Dorothy Lockett asked 3 months ago
How to Get a Replacement Key For Car
The cost of replacing a car key will depend on the kind of key you own. You can either contact a locksmith or visit your local dealership.
If you own a basic key or a transponder key dealer is typically your best choice. They can utilize your VIN to locate the code and then pair your key with your vehicle.
Lost Keys
To get rid of the stress of losing your car keys, make a backup and store it safely. If that’s not an option the next best option is to buy a key-finder tag or use one of the Bluetooth car key finders that are available. This will allow you more time to look (they are usually found) or at the very least get a new key from your dealer.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key the best option is to call your local locksmith who can drive to the location of your car and create a new key on the spot, even in the absence of the original. You’ll be charged about $20 for a replacement car key lost replacement key.
You should contact the dealer of your car if it is equipped with a transponder. This kind of key has an embedded chip that sends an unique code to your car when it is near, helping to keep the vehicle safe from theft and other security risks. The dealer must reprogram your new key in order for it to function correctly. This process can take a few hours to complete and costs up to $200.
Some newer vehicles include key fobs that lock and unlock your car’s door, as well as control other features of your vehicle. These are convenient but they are difficult to locate if you lose them! You can buy a replacement car key fob (recent Ulli blog post) on the internet, however it might cost more than your local locksmith shop, and they will need to program the fob to be compatible with your specific vehicle.
You could also ask your auto dealer to replace a lost key, but you’ll need to be able to prove ownership, and it will cost you more than if you had visited an automotive locksmith. They do have access the same database as the manufacturers and therefore it’s not difficult to get an alternative key. If you do choose to go this route, it’s important to compare the prices of your local locksmith to theirs.
Broken Keys
If your key is damaged inside the lock, it can be a real pain. There are ways to fix this issue without buying a new one.
First, try to remove the broken piece using a pair of needle-nose pliers. They are available in the form of pliers in the tool section of many hardware stores. Alternatively, you can also make use of a pair of tweezers with a a natural opening wide enough to fit the key blade.
Avoid applying excessive pressure. Inflicting too much pressure will only cause the crack to worsen. Try applying a bit of oil on the tip of the key to reduce friction when you insert it into the lock. You can purchase a lubricant spray designed specifically for car keys or simply apply a coat of key with WD-40.
A locksmith or vehicle dealer can also make an alternative key. But, you’ll need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of ownership before the dealer is able to issue an additional key. The dealer will also have to connect the computer chip to your vehicle, which could take several weeks.
Last but not least, some keys require to be coded before they are able to work with your car. If your key was damaged while you were trying to start or open the vehicle, you’ll need to bring it back to the dealer in order to be coded.
In general the cost to have a key replaced varies from one brand to the next make, but it is generally in the range of $100 to $200. A majority of people prefer going to their vehicle dealer, because it’s a simple and cost-effective method. If you have a high-end or specialized vehicle, it might be best to go to the manufacturer’s dealer instead. In these cases you’ll need to have your vehicle transported to the dealership and present proof of ownership before they will issue an alternative key. In certain instances the warranty may cover this.
Transponder Keys
If your car is manufactured in the recent 20 years or so chances are it has a transponder key (also called a “chip” key). The transponder chip is placed in the head of your car’s key and when it’s inserted into your vehicle’s ignition the antenna ring transmits an impulsive radio frequency energy to the chip. This chip responds by generating an identification code. This message is sent to the vehicle immobilizer and, if it receives the correct code, the engine will start.
If the correct code is not present, the immobilizer will disarm and prevent the engine from beginning. Transponder keys help to prevent car theft by providing an additional layer of security. It’s also crucial to replace your keys by a locksmith who has worked with anti-theft systems of different automobile manufacturers.
A lot of people believe that the only place to obtain a new transponder key is through their local car dealer. While it’s true that the dealer does have the necessary equipment however, a professional locksmith is able to create a transponder key much less and offer a more convenient service overall.
Beishir Lock and Security offers an array of transponder keys options for a wide variety of vehicles. We can program and replace your standard transponder, remote flip key, or FOBIK key. We can even make keys for your vehicle from scratch if needed.
It’s important to know that if your car is currently operating with an untransponderized key, it is not possible to upgrade to a transponder key as the immobilizer built into the car does not permit it. However, if you are concerned about your car being stolen, it’s highly recommended that you invest in a transponder key.
When it comes to the security of your car, it’s vital to select the appropriate kind of lock. Locksmiths can help with any lock but should you require an extra level of security then it could be worthwhile to invest in transponder keys to safeguard your car from being stolen.
Remote Fobs
A lot of cars today have remote fobs that let drivers open doors, trunks and tailgates, and some can even start the car. These tiny wireless devices send radio signals to the vehicle and are powered by a battery. However, if the fob’s battery is depleted it could render the device useless.
A chirp typically indicates that the key fob battery needs replacing, and most of these remotes are small and have easy-to-open cases. Once you’ve pried the case open, you’ll need find a replacement battery that fits within the space available. Most of these batteries are available at auto parts shops and some supermarkets.
Once you’ve replaced the battery, you’ll need to reassemble the fob that holds the key. To avoid damage to the shell, pull the fob’s key open at several points using a flat-blade screwdriver. Snap the fob together again and then test the buttons. If all is well then you’re done!
If the fob is still not working, the problem could be more severe than an issue with the battery. It might have lost its program, and the locksmith or dealer may be required to fix it.
The fobs typically come with a button that can be pressed to reset their reprogramming. The process is usually quick, but it depends on the vehicle model and make. The key fob will need to be “programmed” again in order to transmit its digital identity code to the car’s onboard computer. This process varies based on car model and year however, it usually involves activating the power of the car (often several times) while holding various buttons or levers.
Some retailers, such as some automotive parts stores and locksmiths will program aftermarket keys purchased online. However, CR’s Yu warns that these devices may not work correctly, and may be difficult to fix. If you opt to purchase remote keys from a third party vendor, be sure that the seller is reputable and go through the fine print to determine whether the fob requires dealer programming. Certain retailers, like some Audi dealerships will require you to visit the dealer in order to have a third-party fob programmed.