Key fob replacement in Toronto covers three different keys, and the first question we ask is which one you have. A remote head key has the blade and the lock buttons in one piece. A flip key folds the blade into the head. A smart key, or proximity key, stays in your pocket while you press the start button. Each one is programmed to your car at the car, and the price is quoted from your make, model and year before anyone is sent.
Is the fob dead, broken or lost?
Check what actually failed before paying for a new fob.
If the buttons stopped working but the car still starts, the battery is the usual cause. Most fobs take a coin cell such as a CR2032 or CR2025; the type is printed on the old battery.
If the case cracked or the blade wobbles, the electronics are often fine. The technician can move the circuit board and chip into a new shell, which costs far less than a new fob.
If the fob is lost, or still dead after a fresh battery, it needs replacing and programming.
What does the technician do with a smart key?
A push-to-start key has no blade to start the car, but it hides an emergency blade for the door. The technician cuts that blade, then connects to the diagnostic port and pairs the new smart key with the car. On many models the lost fob is erased in the same session. Before leaving, the technician tests lock, unlock, the trunk, the start button and keyless entry at every door that has it.
Should you buy a fob online first?
Sometimes it works, often it does not. Cheap fobs can be on the wrong frequency, carry a different chip, or be a used fob already locked to another car that cannot be paired again. If you already have one, read the part number or FCC ID off the back and give it to us when you call. We tell you honestly whether it can be programmed before anyone comes out.
What to have ready for a fob call
- Make, model and year, and whether the car has a start button or a key slot.
- Photo ID and the ownership.
- Your remaining fob, if you have one. Adding a key is simpler than starting from nothing.
- The part number of any fob you bought yourself.
What if the fob dies while you are out?
Many push-to-start cars still start with a weak fob: hold it against the start button, or put it in the marked slot in the console, then press start. The owner's manual shows where. If that works, you have time to sort out a battery or a spare instead of a full replacement.
Key fob questions
How much is a key fob replacement in Toronto?
It depends on the car. A remote for an older sedan and a smart key for a new SUV are priced very differently, so we quote yours on the phone from the make, model and year before anyone is sent.
Can a fob be programmed without the dealer?
For most makes, yes. A mobile automotive locksmith uses the same kind of programming tools. A few newer models are dealer-only, and we tell you when you call.
Can you just replace the battery or the case?
Mention it when you call. If the electronics still work, a battery or a new shell with the old board moved over is the cheaper fix.
Will my old fob stop working?
On most cars the technician can delete a lost fob from the car's memory. A fob you still have and use stays paired.
Do you program fobs bought online?
Sometimes. Give us the part number first. Used fobs locked to another car and wrong-frequency copies cannot be programmed by anyone.
Related key jobs
Fob lost or dead?
Call (416) 555-0150 with the make, model and year, and tell us if the car has a start button.