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Car Key Fob Replacement Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge based on the make of your vehicle. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery The first thing to do in the event that your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly emitting the coded signal in a distinct sequence that sends to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break into pieces over time as does any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your purse or pockets. If you're fortunate your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your car. If they don't, you can find them at many auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to remove the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board. Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside them that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. This is a convenient feature, but it could be risky for people who frequently lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact an locksmith. You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require special equipment to program. Programming automotive car key replacement come equipped with electronic keys that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got new batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is recommended to close all doors because even a door left open could affect how well the fob operates. To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as an indication that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you wish to add to your vehicle's system. This reprogramming method is only applicable only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key It will require special programming that is only performed by an authorized dealer. You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the job. If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know about the cost of this service prior to making an appointment. Dealerships You may be tempted, if you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other places and they may not provide the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you a lot of money. A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now common on a variety of vehicles. They're a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car. The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the key is made of metal and encased inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. They are sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key. Many dealerships inflate prices for key fobs since they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their vehicle back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for a reasonable price. However, you can save some money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method. If you own an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any specific car manufacturer. Many of these locations offer a variety of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can search an online search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is lost, you'll have to engage an expert to replace the item. It might not be as expensive as you think if your key fob comes with an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or remote start. Smart keys are found in all modern cars to prevent theft. They work by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys. Based on the model and year, you might be able to purchase the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. But, you'll most likely require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes. Some automakers provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps are quite difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one. If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to its smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing. For those who have German cars, for example those that come with a “flip” function that is akin to a switchblade knife might only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the service department of the dealer.