Most modern cars come standard with an electronic key remote, which is also known as a “fob.” Fobs allow car owners to unlock their cars quickly as they approach, without having to stop and use the manual key. They also often control the alarm system of the car. Losing this remote can be a huge hassle as they are coded specifically for your car and you cannot just go buy a new one. Fortunately, there is a process for getting a new fob in the event that you lose yours or the battery dies. Read on to find out how to replace car key remote and get back to the automatic unlocking that you are so used to.

The first thing to do is determine whether your key remote simply needs its battery replaced, rather than the entire unit. If this is the case, you can usually switch out the battery yourself and save some significant cash.  Check out this tutorial for information on getting your fob open and buying the right type of battery.

For situations where battery replacement is not going to cut it (such as when your unit is completely wrecked or just lost), you will need to get a completely new replacement key remote. To do this you will need to go to a dealership that makes your exact type of car. Before going, be sure that you know your vehicle’s make, model, and year. You will also need to know your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN can be found in your car’s owner’s manual, as well as the bottom left corner of the windshield and the inside of the driver’s side door panel. With this info, head out to the right dealership and they will have the equipment to program a new key remote that works on your individual car.

If you have lost your keys as well as your remote and need to access your vehicle, you can use TalkLocal to find a locksmith in your area. All you have to do is enter your availability, location, and a description of your problem and TalkLocal will automatically connect you to a quality professional in just a few minutes.

This entry was updated on Monday, June 8th, 2015 at 12:07 pm. This entry was originally posted on Monday, August 6th, 2012 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Locksmiths. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.