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Car Key Fob Replacement A lot of cars today use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you depending on the make of your vehicle. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery The first thing you should do when the key fob you have is not working is to change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do a lot more than just lock and unlock the car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out a coded signal in a unique sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they get older. If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have replacement key fob batteries that work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or 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. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board. Certain of the more recent fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out when your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature, but it can be dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact a locksmith. If you can purchase an extra key fob for a price you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than buying an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed. Programming replacement car key cost come with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock your car remotely. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that you have new batteries. They are cheap and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors because even a door that is left open could affect how well the fob operates. To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off or switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you would like to add to the system. This reprogramming method is only applicable only on vehicles that have the exact same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob or has an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that is only performed by a dealer. You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to perform the work. Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Also, check your new-car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment. Dealerships You may be tempted, when you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing 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 open and start your vehicle without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of automobiles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, however they also make it easier for thieves to rob your vehicle. The most commonly used 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 an auto parts store. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular since 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 customers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device. You can change your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated 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 program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood. Locksmiths If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or remote start button. Smart keys are found in most modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys. Depending on your car's model and year, you may have the option of purchasing the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than 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 that the dealership employs. Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs online or in their owner's guides. The steps aren't easy and you may require an additional key fob to complete the process. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one. If your car has an old-fashioned metal key it is possible to purchase an extra key at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement. People who have German cars, for instance one, with the “flip” function that is akin to a switchblade knife might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. The reason is that the fobs are typically a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to do this.