9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Car Key Fob Replacement > 자유게시판

Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you according to the model of the vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing you should do in the event that your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly emitting the coded signal in a unique sequence that sends to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though like any other device that spends the majority of its time in your purses and pockets they may cease to function when they age.

If you're lucky, your new car replacement key dealer will offer replacement key fob batteries that will work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside of them that you can pull out in the event that keys don't open your door or start the engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine whether the chip could be reset, or contact an locksmith if you need.

If you can purchase an extra key fob for a price you're comfortable with it's possible to do the programming yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require a new one you may be capable of programming a replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your vehicle has different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to complete the task for less than what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them what their charges are and if they offer an assurance on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You might be enticed, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically cheaper than the dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without 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 first introduced in the late 90s, and many vehicles come with them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. They can be found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, where the key is made of metal and car key FOB replacement encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without physical key.

Many dealerships inflate key fob prices because they know that customers will pay for anything to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement car key costs fob at an affordable cost. However you can save money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

You can change your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your local area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. But that might not be as cheap as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or remote start buttons.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time the button is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you might have the option of purchasing an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still require a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may require an additional key fob in order to complete the procedure. This is why it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key that you can make a spare at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key isn't lost together 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 can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.

For those who own German cars, for instance those that come with a "flip" function which is similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.