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Car Key Fob Replacement A lot of cars today use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with the dealer, who will charge you according to the model of your vehicle. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob stops working, the first thing to do is change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that goes to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other device that spends the majority of its time in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they age. If you're fortunate your dealer has batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need to take the old one from your fob, and then install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board. Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside them that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. This is a useful feature, but it could be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith. If you're able to buy a replacement key fob at an affordable price you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a less expensive option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, that allow you to start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you might be able to program the replacement yourself. 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 program it. These are cheap and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door could affect the function of the fob. To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob within a certain time period typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by cycling the locks, switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you want to add to your vehicle's system. Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only available for vehicles that use the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different from the other, it will require special programming. This can only be done by the dealer. You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the equipment to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They might even be able to your home to complete the job. If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment. Dealerships You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other locations and may not offer the best deal. There are several alternatives to get your key fob repaired, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and can save you money. A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional metal key. 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 first became popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles include them as standard features. They are a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it. The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. They are typically found at an auto parts store or dealership. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key. Many dealers overcharge key fob prices because they know consumers will pay anything to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob at an affordable cost. However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way. You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. They have a wide choice of replacement keys and they can cut and program them at cheaper than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood. Locksmiths If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to hire an expert to replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob has a smart feature, like remote start or automatic locking. Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Because of this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys. Depending on your car's model and year, you might be able to purchase the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through a dealer. However, you'll probably require a professional to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership employs. Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even complete it all. This is why it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs before they experience the frustration of losing one. If your car also has a traditional metal key, you can get a spare at a key cutting or hardware store, provided that the key's metal was not lost along with 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. key replacement car who own German cars, for instance, that have a “flip” function which is akin to a switchblade knife might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the tools needed to do this.