Automotive- Key Fobs 101
We here at AA Lock And Key are committed to teaching you everything you need to know about your automotive keys and key fobs. In fact, about 95% of the vehicles on the road today come equipped with some type of theft deterrent system that is installed within the vehicle. This means that the days of simply going to your local hardware store and getting a spare vehicle key made without any complications are unfortunately gone forever. It is crucial to understand the intricacies involved in modern automotive keys to ensure your security and convenience.
There is a lot of information to unpack here however at the end of this you will have gained the knowledge necessary to make addition vehicle keys at a fraction of what the dealership will charge you.
A little work on your end now will help protect yourself from being ripped off in the future by some so-called locksmith.
Knowledge is the “Key”. I had to sneak that little pun in for you.
Let’s go over some necessary things you must do to protect yourself from getting ripped off.
- You must always have two working keys to your vehicle. What this means is both keys must be able to start the vehicle not just open the doors.
- You need to make an inexpensive metal key that opens the doors that you can hide outside of the vehicle. This is to prevent you from having to call a locksmith out in an emergency situation.
- Should you loose or damage one of your working key fobs you need to replaced as soon as possible.
Customers often wonder why their car keys are so expensive. Let me explain the technology behind your key fob.
This Toyota/Lexus fob shown here is more than just a remote for locking and unlocking the car. There’s a lot happening inside this small device you hold.
This is known as a SMART Key or Proximity Key. It means that when you’re nearby, the car will unlock automatically. Similarly, when you walk away, it will lock by itself.
Additionally, this key fob lets you start the car from inside by pressing the start button while your foot is on the brake.
Lastly, there’s a hidden metal key within this key fob that you can use to unlock the driver’s door manually.
Many people don’t realize that there’s a hidden metal key inside their key fob. You’ll need this if the fob’s battery dies. Just take out the metal key to unlock the driver’s door. Then, hold the key fob to the start button and press it while pressing the brake pedal. Your car will start. There’s no need to call a locksmith, and you’ll appreciate this tip if your key fob battery fails.
You might now see how complicated your keys and key fobs can be. I’ve shown you two examples, but there are actually hundreds of anti-theft systems in use today. Each manufacturer does things a little differently, and these systems often change every year, from one car model to another. A skilled automotive locksmith must learn about your specific vehicle before handling your key. We need to use special equipment to create your keys.
Next, let’s discuss the difference between making a spare key and creating a new key when all keys are lost. This is something many people don’t understand, so let me clarify.
A spare key, also called a duplicate key, is when you already have one working key and just want an extra one made. In the past, you could easily get a copy made at a local hardware store for a few dollars.
But those days are gone. To make a spare key now, we first duplicate the metal part, which is the easy part. Then we must program the chip inside the key fob to match your vehicle, which can be quite challenging depending on the make, year, and model.
If a customer has lost all keys, that’s a completely different scenario. We start with nothing, needing to create a working metal key first, then program a new chip into the vehicle’s computer. Some models require us to remove the computer and perform wiring and programming procedures, often called flashing the computer. Now you can see why these keys can be so expensive. Sometimes, we even have to advise customers to tow their vehicle to a dealership for a new fob, which can be very costly.
I’m going to show you how to save money, so let’s get started!
- First, do your research. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll save.
- Visit Ebay and search for your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
- If you have a key fob, find its FCC ID number. Searching for that will bring you closer to your goal.
- Write down or print the details about your key fob. (Don’t buy anything yet)
- Next, call your trusted automotive locksmith and ask, “How much to cut and program this key fob for me?”
- Then ask, “What do you charge if you provide the key fob?”
- This helps you see if the locksmith is being honest. If he quotes $125 for a fob while Ebay sells it for $25, you know he’s marking up the price.
- Sometimes the locksmith may say they only work with their key fobs. Consider all options, as every situation is unique. I’m just trying to help you understand.
- In short, you should gather enough info to make a smart choice.
- Finally, call the parts department to see their prices. Once you get over the shock, you’ll want to call that locksmith!
Here is a free service that we offer our internet viewers. This is 100% free service and no gimmicks.
Just click on the Questions section on the right and give us your name and email address. Then in the section where it says Notes gives us your vehicle details. Year, Make and Model of your vehicle and we will send you an email showing exactly what you need to order online. Also we will provide you with the information specific to your vehicle that you need to know. For example there are certain vehicles that must only use a factory OEM key fob. We will give you all of that information for free. And we will send you to the best place to buy the key fob that the best possible price a fraction of what the dealership will charge you.
All we ask is if you live in our service area North Atlanta area that if you need our locksmith services that you will call us or make an appointment.
