How to Get a Replacement Key For Car
The cost of a replacement for your car key is contingent on the type of key that you have. You can choose to call a locksmith or go to the local dealership.
The dealer is your best option when you own a transponder or basic key. They can utilize your VIN to retrieve the code and pair your key with your vehicle.
Lost Keys
To be able to avoid the stress of losing your car keys, make an extra copy and store it in a secure location. Unfortunately, that isn't always feasible and the best thing to do is to purchase the key-finder tag or one of the Bluetooth-based car key finders available on the market. This gives you a few more days to search for your keys thoroughly (they usually appear) or at the very minimum, to get an alternative from your dealer.
If you have a traditional metal key, the best option is to contact your local locksmith who can travel to the location of your car and make a new one right there even in the absence of the original. They will charge you around $20 for a traditional car key replacement.
If your car key fob replacement was built with a transponder key, you should contact your dealer to have it replaced. This kind of key has an embedded chip that sends a unique code to your car when it is near and helps keep the vehicle safe from theft and other security threats. Your dealer will have to reprogram the key for it to function correctly. This procedure can take several hours and cost of replacement car keys upwards of $200.
Some newer vehicles come with key fobs that can lock and unlock your car's doors, as well as control other features of your vehicle. They are useful but they are difficult to locate if you lose them! You can buy an alternative key fob for your vehicle on the internet. It could cost more than going to the local locksmith, as they will have to program it to work with your car.
You can also ask your vehicle dealer to replace your lost fob but you'll need have proof of ownership and it will cost you more than if you had visited an automotive locksmith. They have access to the same database as manufacturers and therefore it's not impossible to obtain a new key. Compare the costs of locksmiths in your area with those of the manufacturer if you decide to go this route.
Broken Keys
It can be a real hassle if your key breaks in the lock. There are fortunately ways to remedy this problem without having to purchase an entirely new key.
First, try to remove the broken piece with the needle-nose pliers. These pliers can be found in the tool section of most hardware stores. You can also make use of a pair tweezers with an opening that is big enough to accommodate the blade of the key.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure. If you apply too much pressure, it will only cause the crack to get worse. Apply a small amount of lubricant on the key's end to reduce friction while inserting it into a lock. You can buy a lubricant spray made specifically designed for keys for cars, or you can simply coat the key's end with WD-40.
Another option is to visit a locksmith or vehicle dealership and have a new key made. You'll need to show a valid photo identification and proof of ownership for the dealer to issue an alternative key. The dealer will also need to pair the computer chip to your vehicle, which can take a few weeks.
One last thing to remember is that some keys require coding to work with your vehicle. So, if your key failed to work when you were trying to start or open the vehicle, you'll need to return it to the dealership to be coded.
The cost of replacing a key differs depending on the vehicle, but is usually between $100 and $200. The majority of people go to their dealer for repairs, because it's a simple and cost-effective method. It is possible to visit the manufacturer's dealership if you have a specialty or high-end vehicle. In these instances you might need to have the vehicle towed and present evidence of ownership to the dealer before they can issue a new key. In certain instances, this is covered under the warranty of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
If your car is manufactured within the last 20 years or so most likely it has a transponder keys (also known as a "chip" key). The transponder chip is placed in the head of your car key and when it is inserted into your ignition, the antenna ring sends a burst of radio frequency energy to the chip. The chip responds with an identification code. This message is relayed to the immobilizer of the vehicle and if the correct code is present then the engine will be able to start.
If the correct code does not exist, the immobilizer will deactivate and stop the vehicle from beginning. Transponder keys help to prevent car theft by providing an additional layer of security. It is also why it is important to have your car keys replaced by a professional locksmith who is familiar with working with different auto manufacturers' anti-theft systems.
Many people believe that their dealer is the only place they can purchase a transponder key. While the dealer does have the equipment needed, a professional locksmith can create a transponder key much less and provide more convenient service overall.
Beishir Lock and Security carries the largest selection of transponder keys for many different automobiles. If you have a standard transponder key or a remote flip key, or FOBIK chip key, we can replace and program it for you. We can even take care of creating a brand new key from scratch for your vehicle if necessary.
It is important to be aware that if you are currently using a non-transponder car key it's not possible to upgrade to a new transponder one because the built-in anti-theft system won't allow this. However, if you are worried about your car being stolen, it is highly recommended that you purchase a transponder key.
When it comes to the security of your car key button replacement, it's vital that you select the right type of lock. Locksmiths can help you with any kind of lock. But, if you want to add an extra layer of security to your vehicle, consider investing in an electronic key transponder.
Remote Fobs
Many cars are now equipped with remote fobs that allow drivers open doors, trunks and tailgates. Some even start the car. These tiny wireless devices communicate with the vehicle via radio signals and run on the power of batteries. But if the fob's battery is depleted it could cause the device to become useless.
A chirp typically indicates that the battery in the key fob requires replacement, and a majority of these remotes are small and have cases that are easy to open. Once you can pry the case open, you'll need to find an appropriate replacement battery that will fit within the space available. Fortunately, many of these batteries are readily found at auto parts stores and some supermarkets.
After you've replaced the battery, you'll need to put back together the fob for the key. To avoid damaging the shell, pry the fob's cover open several times with a screwdriver that has a flat blade. Then, snap the fob back together and check its buttons. If all is well, you're done!
If, however, the fob isn't working the issue could be more serious than a damaged battery. It could be that it has lost its programming and needs to be repaired by a locksmith or dealer.
Fobs usually have a button that can be hit to reset their reprogramming. It's usually a simple process, but it can vary depending on the vehicle's make and model. The key fob has to be "programmed again" to transmit the digital identity code to the car's onboard computers. This process is different for every car model and year. It usually involves holding buttons or levers while engaging the power.
Some retailers, including some locksmiths and automotive parts stores will program aftermarket fobs bought online. But CR's Yu warns that these devices could not function correctly, and may be difficult to repair. If you decide to purchase a remote key fob from a third-party vendor make sure the seller is trustworthy and read the fine print to determine if the fob needs dealer programming. Some retailers, for example some Audi dealerships, require you to visit the dealer in order to have a third-party fob programed.