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Car Key Fob Replacement A lot of cars today use key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership and the cost is depending on the make of your vehicle. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery The first step to take if your key fob is not working is to replace the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, can do much more than lock and unlock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they are constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking down over time, just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets. If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have replacement key fob batteries that will work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one. Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside them that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed. If you're able to purchase an extra key fob for an amount you're comfortable with, you may be able to do the programming yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than buying a replacement key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment to program. Programming The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start the car remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, make sure you have new batteries. They are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the function of the fob. To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car may respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you wish to add to the system. Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is distinct and requires special programming. This is only available at a dealer. A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the equipment to complete the work at less than what you'd spend at a dealership. They may even come to you to do the job. If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Also check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment. Dealerships If you've lost your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced including hardware stores and locksmiths. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money. A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the late 90s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They can be a useful method to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to steal your vehicle. The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. They can be found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without physical key. vehicle key replacement inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way. If you have a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. Many of these locations offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can use the search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional to replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has an advanced feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic. Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is press. The codes are not stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and start it. 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 of your car and year, you could have the option of purchasing the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Some automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' manuals or on the internet. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one. If your car has traditional metal keys you can purchase an extra key at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, and this can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced. People who have German cars, for instance, that have the “flip” function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, might only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealer. This is because these fobs use a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.