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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars now use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your vehicle. However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob ceases to work the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time just like any other electronic device that you carry around in your pockets or purse. If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell key fob batteries replacement compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them at a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one. Some newer fobs have an electronic key inside them that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it can be a risk for people who have an inclination to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an locksmith. You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment for programming. Programming Modern cars come with electronic key fobs that allow you to start and unlock the car from a distance. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. The exact process depends on the model of your vehicle, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could compromise the function of the fob. To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10-30 seconds. The car might respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system. This reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob or an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that must be performed by a dealer. Many dealerships offer this service for a flat price however you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at the dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to perform the work. Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Also, check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment. Dealerships If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership for a replacement. However, they usually charge more than other places for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are alternatives to get your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money. A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you unlock and start your car without having to use the traditional metal key. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alert or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the late 90s, and many vehicles have them as standard features. They are a great way to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle. The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start that is attached to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic cylinder and keyless entry fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key. Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device. You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your area. Locksmiths When your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to pay a professional to replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob comes with a smart feature, like remote start or automatic locking. Smart keys are used 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 open doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's 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 auto car key replacement of your car and year, you could have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership. Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or online. The steps are a bit tricky, though, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one. If your car has traditional metal keys, you can get one at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced. Replacement fobs for German cars with the “flip” that functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available at the dealership. The reason for this is because the fobs are typically an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.