Key Fob Replacement: Everything You Need to Know
The functions and uses of key fobs go beyond unlocking and starting a car. They can deter burglars, serve as convenience devices, and more.
They also have a disadvantage – they can get lost, and replacing them isn’t always a seamless process.
Key fobs are complex devices, so if you lose or break one, it’s expensive to replace. Sometimes, the only way to replace a key fob is to pay hundreds at a dealership. Car insurance covers fob replacement in some cases, but it will count against the deductible. If it’s $300 and the new fob costs $200, this isn’t a feasible path to follow.
Types of Key Fobs
Newer vehicles sometimes have a chip built into the plastic key head, which connects to a transponder in the instrument column. Generally, a locksmith can program these easily.
Remote Fobs
Keyless entry became common around 30 years ago. These systems can activate an alarm apart from locking and unlocking vehicles. You insert the key in the ignition to start the car. The remote and the metal key can be a single unit with the appearance of a switchblade. You can still see remote fobs on pickups like the Ford Maverick and Chevrolet Colorado, the Toyota 4Runner, and other SUVs.
Access and starting fob
These fobs have an integrated key. Some of them carry great visual appeal. A few Volvo models come with a leather-wrapped fob.
Generally, the single key fob is standard. Some carmakers are more original, though. For example, Tesla offers three types of keys. You pay $175 just for the fob, which is shaped like a Tesla. It comes with a smart key card and a digital key for a smartphone. If your phone battery dies, the key will unlock your vehicle.
You can keep the single key fob in a bag or a pocket for both starting and access in most cases.
Functions of key fobs
Only the most basic key fobs’ functions are limited to locking and unlocking your car. More advanced ones can park your car, summon it, or roll down your windows. Newer vehicles are always adding extra features to their fobs.
Self-parking and summoning
One of the coolest features that some car key fobs offer now is the ability to summon your car with the press of a button. This feature is offered in vehicles like the Genesis GV60, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia EV6. These cars do not come and find you like Tesla’s summon feature, but if the car is parked in a tight spot, you can hold the button, and it will pull or back out of the spot and stop wherever you want it to.
Just as you can pull the car out of the spot, you can park the car from the key fob, too. If the space is tight and you don’t think you will be able to open the car door, you can hop out and make the car park itself. Every car with a fob doesn’t do this, but it’s not hard to find one that offers the feature.
Using a key fob to operate windows
Carmakers have come a long way from manually operating windows. To roll down a window, all you need to do is press a button on the fob. This function is very practical on hot days when you want to ventilate the vehicle before getting in it.
You need to remember to roll them back up, which you can only do manually for now.
Price of replacing a key fob
Even basic key fobs need special programming, so replacing them rarely comes cheap. In some cases, only dealerships have the software needed to do this. The fact that replacing a fob only takes a few minutes doesn’t change the price. Generally, it costs from $200 to $400 to have a key fob replaced, depending on the car and the year it was built.
The price can go above this range if the fob has advanced security features. For example, a 2020 BMW X5 fob costs around $500 to replace and program.
New key fob batteries
It’s normally easy to replace key fob batteries, although you might need to open the key fob using a screwdriver. Batteries rarely cost more than $10. Still, some car owners prefer to replace them without contacting a professional. You can check the owner’s manual about how to replace the key fob battery.
Experts recommend keeping an extra battery in your center console or glove box with a small screwdriver needed to open it in case of an emergency. Some car models emit a warning when you need to replace a key fob battery.
Key fob programming
Generally, dealerships refuse to program a key fob unless you go down to their physical location and present proof you own the car. This makes sense, as anyone can write down a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and ask a dealer to program a fob.
Some locksmiths can program keys, but to do that, they will probably need a second and an operative fob. Some companies claim they will ship a ready-programmed fob right to your door, but unless they ask for proof of ownership, don’t assume they can be trusted.
Can you access your car if the fob dies?
A dead fob will still work if your car offers keyless engine start and access. It’s possible to use the physical key inside the fob. You might also be able to open the liftgate or trunk.
To start the car, it’s also possible to hold the key fob up to the button for starting and stopping. Information on the exact position is available in the owner’s manual.
Get a replacement key fob
from Chicago Car Keys
A qualified car locksmith will provide reliable, fast services at a reasonable price. Our professional locksmiths have the expertise and tools needed to repair or replace key fobs. We have hundreds of replacement fobs in stock.
Chicago Car Keys’ team deals with lost, broken, and replacement fobs for a living. We have the skills needed to replace all kinds of key fobs. Most importantly, we are aware of the seriousness of a lost or broken fob and can respond immediately.
If you need a key fob replacement, don’t hesitate to reach out to Chicago Car Keys today.