What a replacement key fob is and where to get one
A key fob is the small remote that locks and unlocks your car doors and sometimes opens the trunk. When yours stops working or gets lost, you have three main places to get a replacement: the car dealership, a locksmith, or an auto parts store. The dealership is usually the most expensive but guarantees the fob will work with your specific car. A locksmith or auto parts store is often cheaper and faster, though not every fob they sell will work with every car model.
The cost and time it takes depend on which route you choose and whether you still have your car keys. A dealership replacement typically costs between $200 and $500 and takes a few days to a week. A locksmith or auto parts store fob might cost $50 to $150 and can sometimes be ready the same day, but you may need to program it yourself or pay extra for programming.
Key Takeaways
- Dealerships charge the most but may provide compatibility with your car model and year.
- Locksmiths and auto parts stores are faster and cheaper but require you to verify the fob will work with your specific vehicle before buying.
- You will need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or proof of ownership to order from most places.
- Some fobs come pre-programmed; others require you to program them yourself using a sequence of key turns or button presses in your car.
- If you have lost all your keys, a dealership is usually your only option because they can reprogram your car's locks.
Getting a replacement from your car dealership
The dealership is the safest choice if you want certainty that the fob will work. Call the service department and give them your car's year, make, model, and VIN (found on your registration or inside the driver's side door frame). They will order the correct fob for your vehicle and program it to your car's system. This process usually takes three to seven business days.
Dealership fobs cost more because they are genuine parts made by your car's manufacturer. You will pay for the fob itself, programming, and sometimes a service fee. If you have lost all your keys and have no way to start your car, the dealership can reprogram your car's entire lock system so that a new fob works — this is a service most locksmiths cannot do.
Using a locksmith for faster replacement
A locksmith can often replace your fob faster and cheaper than a dealership. Many locksmiths have fobs in stock for common car models and can program them on the spot. Call ahead and describe your car's year, make, and model. Ask whether they have that fob in stock and whether they can program it the same day. Some locksmiths will come to your home or workplace to do the work.
The trade-off is that not every locksmith has fobs for every car. If your car is older or less common, a locksmith may not carry the right part. Also, if you have lost all your keys, a locksmith typically cannot reprogram your car's lock system the way a dealership can — they can only program a fob to work with your existing locks.
Buying from an auto parts store
Auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA sell replacement fobs for many car models. You can browse their website or visit a store in person. Bring your car's year, make, and model, or your VIN. The staff can tell you which fobs are in stock and compatible with your vehicle. Prices are usually lower than a dealership, and you can take the fob home the same day.
The catch is that you may need to program the fob yourself. Some fobs come pre-programmed and work when ready. Others require you to follow a sequence of steps — usually turning your key in the ignition a certain number of times, pressing buttons on the fob, or holding down specific buttons while the car is running. Your car's owner manual or the fob's instruction sheet will have the programming steps. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can pay a locksmith or dealership to program it for you.
Programming your fob if you buy it yourself
If you buy a fob from an auto parts store, check whether it comes pre-programmed. Many newer fobs do and will work as soon as you open the package. If it does not, the instruction sheet will explain the programming steps for your car model. Most commonly, you sit in the driver's seat with the doors closed, insert your key into the ignition, and turn it to the "On" position without starting the engine. Then you press and hold a button on the fob while turning the key back to "Off." You repeat this cycle several times until the car's lights flash or you hear a beep, which signals that programming is complete.
If the instructions are unclear or the fob does not program after you follow the steps, contact the auto parts store where you bought it. Many will program it for you for a small fee, or they may exchange it for a different model that is easier to program. Keep your receipt in case you need to return the fob.
What to do if you have lost all your keys
If you have lost your car keys and your fob at the same time, you cannot straightforward buy a replacement fob and program it yourself. Your car's locks are keyed to your original keys, and a new fob will not work until the locks are reprogrammed. A dealership can do this by accessing your car's computer system and creating new keys and fobs that match a new lock code. This is an expensive service — often $300 to $500 — but it is the only way to regain access if you have no working keys.
A locksmith may be able to do this for some car models, but it depends on the car's age and security system. Call a few locksmiths and ask whether they can reprogram locks for your specific vehicle. If none can, the dealership is your only option. Bring your registration and photo ID to prove you own the car.
Documents and information you will need
Before you contact a dealership, locksmith, or auto parts store, gather the following information: your car's year, make, and model; your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); and proof of ownership (your registration or title). If you are ordering by phone or online, having these details ready will speed up the process. The VIN is the most important — it is a 17-character code that identifies your exact car, and it ensures you get a fob that matches your vehicle's security system.
If you are buying from an auto parts store in person, bring your keys if you still have them. The staff may ask to see them to confirm the fob type. If you are working with a locksmith or dealership, they may ask for a photo of your registration or a copy of your title to verify you own the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I program a fob from one car to work on a different car?
No. A fob is programmed to a specific car's security system and will not work on a different vehicle, even if it is the same year and model. Each car has a unique lock code. If you try to use someone else's fob on your car, it will not unlock or lock the doors.
How long does it take to program a fob at a dealership?
If the dealership has the fob in stock, programming usually takes a few hours to one business day. If they have to order the fob from the manufacturer, the total time is typically three to seven business days. Call ahead to ask whether they have your fob in stock.
What if my fob is just not responding, but I still have it?
Try replacing the battery first. Most fobs use a small coin-cell battery (usually CR2032 or similar) that costs a few dollars. Open the fob's case, note which way the battery sits, remove it, and insert a new one. If the fob still does not work after a new battery, the internal circuitry may be damaged and you will need a replacement.
Will a universal fob work on my car?
Universal fobs exist, but they work on only some car models and are not reliable. A fob made specifically for your car's year, make, and model is always the safer choice. Ask the seller whether the fob is programmed for your exact vehicle before you buy.
Can I get a replacement fob without my original keys?
Yes, but it is more complicated and expensive. If you have lost your keys but still have your car and registration, a dealership can reprogram your car's locks and create new keys and fobs. A locksmith may be able to do this for some vehicles. If you have lost both your keys and your car, contact your insurance company and the police.