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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars now use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and allow you to start your car. Typically, replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer and the cost is based on your vehicle's make. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob ceases to work the first thing you should do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver inside the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other device that spends most of its time scurrying around in your purse and pockets, they can stop working as they get older. If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will sell batteries for keys that work with your vehicle. If not, they're 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. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob before installing the new one with care to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board. Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a convenient feature, but it can be dangerous for people who are prone to losing their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car manufacturer to determine whether the chip can be reset or a locksmith in the event of need. You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at an amount you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car and most require specialized equipment to program. Programming Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require to replace it, you might be in a position to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functioning of the fob. To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in a time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you would like to add to your vehicle's system. Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars which use the same technology. If your car has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is distinct from the other, it will require specific programming. My Home Page can only be done by an authorized dealer. A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however you may be in a position to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able be at your location to complete the work. Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Also check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to scheduling an appointment. Dealerships You might be enticed, if you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to have them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are several alternatives to get your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are usually less expensive than dealerships, and could save you money. A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without having to use the traditional metal key. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles include them as standard features. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to rob your vehicle. The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your vehicle. They are usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you open and start your car without a physical key. Many dealerships inflate prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay whatever it takes to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different manner. You can replace your key at an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you have a traditional, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. 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 also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area. Locksmiths If your key fob is lost, you'll need to engage a professional to replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start. Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and also start the engine. Due to this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys. Depending on your car's model and year, you may have the option of purchasing a new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. But, you'll most likely require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes. Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps are quite difficult, however, and you might need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even to complete it all. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the disappointment of losing one. If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key that you can get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement. Replacement fobs for German cars with the “flip” which is similar to a switchblade, can only be available from the dealer. This is because these fobs use transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the service department of the dealer.