The average key fob will cost between $50 and $100 online. Keep in mind that in these cases, the key fob will need to be programmed before use. You can purchase a key fob from your car dealership. Car dealerships charge a lot more for key fobs, but they will program the key fob for you.
Laser-cut transponder keys: $150 to $200. Key fobs: $50 to $150. Switchblade key fobs: $200 to $300. Smart keys used for remote keyless entry: $250 to $500+
Depending on the age and model of your car, you may be able to program a replacement yourself. The procedure for do-it-yourself key fob programming can vary: Some automakers provide instructions in their owner's manuals. Information can be found in many cases on the internet.
Factors in Car Key Cost
Basic keys and fobs don't feature advanced mechanics and can be duplicated with relatively simple machines or tools. Modern keys feature advanced transmitters, codes and programming, which leads to a higher cost because they take more time to duplicate and the actual hardware is more expensive.
If you want a key fob and switchblade key, you'll need to get your car to the dealership and order a replacement directly from them. If you don't care about the switchblade key feature, an automotive locksmith might be able to make you a replacement key, and you can order a separate key fob later.
If you lose it: If you lose just the fob, you're OK. You can still use your key to unlock your car and start it. Fobs are readily available as aftermarket products and are easily programmable; you don't need a special tool. You can find them at dealerships, auto parts stores or online.
Chipped or Transponder Key
Depending on the model of your vehicle, the only way to make a copy of a key may be to visit your dealer, which is generally the most expensive route, usually costing between $50 to $175. However, some high-end vehicles require key fobs that cost $1,000 or more to replace.
Luckily, there is a more economical and expedited alternative—you can call a locksmith. A good locksmith can take care of the replacement of your car keys and key fob. A locksmith can program your new key fob and make any keys you need.
As with any battery, the one in your car's fob or remote will occasionally need to be replaced. Typically, a car fob battery should last between three and four years. Additionally, there are a number of signs that will tell you when your fob battery is dying. The first sign is reduced signal strength.
Most remote car keys use lithium ion coin batteries, which have a long, but not limitless, shelf life. A dead battery is usually the primary cause of remote car key failure, so should be the first thing you check if your remote car key stops working.
Some cars come equipped with a key code, which is a unique sequence of numbers that can be used to start the car. If you have access to the key code, you can use it to start your car without a key fob. The key code is usually located on a sticker or tag that's attached to the key fob or in your owner's manual.
Many locksmiths can cut and program a key for about half the cost of a dealership replacement. Some dealers even utilize the services of outside locksmiths for replacement keys. An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original.
Somewhere in the 20 to 30 minute range.
This varies between vehicles and some could take up to an hour to get a car key replacement cut and programmed. Most modern car keys and fobs today have transponder chips in them which may require the key or fob to be programmed to the vehicle.
You will need a car key tracking device or an app connected to your key. The device consists of two parts - a remote and a receiver. You use the receiver to send a signal and then you can track it with the radio frequency or Bluetooth. If you're using a Bluetooth key finder, you'll need to connect it to your phone.
This is a great added measure of security over mass-produced flat keys. It is easy to see why key fobs are standard on vehicles today and why almost everyone prefers using them. Aside from remote entry to a car, you can also use key fobs for remote starting. The benefits of this small device really are extraordinary.
Because of the way that keyless technology works, hackers can use specialist programmes to trick your car into thinking that the correct fob is nearby, allowing them easy access. Another potential risk comes from the fact that your car's engine won't automatically switch off when you are out of range.
“The cost to replace the latest key fobs can cost as much as $400 or more depending on the brand. Then add another $20 to $130 to program the thing to work with your car, It could add up to $500 in some cases,” said Consumer Reports auto editor Mike Quincy. That could hurt your budget.
As the battery wears out however, the range and signal strength of the fob transmitter will be reduced. If you notice that your key remote does not unlock your car, lock your car, or start the engine for those with the automatic start button as early as it should, it's probably time to replace the battery.
If your key fob dies while driving, nothing will happen. The car will continue to operate simply because the key fob is an unlocking and starting device only. Once the car is in motion, the ability of the key fob to affect the ignition or engine is zero.
You can replace a key fob using the do-it-yourself method. You can purchase a new key fob from a local retailer or auto parts store. Then you can use the universal key fob programming method to program the remote, and it's done.
The short answer is no, car remote key fobs are not universal. Each car manufacturer designs their own key fobs to work with their specific vehicles. It's possible to buy universal fobs online that can be programmed to work with most makes or models, however this is not recommended.
Check the compatibility: Not all remote keyless entry lock systems will work on all makes and models of cars. Check the product details to make sure the remote system you want is compatible with your specific vehicle.
You can lock, unlock, and start your car from your Android phone with a digital car key.
The word “fob” was likely derived from the German fuppe, meaning “pocket.” Before key fobs were an electronic device, they were another word for decorative keychains throughout the 20th century.
If your car is less than five years old, chances are you'll have to go directly to a dealership that has the expensive equipment required to program a new key fob. However, if you have a car that's a little older, Consumer Reports says you can probably save money by purchasing an aftermarket key fob.