Cost to Replace Car Key Fobs
With today's high-tech key fobs, it may cost a lot to replace your lost or broken one. Many factors affect the price.
Key fobs transmit radio signals that trigger the car's onboard computer to unlock doors or start the engine. You may need to visit the dealer to repair and program it, based on the type.
Replacement Fobs
Car fobs have gone from simple keys made of metal to sophisticated convenience and security devices. But they aren't indestructible and damaged or lost fobs can be costly to replace.
car fob key replacement for key fobs can be purchased in auto parts stores, electronics retailers and other retail outlets like big-box retailers. These coin-shaped batteries, which are available in packs of four or more, are usually priced around $10 or less. It is crucial to select the right battery type that is typically identified by a label that is placed on the back of the fob. After the old battery has been removed, you can insert the new battery and then secure the two halves of the key fob back together.
In some cases, however, a fob might need to be replaced completely. For instance, some premium fobs contain a transmitter, which is required for functions such as powering windows, and also for automatic parking or summoning your vehicle to you. The transmitter is a crucial component, and if the transmitter fails, the fob won't function properly, even with a brand new battery.
A full replacement is available online or at an authorized dealer in your area, and can cost up to 300 dollars. Lowcountry Ace Hardware is a hardware store that provides key fob replacement as well as programming and duplication at only a fraction of the cost of dealerships.
While aftermarket fobs are an affordable solution, their reliability is different from brand to brand and can depend on the compatibility of your particular vehicle. Before buying an aftermarket fob, research the product and read the reviews to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle. To avoid issues in the future or expenses, it's recommended to work with an auto locksmith you can trust.
A locksmith can help you save money by cutting and programming an additional key from a different vehicle that matches yours. Depending on the make and model the process could take an hour or less. Genesky the locksmith interviewed for this article, states that if a client is offered $350 at an auto dealer to have an old fob programmed and replaced it is possible to complete the job for $200-$250 in his shop.
Batteries
The most frequent reason for your key fob not working is the battery is dead. Replacing a car keyfob battery is a straightforward and affordable process. You can buy replacement batteries for your car key fob in a variety of hardware stores as well as large online retailers. The majority of key fobs are powered by conventional button cells, such as the CR2032. You can get a pack of them from well-known brands such as Energizer or Panasonic for around $2-4.
To change the battery in your key fob, take it from the ignition of your car or unlock it using your manual remote. Look for a notch along the back of the key fob to insert an instrument. Make use of a flat screwdriver to pry the key fob open. Once it's open you can replace the old battery with a new one. The type of battery you choose should match the year and model of your vehicle.
Press the unlock or lock button to test the key fob after it has been charged. If it still doesn't work the key fob might require reprogramming by a dealership.
In contrast to older key fobs that can be programmed at home by the owner, modern ones that have proximity sensors or transponder chips need special machines that are only available through certain dealerships. Dealers can charge between $50-$500 to reprogram a key fob that has these advanced features.
Many vehicles also come with a "smart key" that requires specialized technology to serve as an antitheft device. The fobs aren't easy to program, and must usually be done by a dealer. In some instances, a smart key fob may require replacement in the event of damage or lost. This can be costly as the keys can be more than $200 each. Some dealers offer this service as a courtesy to their customers, however this isn't always the case. For more information on how to replace your smart key fob look up the owner's guide. Keep an extra key fob in your center console or pocket to use in the event of an emergency.
Replacement Keys
A new key fob can cost you anything between $50 and several hundreds of dollars. The price is determined by several factors, such as the key fob type and the model of the car. High-end cars and those with more advanced features may require a more complicated key system, driving up the cost to replace them.
A car fob (also called a key remote or a remote control) emits an electronic signal at a low frequency that identifies the vehicle to the vehicle it is linked. The owner is able to open the doors and begin the car. Fobs must be programmed to the specific vehicle to function correctly. Some dealerships will do this for no cost, while others charge a fee for half an hour to an hour's labor. Some replacement key fobs can be programmed by the owner without the need of an authorized locksmith or dealer.
The least expensive replacement key fob is the classic metal key. These can be easily duplicated at an area hardware store. Transponder keys are more expensive due to the fact that they must be matched with the vehicle's immobilizer to work. Some newer replacement keys also come with "smart" technology that incorporates an electronic chip that connects with the car's onboard systems. Most locksmiths can cut a replacement, but they might not be able program it for your car.
Some replacement car key fobs are only available through the dealer due to the security features and software systems used. This is not a big issue since most dealers provide various car keys that can be programmed for a reasonable price.
A few automotive locksmiths have entered into the business of selling replacement key fobs for a variety of popular models, with prices ranging between $50 and $400. Consumer Reports warns that these "aftermarket fobs" are not always a good idea. Some are difficult to program and some may be rejected by the car's system due to incompatible software or technology. It is best to avoid losing your car key fob by placing it in a designated place and buying a spare.
Dealerships
The cost to replace car key fobs can vary widely, depending on the type of fob and your vehicle model. In general, dealer-installed key fobs are more expensive than those purchased from aftermarket stores. Key fobs that have an immobilizer chip, which is required or that are part of sophisticated security systems tend to be more expensive.
Modern fobs emit an electrical signal that is recognized by the computer system in the car. The key can then be used to unlock doors and start the engine. Some fobs have a built-in display that allows drivers to see their fuel level and other vehicle information at an instant.
While most hardware stores can cut traditional keys, they are limited in their ability to cut or program fobs that require a particular code, an immobilizer chip, or signals from a remote. These types of fobs usually need to be paired with the correct remote by a professional.
Most of the time, a dealer can program the new keyfob. This is especially applicable to late-model cars. This is because the dealer has access to the right equipment for programming. Certain systems feature password protection, which means only licensed dealers can access and use the system.
For older vehicles, Consumer Reports recommends trying to find a compatible fob at an online auto parts store or at a local hardware store instead of paying the costly cost of a dealership. Certain dealers insist that aftermarket devices will not work with the car's features.
It is important to keep in mind that the majority of the cost involved with replacing a fob's components is not for the replacement. The major expense associated with the replacement of a key fob will be the reprogramming that has to be completed in order to make it work correctly. Before you purchase a fob it is recommended that you check your car's warranty, insurance policy or club membership insurance to see whether any of them will cover the cost of the process of reprogramming. If not, the cost could quickly increase. It's a good idea keep a spare set keys in the back of your car, just in case.