Buying a New Keyless FOB Remote
Unlike the decade of the 1990’s, once a key has been lost or damaged, a simple trip to the hardware store will not remedy this. The basic car key has not been seen, or widely used, since the close of the 1990’s. The basic car key is not equipped with any form of security features. Modern cars, however, are accompanied by an electronic key fob, which is also known as a transmitter or remote. The fob is an integral component of the key and most dealership will charge a consumer $50 to $90 per unit for a replacement. The pricing is highly contingent upon the complexity of the design as well as the automaker of the vehicle.
It needs to be noted that all keyless fob remotes will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle. Many dealerships tend to program for no additional charge, but there are some that will for an hour and a half of labor in order to properly program your keyless fob remote. There is a way for you to get around paying the additional fee, and this is due to the fact that most fob remotes can be programmed via a specified combination of button presses.
Within a handful of owner’s manuals, the combination of button presses are explained. Should the information not be available, or your manual has been misplaced, a simple internet search can provide you with the needed information.
A less expensive replacement option is to purchase an aftermarket keyless fob remote and they can be purchased either online or from a locksmith. Do note that, just with any aftermarket product, the quality will vary. The more reputable the online retailer and the more experience and accredited the locksmith is, the higher the quality of product you can expect to receive. The use of a professional locksmith once your fob has been lost, damaged or rendered useless will provide you with a replacement that is delivered to you programmed and not as expensive as the dealership.
When it comes to buying a new keyless fob remote, it is actually best to do it now, before the current one is lost or damaged. This way you can test it and verify that is pristinely mirrors that of the one supplied by your dealership.
There is no stress involved before the key is lost, etc. Removing the element of stress will allow you to purchase the precise fob that you need at a reasonable price. Once you are stressed and in dire need of gaining access to your vehicle and more. Buying your replacement before it is needed will also eliminate the possibility of a less than admirable business people that may overcharge because of your emergency.
Moreover, keep in mind that the dealership is not the only option for a replacement fob keyless remote. Also, modern keys can become expensive to replace, but being proactive and purchasing a spare key before it is needed will decrease the pricing slightly. Also, take time to educate yourself on how to program your fob yourself instead of opting for a service professional charge you an hour’s worth of work to do so.