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1
$29.09- No reprogramming is needed
- Includes an insert key
- Replacement case and button pad
- Fits 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius
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2
$18.39- Easy installation
- Value for money
- Great replacement key fob
- Durable key shell
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3
$65.44- Key Features
- Compatible with FCC ID
- Programming required
- A perfect gift
- Reliable and trustworthy
You’re ready to get back on the road, but there’s a problem, you can seem to find your car keys. If you find yourself in such a situation, it could be annoying and frustrating. You may wonder, can I get a car replacement key without the original? Fortunately, the best car key fob will help make sure that never happens again!
We no longer live in the days where you can just copy your vehicle keys at the nearest local hardware shop. Car Key fob replacement normally involves visiting the car dealer or a specialist shop having high-tech tools, which trains these evolved car keys to interact with the security system of your car.
Keep reading to learn everything about car key fobs, costs of fob replacement, how key fobs work, how to program car key fob, and more! We’ve also listed the best car key fobs you can buy online in Australia.
Stay Tuned!
The Cost Of Replacing A Key Fob
The best method of replacing the key fob is buying a brand new one from the car dealer. Replacement of a key fob varies and ranges from $150 to $600 based on your car model. Honestly speaking, world-class automobiles will require you to dip deeper in your pocket compared to Nissan key fob for example.
You won’t just be paying for the sparkling BMW or Mercedes Benz key fob badge though. Typically, these cars utilize more superior security systems, which intruders will find more hard to access.
Apart from the car dealership, various online retailers provide key fob replacement. However, you should carefully read the review made by other buyers before you make your final decision. Use a similar method as well when making your purchase online. Mostly, the key fobs that are sold via the aftermarkets companies are normally copies of the original equipment fobs. Although they might come at a cheaper price, they usually don’t have the same quality.
In addition to that, most aftermarkets fobs, which are available at a low cost, are just cases for replacing broken or cracked key fobs. Also, they don’t come with the real transmitter inside. In case you crack the key fob, you can use those solutions because they aren’t expensive.
Essentially, the insurance doesn’t take care of any replacement of your key fob. But because company policies vary, you should read them carefully to confirm that.
Bearing that in mind, services like AAA normally replace key fobs, but they also go through similar 3rd parties services that you can have access to yourself. However, you can compare the services between different companies such as AAA because they might do it at a much lower rate than you would when doing it yourself.
Another thing that you should always avoid is shopping for the key fobs at auto parts stores although shops such as NAPA and AutoZone O’Reilly will do the fob battery replacement for you and they also sell the plastic exterior shell for Toyota fobs as well as other common brands.
And unlike a mobile phone, you won’t find a “ Find My Key Fob” mode, which pops up on the app or sound an alarm. Drivers that are prone to misplacement should consider devices, which come with a keychain dongle connected to the app on their devices. Find the key devices operate very well until their in-built batteries go off but after several years.
Those drivers that aren’t prone to misplacing their belongings can lose their keys. Therefore, we recommend that you have a backup at all times. All new vehicles contain at least 2 key fobs. Therefore, when you purchase your car, always ensure that you have both of them before exiting the showroom.
If you are purchasing a second-hand vehicle and it only contains a single fob, use that to negotiate the price or demand the owner to program a second key for the car.
How To Program A Car Key Fob?
If you don’t have any knowledge of key fob programming, make sure to read this section to learn more about that. One thing that you should always bear in mind is that the automakers don’t permit drivers to program the key fobs by themselves for the new cars because of security purposes. So, you will need to visit the car dealership, though some repair shops and specialist care centers, as well as locksmiths, will contain the necessary electronics to do that work for you.
If you want your key fob programmed for you, just look for a repair center, auto service, and car dealership to do that for you.
A dealer or shop with a good reputation will ask you to show proof of ownership or registration. Therefore, ensure to have all the necessary documents on hand before you visit any shop for programming.
Normally, the car dealers charge an additional fee for programming the car key fob. We got in touch with various BMW and Toyota dealers based across the globe to find out what is the cost of programming and replacement. The price of replacing and programming Toyota key fobs varied across different companies. The companies that we got in touch with sold Toyota key fobs for $150 and $450 for programming.
BMW car dealers were very consistent with their prices. Dealers normally charge about $400 and $500 mostly for the newer BMW key fob, which is programmed for you. The included Display Key Fob in world-class BMWS costs at least $1,000. You can charge the Display key fobs in your car and use it as a touchscreen to access information concerning things like windows roll down, power up the car, and levels of the fuel.
All the car dealers that we assessed said they cant program a key fob but they can sell them to the vehicle owners. Some even warned us about the aftermarkets parts because they might not meet the internal quality standards of the automaker.
Another thing that you should also bear in mind is that most car dealers will need you to take your car with the shop when buying the key fob. In case you have lost all your keys, then your car will be towed to a dealer. This usually costs some bucks, though motor clubs members like AAA might be the best solution since they tow for a cheaper price for shorter distances.
Key Fob Battery Replacement
If you haven’t read anything appealing in the sections above, this one will make you impressed. The replacement of a key fob battery is very simple. But, the tricks of changing the key fob battery differ a lot by the car manufacturer. First and foremost, key fobs utilize broadly available batteries, which normally cost below $5. This price is non-negotiable regardless of whether it’s a Mercedes Benz, BMW, Honda, or Nissan fob battery.
The car dealer’s manual comes with specifics on what battery you will require to buy, though hardware stores, as well as other larger pharmacies, usually sell all types of fob batteries.
Use the owner’s manual when installing the battery and when removing it. To make that process easier, you can use a knife or a flat-head screwdriver. If you still have an idea of how to change it, you can look for instructions online.
Also, car dealers normally charge a few fucks to change the fob battery for you. Some of the dealers that we have assessed said they usually change the batteries for free when bought at their shop.
You shouldn’t get worried if your fob battery dies because the car will still start. Some vehicles need drivers to hold the car key close to the start button. Once again, always read the car dealer’s manual to confirm.
You can keep an extra fob battery in the center console or glovebox through prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat can degrade that battery significantly.
If you reside in areas where the weather constantly changes, you should make sure to check the durability of the replacement batteries. In case you have kept the fob battery at the center console for many years, you shouldn’t use it.
The Best Replacement Key Fob
Even today, most simple cars come with keys, which has a chip that talks with the transponder inside the car. When it comes to the key fob, starting your vehicle might prove very difficult when you don’t have the proper key programming.
The advanced systems come with a key fob, which you can keep in your purse or pocket. As you can imagine, the key fobs are very costly to replace, and programming them utilizing those special tools is even more expensive.
The word fob has many meanings and according to history, it referred to pocket watches that had provisions for a smaller fob, which connected them to the owner’s vest or coat.
Below are some of the things that you should consider when shopping for the best key fob replacement.
- Compatibility: Regardless of whether your old fob looks the same as the want you want to purchase, always make sure that you confirm that your car model is compatible. This is because the interior parts of same looking fobs can be different. So, before you finalize your purchase, make sure that you double-check everything because once things are sold they cant be returned.
- Simple to assemble: When buying any replacement key fob, chances are you will have to break open the one you have removed to transport electronics to the fob you have bought. For that reason, you should always shop for a replacement key fob that can be assembled easily to avoid consuming a lot of time and simplify things in the case in the future you want to replace it with another one.
- Durability: durability is also important when buying a key fob. Furthermore, you will want to make sure that the fob you have bought keeps your things secure. A wobbly key is normally the first indication that the fob is breaking down physically. Therefore, make sure the replacement is intact not to leave any unwanted movement.
Top Car Key Fobs
1. USARemote fits Toyota Prius Key Fob
Most Chevy owners are familiar with this key fob because it’s almost similar to the fobs, which came with a variety of cars including Equinoxes, Malibus, and Camaros. Different from most replacement key fobs, this product contains brand-new electronics. Therefore, the one thing that you will be required to do is program the key fob using the included instructions. Fortunately, those instructions are simple to understand. This key fob is also durable and can also be utilized alongside the old key in case you don’t want to pay extra. So, this makes it the best choice for car owners on a budget.
Key Features
- No reprogramming is needed
- Includes an insert key
- Replacement case and button pad
- Fits 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius
2. J/ACCES Key Fob Shell Case
If you have a Honda and you have realized that your OE key fobs aren’t very durable compared to the Honda cars, this key fob here is the best solution. This replacement fob is only a shell case though it’s simple and fast to install the electronics, buttons as well as key for the old fob. Once you connect everything to the new key fob, which is a process that takes only 5 minutes, you will be happy to realize that this fob nicely secures your key and leaves no room for undesired movement. This key fob is compatible with a variety of accords, CR/Vs, Civics as well as other common models, which makes it the best choice given its pocket-friendly.
Key Features
- Easy installation
- Value for money
- Great replacement key fob
- Durable key shell
3. Flip Key Fob Replacement Compatible for Ford
Although this key replacement is the most expensive fob on our list, its makers have put attention to every detail making sure that Ford owners get nothing but the best replacement for their cars. In addition to that, it’s very simple to crack open the old fob as well as transport electronic parts to the new fob. Although this key fob is complicated to assemble everything, once you do it, you will realize that it’s durable and secure. This makes it worth everything penny that you have used to purchase it.
Key Features
- Compatible with FCC ID
- Programming required
- A perfect gift
- Reliable and trustworthy
4. Beefunny Remote Car Key Fob
Volkswagen cars might not be the simplest to work on, though thankfully, this product is very easy to set up. Despite its name, this key fob contains an uncut key blade, though it’s very simple to replace with the old key. This key fob replacement doesn’t need any programming. Therefore, it’s just a matter of positioning the inner parts of the old fob securely into your replacement shell. Once you install them, you will realize that the replacement key fob is similar to the new one and functions the same. Also, this key fob is the best replacement for VW classics, Jettas, Passats, Beatles, and Golfs.
Key Features
- Compatible with different car keys
- Programming required
- a great gift for a friend
- Reliable and trustworthy
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Car key Fob?
The time you will take to program the car key fob will be based on the maker of the fob you have purchased. Also, there are various ways that are involved with the replacement of the car key fob and some may need technicians, who will access the inner components of your vehicle, while others don’t. Averagely, it takes between 10 to 20 minutes to replace the car key fob, though it can also be longer if it needs different services.
For instance, if you need to deprogram the key fob, then it will consume much time. But, if you want that process to take lesser time, then you should look for the best locksmith and the work will be completed within the least time possible. The best experts are professional and reliable, with their expertise enabling them to operate efficiently.
No locksmith can be able to replace the key fob without first seeing the original fob. So, your car must be present so that he can be able to compare them. In case you have lost all your keys or you cant take your car to the garage for different reasons, you can pay an expert to come and replace it wherever you are. Also, you can get in touch with companies that tow cars but make sure they do the services at an affordable rate. All require doing is providing them with your location.
When looking for the best experts, always look for the ones that provide their services around the clock so that you can always get in touch with them in case of an emergency. Therefore, if your car refuses to start, you don’t have to remain stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Final Thoughts
The best key fob is something that several car owners don’t take seriously. Key fobs are very important because they greatly simply unlock and locking of the vehicle. So, you shouldn’t be surprised when we tell you that the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged or broken key fob is very high. But, as we mentioned in the sections above, the replacement price varies from one car manufacturer to another. Therefore, you will never lack a cheaper option. The purpose of this guide is to highlight the great replacement fobs available at the marketplace so you can get affordable ones at a reasonable price.
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