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Car Key Fob Replacement Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors and begin your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle. But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery The first thing to do when your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on car key replacement near me press them, they are constantly emitting a coded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other gadget that spends most of its time in your pockets and purse, they can stop working when they age. If you're lucky, your dealer will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board. Some newer fobs have a small physical key stored inside that you can pull out if keys don't open your door or start your engine. While this is a convenient feature, it could be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call a locksmith. You may be able do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement key at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. However, be warned that key replacement car from the aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and require specialized equipment for programming. Programming Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. Instructions are typically available online. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals contain detailed programming information. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, however an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the function of the fob. To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, usually about 10-30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you want to add to your vehicle's system. Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob or has an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer. Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however you may be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment needed to complete the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the work. Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they provide the possibility of a guarantee. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If car key replacements in good standing with your mechanic, they may even let you know the cost of this service prior to making an appointment. Dealerships You may be enticed if you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations and may not offer the best deal. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership and can save you money. A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles include them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to steal your car. The most popular type of car key fob is the push-button starter that is attached to your car's ignition. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the key is made of metal and encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key. Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device. If you own a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as automatic locking or remote start buttons. Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is hit. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys. Depending on your car's model and year, you may have the option to buy the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer. You'll still require an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps are somewhat difficult, however, and you might need a second functional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one. If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably need to be professionally programmed, however, which can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced. Replacement fobs for German cars with a “flip” which is similar to the switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs utilize an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.