is stolen or lost, you will need to purchase an alternative. Fobs are a part of the modern car's keyless entry systems that provide the remote control for a vehicle's doors, alarm, trunk, or windows. A basic key fob will cost around $50 to create, but a high-tech model equipped with a transponder chip could cost as much as $500.
Some dealers sell aftermarket fobs but the programming process can be difficult. If you want to save money, a few online sites offer programmed fobs shipped right to your door. Just remember that a working key must be in place to program the replacement.
The type of key fob that you require depends on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. car fob key replacement that opens the doors and slides down the windows is typical in minivans, trucks, and some SUVs. Certain cars come with keyfobs with a switchblade type with a spring-loaded key that folds into the fob and then popped out when needed. These are more difficult to duplicate and can cost as much as $200 to replace and program.
Other key fobs come with additional functions, like remote start or more advanced safety features. These typically cost more, and you'll have to pay for a dealership visit in the event of losing one.
4. Buy a new key shank
The key fob inside your car does more than just unlock doors and start the engine. It also serves as a security feature that acts as a major security measure against theft. The more complicated the fob, the greater the cost of replacing it should it gets lost or damaged. Kelley Blue Book recently contacted new car dealerships to find out how much they charge for replacement fobs and found that prices vary from as little as $50 up to several hundred dollars.
Most modern automobiles require the use of a key fob remote that includes a transponder chip to make the car start. According to Mel Yu of Consumer Reports, these keys are the most expensive to replace since they need to be programmed by the dealer using special machines only available at that location.
Genesky who runs a locksmith company in the Chicago area He has noticed that some dealerships charge up to $300 for a replacement key fob. Genesky is able to complete the work for a fraction of the price if he gets the right key.
There are a variety of sizes and shapes of key fobs. The traditional ones made of metal are the easiest to copy however they are also the most prone to being copied. Laser-cut, or sidewinder, keys are more secure as they have a unique cut that is harder to duplicate. Switchblade keys are spring-loaded keys that fold into the fob to resemble a switchblade. Smart keys aren't really keys, they're a remote that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle with proximity sensors, or start it by pressing the button.
A basic key copy costs around $5 for a key made of metal, but fobs with chips, proximity or comfort controls can cost $150 to $500. You can save money on these costs by purchasing an empty key fob online and getting it copied at your local hardware store or auto parts retailer instead of an auto dealer.
5. Buy a new key
Modern key fobs do more than simply unlock and start a car. They can also control features like lowering the windows and calling the car from a parking spot. This added functionality can increase the cost of replacing the damaged or lost key 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 one that is more expensive and requires specialized programming to function with the car's computer. The kind of key you own could also play a role in how much it costs to replace the fob.
For example, a basic key that has an old-fashioned brass or steel key cylinder could be replaced with a blank key at a significantly lower cost than a fob with a transponder chip. The cost of a new fob will also vary depending on the materials it is constructed from and whether the key shank is blank or comes with the lock cylinder.
Another aspect that can add to the cost of a new device is whether or not it has the option of a push-button start that requires it to be placed into a special receiver in order to function. This feature is often only available on high-end models. This makes them more difficult to take.
You might be able to find alternative options that are less expensive in an auto parts shop or locksmith to cut down on the cost of purchasing the new key. These keys won't offer the same features and appearance as the original key that came along with your vehicle. Additionally, you'll need to provide the VIN number of your vehicle to these places in order to have a replacement key cut.