Cost to Replace Car Key Fobs
With today's high-tech key fobs, it can cost a lot of money to replace your damaged or lost one. There are a variety of factors that affect the price.
Key fobs send radio signals that activate your car's onboard computer to unlock doors or start the engine. You may have go to the dealer to replace and program it, based on the model.
Replacement Fobs
Car fobs are no longer just simple metal keys they are now sophisticated convenience and security devices. They are not impervious to destruction and can be expensive to replace if they get lost or damaged.
The simplest replacement involves replacing the key fob's battery, which can be purchased at auto parts stores or other retail outlets like electronics stores and big-box retailers. These battery packs in the shape of coins are available in packs of four or more costs about $10 or less. The label on the back of the key fob is likely to identify the kind of battery you require. After removing the old battery, insert the new one and then snap the two halves back together.
In certain situations, a fob will require replacement completely. For instance, certain high-end fobs come with a transmitter that is essential for functions like powering windows, and also for automatic parking or summoning your car to you. The transmitter is an important element and if it fails the fob will not work properly even with a new battery.
A complete replacement can be purchased online or in person at a local dealership which can cost up to $300. Lowcountry Ace Hardware is a hardware store that offers key fob replacement programming, duplication and programming at less than dealerships.
While aftermarket fobs can be an affordable solution, their reliability varies from brand to brand and can be contingent on the compatibility of your particular vehicle. Before purchasing an aftermarket fob, research the product and read reviews to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle. If you can, use an established, local locksmith to avoid any problems or unexpected expenses later on.
A locksmith can also help you save money on the cost of a full replacement by cutting and programming an extra key from a different vehicle that matches yours. Depending on the make and model, this process can take less than an hour. Genesky who was interviewed for this article, stated that if the dealership quoted the customer $350 to replace and program a fob he could do the same job in his shop for between $200 and $250.
Batteries
The most frequent reason for your key fob not functioning is a dead battery. Thankfully, replacing the battery of your car key fob is a quick and inexpensive process. You can buy replacement batteries for your car key fob in a variety of hardware stores and major online retailers. The majority of key fobs utilize standard coin-shaped button cells like CR2032. For about $2-4, you can buy a pack from popular brands such as Energizer and Panasonic.
To change the battery in your key fob, you must remove it from the ignition of your car or unlock it using your manual remote. Look for a notch on the side of the key fob to insert an instrument. Use a flat screwdriver pry the key fob open. Once it's open, replace the old battery with a new one. Be sure to match the type of battery to the year and model of your vehicle.
Press replacement car fob key or lock button to test the key fob after it has been recharged. If it doesn't work, the key fob may require reprogramming by a dealership.
While most older key fobs can be programmed by their owners, modern ones with transponder chips and proximity sensors require special machines only accessible at a few dealerships. Dealers can charge between $50-$500 to reprogram a key fob with these advanced features.
Many cars have "smart keys" that require special technology to function as an antitheft device. The fobs aren't easy to program, and typically must be done so by an authorized dealer. In some instances, a smart key will need to be completely replaced if it's damaged or lost. This can be costly as the keys can be more than $200 each. Some dealers will provide this service at no cost as a courtesy to customers, however this isn't always the situation. Check your owner's manual for more information on how to replace the smart key fob. Also, make sure to keep a spare key fob in your pocket or center console in case of an emergency.
Replacement Keys
A new key fob can cost you anything from $50 to several hundreds of dollars. Several factors influence the price that determine the cost, including the type of key fob and the car's make and model. High-end cars and those with advanced features may require a more complex key system, increasing the cost of replacing the key fob.
An automobile fob (also called key remote) emits a low-frequency signal that identifies the vehicle to which it is mated. The owner can then unlock the doors and start the vehicle. To work properly, fobs must be programmed to the vehicle in question. Some dealers will perform this service for free, while others charge for a half hour to an hour's work. Certain replacement key fobs can be "on board programmable" and can be programmed by the owner without the need of a dealer or locksmith.
The cheapest replacement key fob is the traditional metal key. They can be easily duplicated at the local hardware store. Transponder keys, however, must be connected to the vehicle's immobilizer system in order to function, and these are much more expensive. Some of the newest replacement keys have "smart technology" that includes a computer chip that communicates with the onboard systems. Locksmiths are able to cut a replacement, however they might not be able program it to work with your car.
Certain replacement car keys are only available at the dealer due to the security features and software systems that are involved. This isn't a major issue since most dealers provide several car keys that can be programmed for a reasonable price.
A few automotive locksmiths have started a business of selling replacement key fobs for many popular car models, ranging from $50 to $400. Consumer Reports warns that these "aftermarket fobs" are not always a good idea. Some are difficult to program, and others could be rejected by the car's system because of incompatible technology or software. It is better to ensure that you don't lose your car key fob by putting it in a designated location and purchasing an extra.
Dealerships
The cost of replacing car key fobs can vary significantly, based on the type of fob and the model of your car. In general, dealer-installed keys fobs are more expensive than those purchased from aftermarket stores. Key fobs that have an immobilizer chip that is needed or that are part of sophisticated security systems tend to be more expensive.
The majority of modern fobs function by emitting a signal which connects to a receiver in the car's computer system, which then detects the radio frequency and allows the key to unlock doors or start the engine. Some fobs have a built-in display that allows drivers to see their fuel level or other information about the vehicle in an instant.
Most hardware stores can cut traditional keys but they aren't able to program or cut fobs that require a special code, immobilizer chip, or a signal for remote-frequency. These advanced fobs are typically fitted by a professional who has the right remote.
Most often, a dealer can program the new keyfob. This is especially applicable to late-model cars. The dealer has the necessary equipment for programming. Certain systems feature password security, which means that only authorized dealers have access to and use the system.
For older vehicles, Consumer Reports recommends trying to locate a compatible fob at an online auto parts store or a local hardware store instead of paying the expensive cost of the dealership. Some dealers say that aftermarket keys don't be compatible with their vehicle's technology.
It's important to keep in mind that the majority of the cost of replacing a fob is not for the replacement. The majority of the cost that comes with the replacement of a key fob is the reprogramming process that needs to be completed in order to make it function properly. Check your car warranty or auto insurance club membership to see if they will cover the cost of the reprogramming. If not, the cost could quickly add up. In the meantime it's always a good idea to keep a spare key on hand for the event of a need.