Some dealers even utilize the services of outside locksmiths for replacement keys. An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original. It doesn't matter where you are or the type of vehicle you need help with.
And while a dealership can be useful for replacements, they can be expensive and can take a long time. Luckily, there is a more economical and expedited alternative—you can call a locksmith. A good locksmith can take care of the replacement of your car keys and key fob.
Smart key fobs can be tricky to replace. If you don't have an extra key, you'll likely need to get a replacement at a dealership and provide proof of ownership, according to Carfax. The dealership will then program a new key to work with your car.
Contacting your car dealership to buy a new car key is usually a slightly more expensive option. The more wallet-friendly option would be to contact your local auto locksmith. They will be able to programme or cut a replacement for you without needing the original.
AutoZone provides a variety of key fobs that work for most vehicle makes, and they will help you match and program your fob to your car.
Can I program a key fob myself? Depending on the age and model of your car, you may be able to program a replacement yourself. The procedure for do-it-yourself key fob programming can vary: Some automakers provide instructions in their owner's manuals. Information can be found in many cases on the internet.
That means new key fobs will have to be programmed by a professional locksmith. The average price for programming a key fob is $50-$100, although some fobs are much more than that. Let's take a look at the most critical factors determining how much it costs to program your car's key fob.
Can AutoZone replace my car key? For most makes and models, AutoZone has the parts, knowledge, and technology required to replace your car key. If you don't have a key with a chip in it, it's as straightforward as copying the key you still have. An associate selects the correct key blank for your year, make, and model.
How to get replacement car keys without the original. If you've lost, broken, or had your car keys stolen – and have no spare set – it might seem like you're in a tight spot – but you don't really need to panic. The best thing to do if you find yourself in this position is to contact an auto locksmith.
Go to an automotive locksmith
An automotive locksmith can create a new key that works with your specific vehicle. On top of that, an automotive locksmith may be able to program your replacement key fob if that's the issue.
Keyless car theft is when a thief accesses and steals your vehicle without the possessing the original fob or card. This is by tricking the car into believing the digital key is being used.
Some older model vehicles have self programming key fob instructions, while most newer vehicles require a professional to program to your vehicle. There are many businesses that offer professional automotive key programming that include dealerships, auto repair shops, and locksmiths.
As long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle a car key can be made with the Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number. Once a key code is pulled from the VIN number a car key can be cut. *However most vehicles keys also have transponders in them and need be programmed to the car.
Chipped or Transponder Key
Depending on the model of your vehicle, the only way to make a copy of a key may be to visit your dealer, which is generally the most expensive route, usually costing between $50 to $175. However, some high-end vehicles require key fobs that cost $1,000 or more to replace.
Some Walmart locations can copy many vehicle keys, including transponder keys. The price can range between $23 and $330 depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Transponder keys can take up to 7 minutes to program.
O'Reilly Auto Parts sells key fobs for almost all makes and models of new vehicles. You can browse their extensive stock and order one for your vehicle online. They can also reprogram a remote keyless entry system. O'Reilly Auto Parts also sells replacement fob batteries and cases for many vehicle models.
How much does a local locksmith cost? The national average cost to hire a locksmith is $150, but it can range from $50–$400.
Well, most desks, cabinet and small locks have numbers etched on or near the key hole. That number can be used to get a code and that code is used to cut a key. As for car keys, with a vin number and proof of ownership, we can get a code and cut a key.
The car key duplication for a traditional key can happen in 15 minutes to half an hour. A key fob or transponder key replacement can take up to an hour. But if they need to be ordered, it could take several days. Laser cut keys can take up to five minutes to cut with the right equipment.
The transponder links up with the vehicle and confirms the key is a valid one. This two-step process adds cost to replacing the key, as the transponder needs to be replaced and programmed as well.
The short answer is no, car remote key fobs are not universal. Each car manufacturer designs their own key fobs to work with their specific vehicles. It's possible to buy universal fobs online that can be programmed to work with most makes or models, however this is not recommended.
The reason why fobs are so expensive is that you're looking at components like batteries and circuitry.
Luckily, even if you have to go to a dealer, it's not a lengthy process. Most dealers we contacted said key-fob programming typically takes just 15-30 minutes, and the whole process, including cutting the mechanical spare key, rarely takes longer than an hour.
Home Depot sells a variety of key fobs ranging from $12 to $240. They carry fobs for a variety of vehicle makes such as Toyota, Ford, GM, Honda, Chrysler, and others. However, Home Depot does not provide a programming service for key fobs.