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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with the dealer who will charge based on the make of your vehicle. But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob stops working the first thing to do is change the battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, can do more than unlock and lock the car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs can break in time just like any other electronic device that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets. If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If not, visit this backlink are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with a new one. Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for people with the tendency to lose keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you are having trouble getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith. You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement key at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs can be used with your vehicle and most require special equipment to program. Programming Modern cars come with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours, or if you require one. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, since even one door that is left open could influence how the fob works. To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob within the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as a confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system. This reprogramming method is only applicable on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require specialized programming. This is only available through a dealer. You can save money by using an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They typically have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to come to your location to perform the job. Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they provide an assurance. Examine your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know about the cost of this service prior to making an appointment. Dealerships You may be enticed when you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money. A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal your car. The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the key made of metal is encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical key. A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device. You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific manufacturer of cars regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. They offer a broad range of replacement keys and they can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to locate an independent locksmith in your local area. Locksmiths When your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic. Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is press. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Due to this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys. Based on the model of your car and year, you might have the option to buy a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership. Certain automakers offer instructions on doing the programming yourself for key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides. The steps are somewhat difficult, however and you may need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process, or even to complete it all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one. If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, however this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacing. Replacement fobs for German cars with a “flip” that is similar to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs use an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.