A Cheap Replacement Fob Tested for Automotive Use

Can A Cheap Fob Work With Your Car?

Ok, so we spotted an ad for the cheap replacement fob seen to the right available from Amazon and eBay. Its really inexpensive for all of you with just one fob, and if it works it would a great thing to have. Note that you would still be missing the proper mechanical key!

Now the list they supplied — garage doors, car alarms, wireless home security products, etc., in the image below right — did not expressly say it will clone an automotive fob, but the ad I saw appeared to show an automotive fob actually being cloned! So we bought it to test and to either be able to recommend it you or tell you not to waste your money, even if its only $15 or even less. There is a  screw at the bottom for access to replace its cylindrical battery.

Don’t waste your money

We tested it on fobs from Volvo, Lexus, Acura, Toyota and Chevrolet. The Toyota fob was a key start version, while the others were from keyless or push button start cars. The clone failed to recognize any of them.

The idea is to hold one button of each fob at the same time until the the clone flashes. In each case we made sure the clone was cleared of any codes it might hold. The clone fob flashed when this is accomplished.

So that’s it. If you’re tempted, don’t waste your money. If you get one and manage to clone a garage door, car alarm or any other remote, please drop us an email, and we’ll pass along the info.

And for those of you without a back up key fob, please get one. We constantly hear from folks stuck when their single fob goes missing or gets dropped in water, etc. They’re expensive but worth the investment. And you can find instructions to replace the batteries in your existing fobs here…

——————————————————————-

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.