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Car Key Fob Replacement A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly emitting an encoded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other device that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they age. If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with a new one. Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside of them that you can pull out if keys don't open your door or start the engine. This is a great feature, but it could be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith. You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle, and that most require special equipment to program. Programming Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start the vehicle remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's guides also contain specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure it's got fresh batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the functioning of the fob. To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in the same time frame, usually between 10 and 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 has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to add to the system of your vehicle. Be aware that this reprogramming technique only works for cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is distinct and requires specific programming. This is only possible at an authorized dealer. A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost, but you might be able to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job. If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and whether they have a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment. Dealerships You may be tempted, in the event that you lose your keys to visit a dealer to have them replaced. However, they usually charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are several alternatives to get your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and can save you a significant amount of money. A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on many vehicles. They are a great way to unlock your car, but they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle. The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. You can usually find them at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the key is made of metal and encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key. Many dealerships inflate prices for key fobs since they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save money by using the correct battery and programming it in a different method. You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith who is not associated with a specific manufacturer of cars, whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. They have a wide range of replacement keys and they can program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can use a search engine in order to find an independent locksmith near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. But it may not be as costly as you think, particularly if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or a remote start button. car fob key replacement are utilized in most modern cars to guard against theft. They work by sending a unique security code every time a key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys. You may be able to purchase a new keyfob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less than what the cost you would pay if bought it through a dealer. But, you'll most likely require a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps are quite difficult, however you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one. If your car has a traditional metal key it is possible to purchase an extra key at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably require a professional to program, however, which can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced. Replacement fobs for German cars that have a “flip” which is similar in function to the switchblade, are only available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.