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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and also allow the car to start. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you depending on the make of your vehicle. But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery The first thing you should do if your key fob isn't working is to change its battery. car key replacement 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. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out a coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other gadget that spends the majority of its time in your purse and pockets, they can stop working when they age. If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one. Certain of the more recent fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out when your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it could be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're experiencing issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith. If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a less expensive alternative than purchasing a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and many require specialized equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require to replace it you might be in a position to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are cheap and easy to replace but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, because even a door that is left open could impact how well the fob operates. To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you wish to add to your car's system. This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is different from the other, it will require special programming. This can only be done at the dealer. A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the tools to do the work for less than what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They may even be at your location to complete 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 or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even inform you of the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment. Dealerships You might be enticed, if you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and they might not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money. A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional metal key. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of vehicles. They're a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal it. The most popular car key fob model is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. They can be found at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most sought-after as they allow you to open and start your car without physical key. Many dealerships inflate key fob prices because they know that consumers will pay for anything to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming your device. If you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any particular car manufacturer. They offer a broad choice of replacement keys and they can cut and program them at cheaper than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your local area. Locksmiths If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to find a professional to replace the item. But it may not be as cheap as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or a remote start button. Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is pressed. The codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and even start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements for these types of keys. You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in security for cars for less than what you would have to pay if you went through the dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' manuals or on the internet. The steps are somewhat difficult, however you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one. If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank addition to the smart key that you can make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, however this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare or if the key requires replacement. For those with German automobiles, for instance one, with the “flip” function, which is similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.