A Kia Key Fob Replacement Can Make Your Life Easier
One of the most exciting features of a Kia key fob is the ability to summon your vehicle to you. It's not as exciting as Tesla's feature to summon your car, but it can help you avoid having to look for your keys each when you enter the vehicle.
However, the battery in your key fob will eventually degrade. When this happens, it could need to be replaced.
Hands-Free Lock/Unlock
Kia is always trying to find ways to make driving around Brandon more convenient. This handy keyfob feature doesn't differ from the others. When you and your Kia are close enough all you need to do is place your thumb on the door handle and it will automatically unlock. This is incredibly useful when you've got your hands full when running the errands, and you want to get on with your day.
Another great feature that a few Kias offer is the ability to summon your car via the key fob. It's not as exciting as Tesla's summon feature however it's a great option when you have to squeeze into or out of a tight parking space. You can effortlessly maneuver your vehicle into the parking spot you prefer by pressing the button on your keyfob.
If your battery is dead it is possible to use your key fob. However, this might not be the case in all models or situations. If you're unable open your car or it won't start at all with the key inside the fob put the fob in front of the remote starter button. There are a lot of YouTube videos available that will walk you through the process or refer to the car owner's manual for directions.
Reprogramming
Key fobs for Kia feature an exclusive chip inside them that allows you to unlock doors or to start the car. This technology has become a well-known feature as it cuts down on time and effort for the driver by not having to use their hands. The key fob must be programmed to perform this function. A dealer or an automotive locksmith will be able to do this for you.
Reprogramming is generally easy and can be done using an OBD2 Diagnostic Tool. It is essential to use the right OBD2 tool for your car model. This is because the processes for reprogramming key fobs differ slightly between different models of cars.
Reprogramming your vehicle at a dealership is usually a safer option. Dealerships are trained and experienced in the process of reprogramming most modern vehicles. They can also offer an insurance policy for the new key fob and ensure that it is correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have.
It's an excellent convenience to be able to lock and unlock your vehicle with your fingers, particularly if it's cold or you don't have enough hands. However, your key fob will eventually need to have its battery replaced. The mechanical key will work even if the battery fails.
Battery Replacement
Kia is working hard to make life easier for Anderson drivers with its hands-free lock/unlock function. When you approach your vehicle and press the key fob button with your thumb, it opens the door to allow you to get inside without having to reach for your keys. It's not uncommon for the key fob to get a dead battery and cease to respond when you press the buttons.
If this is the situation the Kia could require a quick reset. It's easy to do it at home with just some tools and a few minutes of time. It's recommended to have a replacement battery handy in case you need to change it out, as these batteries typically cost less than $10 and are easily accessible at hardware stores and big-box retailers. TheKeyLab for your car will give you specific instructions on how to replace the battery in your key fob and YouTube is also full of videos that can provide you with the exact steps to do.
The procedure for replacing the battery in the key fob is the same for both smart and standard Kia models. Take the key fob off using your house keys and work keys from the key ring. Use a plastic pry tool or a small screwdriver that has a flat head and take the ignition switchblade key from inside the fob. After this is done you can then remove the case from the fob to reveal a small opening which is perfect for the replacement battery.
Key Replacement
Kia's hands-free lock/unlock function allows you to unlock your door simply by placing your key fob near it. Press the button on your key fob to unlock your engine and begin the vehicle. You can also use your power trunk or liftgate to open or close the liftgate by itself. It's important that you press and hold the power trunk/liftgate button for at minimum one second in order to fully open or close your liftgate.
You can use the key fob to lock or unlock your door, activate the panic alarm, and turn on the rear defroster. However, it can't be used to unlock the trunk or start the engine, so you'll need a physical key to access your car's cargo area. If you're uncertain about how to operate the power trunk/liftgate, check the owner's manual.
If you need to replace your key fob, or if you have lost it, you can purchase a traditional metal lock at an hardware store for less than $10. You can also get the replacement fob from locksmiths or dealers, but this option is generally more expensive and requires additional services. Dealers can create the new key with a transponder at a cost of $200, while a locksmith may charge you up to $500 to program a smart-key. In some instances your car's bumper to bumper warranty or auto club membership may cover these costs.