A key fob is an innovative and handy alternative to a classic car key. It allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle, control the alarm, activate the ignition remotely, open the trunk, etc. The key fob is very compact, so you can easily keep it in a handy and secure place. However, you need to remember that this device could be damaged by water and electrical impulses or it could get stolen. It is most important to pay attention to the last point, because a stolen key fob could allow a car thief to steal your vehicle.
Losing a key fob isn't so critical if you deactivate your old key fob and do a key fob reprogramming for a new one. It could be complicated for those who don't have the required information about this procedure, especially if they use unreliable resources. The good news is, you don’t have to worry about that, because Sure Lock & Key is here to help. We assist clients not only with services but also by providing verified information.
What do I do if someone steals my key fob
First of all, there is no need to panic in this kind of situation. First, make sure that the device isn't lying around somewhere where you might have forgotten it. If you can't find it then it might turn out that it was stolen.
One of the most common situations you may face is a keyless key theft on a suitcase. You can avoid this by taking preventive measures, but if it does happen, you should call the police as soon as possible. Officers will suggest you fill out a report and include all the details. Try to recall the exact moment that you suspected a thief stole your fob and give a description of this person.
The next step is to call your car insurance company to check if they cover key fob replacements. There is no need to change car locks if you have a key fob. Instead, you can just get a new reprogrammed key fob. Also, to avoid any chances of car theft in future, it's best to deactivate the old key fob. What if the thief has already located your vehicle and is thinking about stealing it?
How do you disable a key fob
There are several situations where you might need to disable a key fob. Let's find out about different ways this can be done in order to minimize any chance that a thief can remotely steal your car.
So, the main question is “How to deactivate the stolen key fob?” The answer lies here. First, look through your car's manual to find out about the specifics of your car model. Each model might have its own requirements, for instance, something that works for a BMW may not work for a Ford. If you don't understand something or you can't find the details you need, one option is to call the dealer or the vehicle's manufacturer directly. However, a car dealer can offer you a new key, but it won't be cheap. If you see that you can't disable a key fob yourself, the best thing to do is to call an automotive locksmith. They can help you reprogram it and tell you how to prevent the key fob hacking.
Can the key fob be reprogrammed
Reprogramming is one of the ways to fix several issues that may occur with your key fob. For example, if you have trouble with the connection or the device is damaged, Key fob reprogramming is something that can resolve these problems. However, there are several nuances that you should consider while performing this operation, in which case it might be better to ask a professional for assistance.
You have to check the battery before getting started. Running out of power could cause issues, so it’s better to double-check everything before beginning.
To start reprogramming, you must get inside the vehicle and close the doors. Then, take the following steps:
- turn your key into the "On" position to activate the ignition and all the systems
- press the "Lock" button on your key fob
- turn the key back to the "On" position
This process should be repeated four times, ending with the key fob in the "On" position. After that, you will hear a signal that means you are in programming mode. When this happens, you need to press the "Lock" button within five seconds. The locks will cycle again, and this indicates that the programming was successful. You can turn the car off and test the key fob when the process has finished. If all the functions work, it means you have done everything right.
Who can reprogram a key fob
Who can reprogram a key fob near me? If you ever had troubles with your key fob you probably asked yourself that question. Any person with the required tools and knowledge of the mechanics involved can perform this operation. When asking key fob programmers for help be aware that each model has a specific number of options for additional manipulations. For example, you can delete all the information about the key fob from the system in case of losing it. Also, you can recode the transponder. However, before choosing this option, it's best to ensure that your car doesn't have a self-programming feature. It's important because, in this case, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on the new device.
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Summing up
So, we can all agree that if the key fob gets stolen, the best decision you can make is to deactivate it. There’s always a risk that a thief will use it to steal your car. Getting a new device and reprogramming it is obviously a far better option than having to buy a new car. To do that, you’ll need the assistance of a professional. Sure Lock & Key is a team of experienced workers and we’ll gladly help you resolve any locksmith issues. We are ready to assist you at any time of day or night, as we understand it is impossible to predict when an emergency can happen. Having an issue with a key fob? Please don't hesitate to call us and we will gladly fix the problem.
