How Much Is a Car Key Fob Replacement?
Key fobs can perform many functions, such as unlocking doors or remote starting. Depending on the type of key fob, some are more expensive than others.
Consumer Reports estimates that the average cost of a dealership visit to change and program the fob is $200 per vehicle. You can also save money by visiting a locksmith or buying a blank key fob on the internet and having it programmed.
Basic Keys
The cost of replacing a key fob will vary dependent on the model and type of vehicle. If you're replacing a basic car key fob that only unlocks doors, rolls down windows and activates the alarm, it isn't going to exceed $100 at the majority of hardware stores or locksmith shops. If the new key fob comes with the transponder or smart-key technology, it will likely be more expensive.
Some car owners purchase key fobs from the aftermarket to save money and avoid dealer charges. These aftermarket keys are usually cheaper, but they need to be programmed by a professional in order to work with your vehicle. This is usually handled by a locksmith, however it can take a bit longer. A locksmith might charge you extra to visit your home, workplace or business location, or to take your vehicle to their location.
You can also program your own key fob from an aftermarket if you have the car's owner's manual. This technique has been successful for many car owners, but it can be a challenge without the manual. There are step-by-step directions in the owner's manual, or on the internet.
Apart from the standard key fob, you can also purchase laser-cut or "sidewinder" keys. These keys are more difficult to duplicate and offer greater security. They feature intricate side grooves made by special equipment that is only available in dealerships. Switchblade keys are also available. keys with an shank that can be tucked into the fob when not in use.
You can also purchase a smart fob that is a more sophisticated key fob. These keys have an embedded microprocessor that communicates with the car whenever they are close. This helps to reduce the possibility of theft from cars by allowing your keys to start the engine only when it's in close proximity to the car's computer. The cost of these keys ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership. Some dealers will program the smart key for you free of charge, while others may charge an additional fee.
Smart Keys Keys
Key fobs today do so much more than unlock doors and turn on vehicles. Some key fobs can park your car in a tight spot for you by connecting to the sensors in your vehicle and using GPS data. This feature is more common in high-end vehicles, but not all.
Fobs also have a number of other features that make them more valuable, including locking and unlocking doors, turning on the car's lights and allowing you to open the trunk remotely. It's convenient, and it's an effective deterrent to theft. However, they're costly to replace or reprogram if they break.
Prices can be wildly different for programming and replacement of a new fob based on the model and make of the vehicle, the technology in the fob, as well as where you'll get the job completed. It's important to weigh these factors carefully when choosing a service provider for this job. If you're not sure of where to turn, consider asking friends and family members for recommendations or reviewing online reviews to determine the best price.
It is best to purchase the new key fob from the dealer or manufacturer. This will guarantee that you receive an authentic part that is compatible with your car. There are a variety of aftermarket fobs however they may not work as well or could have compatibility issues. Some aftermarket fobs require special programming tools, which are only available to dealers.
Preventive measures such as ensuring that your keys are compatible with the car you drive and keeping an extra key available can help you avoid some charges for reprogramming. If you're looking to replace your fob, you can save money by having it reprogrammed before you replace it.
You can save a significant amount of money by purchasing your key fob from a reputable retailer that sells authentic OEM parts. Many auto locksmiths recommend that you use OEM fobs since they are specifically designed for your car's make and model to ensure proper functionality and compatibility.
Transponder Keys
Many modern cars are built with key fobs that do more than lock and unlock your doors. cheap car key fob replacement come with a transponder chips embedded within them, which communicates with your vehicle to tell it to begin when the fob comes within range. Key fobs with transponder chips are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they require specialized programming to work. Locksmiths who have the right equipment can program them, however it is usually handled by the dealer. A typical key fob with transponder chips can cost between $150-$250 to replace and program.
Hardware stores can duplicate a basic key fob for less than $50. However it's only beneficial in the event that the original key is lost. You'll still need a traditional key to open your car, however.
If your key fob isn't functioning correctly The first step to diagnosing the issue is to examine the battery. It's easy to replace these small batteries, but you should be careful not to damage the casing. You'll need to use an instrument or coin to break open the key fob and then remove the old battery, making sure to note its orientation. Next, insert the new battery with the same orientation as the old one.
Key fobs that include the mechanical key with a transponder usually cost the most to replace and program since they are more sophisticated in their features. These types of fobs can lock or unlock your doors, open your car from a distance and, in some cases, even open your trunk. Key fobs like these are more likely to be switchblade style that allow you to tuck in the blade when you do not need to carry it.
Key fobs that are key-coded can be the most expensive. This is especially true when they're from luxury brands and come with high-tech security systems. Kelley Blue Book reached out to dealerships across the nation to obtain estimates for programming and replacing these types of fobs. They discovered that they typically cost between $200 and $500. Some dealerships, like those for BMW and Mercedes-Benz will only permit their customers to have a key fob replaced at the dealership.
Aftermarket Keys
A key fob emits radio frequencies that connects to a receiver unit within your car allowing you unlock and start your car. While you can find a variety of aftermarket fobs on the market that are advertised as compatible with your car however, there is a chance that they don't work properly. The reason for this is that each manufacturer of cars uses a different radio frequency for their fobs. If you buy an aftermarket key, it could not work properly.
A professional locksmith can save you money and ensure that your replacement keyfob is an OEM component. They can also install a battery and help you program the fob into your vehicle's system for less than dealers charge. The price of a new fob can vary based on the manufacturer and specifications, so do your research.
While you can find inexpensive fobs online and at big-box retailers, the best choice is to purchase genuine car keys at a dealership. They are made by the automaker and have a longer life span than cheaper alternatives. They're usually made of more durable materials and have more security features than fobs that are sold by the aftermarket which are easily damaged by extreme temperatures or by water.
Check your owner's guide when you purchase a secondhand or new car for instructions on how to replace a vehicle fob battery. A standard coin-shaped battery costs around $10 or less and you can replace it yourself in a few minutes. If you own an electronic key fob, you'll need to bring your spare to the dealer to be programmed, which is more expensive.
The majority of locksmiths will reprogram key fobs from aftermarket provided they meet the requirements that are set by the automaker. A locksmith in Boston for instance, says they're able to work with GM and Ford keys without difficulty. However, they generally cannot use aftermarket fobs for Audi or other European models as well as Genesky states that even a dealership isn't able to work on these types of cars, as the digital key encryption isn't programmable at retail level.