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Car Key Fob Replacement Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard key 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 replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break down over time just like any other electronic device that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets. If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. 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. You'll need to take the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board. Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside them that you can pull out if keys don't open your door or start the engine. This is a great feature, but it can be risky for those who tend to lose their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you're experiencing issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an locksmith. If you can purchase an additional key fob at an affordable price you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. But, be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle and require special equipment to program. Programming Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which let you start and unlock your car remotely. If you lose yours, or require a new one you may be in a position to program an alternative yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain details on programming. Make sure that your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functionality of the fob. To reprogram a remote key turn off your car and take out the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time period, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to add to the system of your vehicle. Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This is only possible by a dealer. Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee however you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the work at a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able to your home to complete 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 vehicle key replacement 've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you schedule an appointment. Dealerships You may be tempted, in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations, and they might not be the most affordable option. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money. A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without using a traditional metal key. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle. The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can usually find them at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key. Many dealers overcharge key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device. You can replace your key with an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. These locations offer a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can search an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you. Locksmiths When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking. Smart keys are found in most modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending an unique security code each 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 who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these types of keys. Based on the model and year, you could be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes 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 might require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes. 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, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even complete it all. It's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one. If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase an extra key at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key was not lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob might require programming by a professional, but this can be costly when you need to create more than one spare, or if your key requires replacing. Replacement fobs for German cars that have the “flip” that is similar in function to a switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason for this is because the fobs are typically a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only company with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.