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Car Key Fob Replacement A lot of cars today use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with a 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 step to take when the key fob you have is not working is to replace the battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other gadget that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function when they age. If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with the new one. Some of the newer fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed. You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car, and that most require specialized equipment to program. Programming Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock the vehicle from a distance. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you need 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. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to program it. These are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, because even a door left open could impact how well the fob functions. To reprogram a remote key, switch off your vehicle and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car could respond by cycling the locks and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system. Be aware that this reprogramming method is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is separate and requires specialized programming. This is only available at an authorized dealer. Many dealerships provide this service for a flat price however, you may be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to complete the work at a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They might even be able to your location to perform the job. Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they provide the possibility of a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty, auto club membership or car-insurance policy 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 costs of this service before you schedule an appointment. Dealerships If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership to get a replacement. However, they usually cost more than other locations for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and could save you a significant amount of money. A car key fob lets you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of automobiles. They are a great method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle. The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key. A lot of dealerships overcharge key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device. automotive key replacement can exchange your key with an independent locksmith who is not associated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. There are many locksmiths that carry a large selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you. Locksmiths When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, particularly if the key fob includes a smart feature like automatic locking or remote start button. Smart keys are utilized in most modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending a unique security code every time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys. You may be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would have to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their user's manuals or online. auto key replacement can be difficult and you may need a second key fob in order to complete the process. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one. If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key that you can make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost, assuming that the metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob are likely to require professional programming however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced. Replacement fobs for German cars with the “flip”, which is similar in function to the switchblade, are only available at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs usually use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company that has the necessary equipment to do so.