Key Fob Replacement Tips
We got this advice from CR’s testers and other experts:
Make sure you always have two keys or fobs. If you ever find yourself down to one key, order a second one as soon as possible.Check your car’s warranty, car-insurance policy, auto club membership, or extended warranty coverage to see if it’ll pay for a replacement key fob or will provide partial reimbursement.Most new-car bumper-to-bumper warranties cover key-fob-related malfunctions.New-car dealers usually charge a set amount for key-fob programming, so you can save money by having multiple key fobs programmed at the same time.Be sure to read the fine print on whether you will be able to program your car’s fob yourself before you buy an aftermarket version online—there’s going to be an extra expense if it requires programming by a locksmith or a dealer. Always call your local locksmith before going straight to the new-car dealer, especially if your car is more than five years old. You might be able to save some serious money.
Key Fob Replacement Tips
Types of Car Keys
The majority of new cars have one of the following four types of keys and remotes:
A basic key with a security chip that starts the car and locks and unlocks the doors through the key cylinder on the door.
An ignition key plus a remote to lock and unlock the doors.
A key fob with remote locking/unlocking and push-button start.
A key fob with push-button start and keyless entry that owners can leave in their purse or pocket for virtually all functions.“The cost to replace the latest key fobs can run anywhere from $50 to as high as $400 depending on the brand,” says Consumer Reports automotive analyst Mel Yu. And that’s just for the fob. Add another $50 to $100 to get replacement fobs programmed to work with your car and to have a new mechanical backup key made. The key fobs for European cars and SUVs are typically the most expensive, thanks to their sophisticated rolling-code encryption to prevent theft.
Remote Keyless Entry, and Keyfob Replacement Parts
When to Go to a Dealer for a Replacement
“If you have a car that was built within the last five years, a new-car dealer will usually be your best bet when you need a replacement key fob, due to the expensive programming equipment that is required,” says John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic.
Although it might be tempting to search for a cheaper key fob online, we learned from Audi and Subaru dealers that some won’t work with aftermarket key fobs.
Getting a locksmith’s help is another potentially money- and time-saving option.
Call in the Locksmith
Getting a locksmith’s help is another potentially money- and time-saving option. Many locksmiths are mobile, meaning they can drive to your house or workplace, or wherever the car sits waiting for a new key.
Jonathan Genesky, owner of Genco Automotive Keys and Remotes based in Oakdale, Conn., says he offers two big advantages over new-car dealers: “I can usually come in at 30-50 percent less than the dealer, price-wise, and since I’m mobile I go to the customer, so they don’t have to worry about towing,” says Genesky. He’s also available 24 hours a day.
