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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and begin your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment at the dealership, which charges 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 to do is replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, can do much more than unlock and lock the car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a unique sequence that sends to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its life jostling around in your purse and pockets they may cease to function as they age.

If you're lucky your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your car. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take the old one from your fob, and then install the new one with care in order 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 convenient feature but can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some people use 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 keys replacement manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also contact an locksmith.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement key at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and some require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Most modern cars come 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 need one. The exact process depends on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically available online. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your vehicle and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, usually about 10-30 seconds. The car may respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime signal as a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming only works for cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require special programming. This is only available through the dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to perform the job.

If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations and they may not offer the best deal. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than the dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. They are typically located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which house the metal key inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a cheap car key replacement replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith who is not associated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can use a search engine in order to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to find a professional to replace the item. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is hit. The codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model 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 a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however you may require another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even complete it all. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to a smart key that you can make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, however this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacement.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have a "flip", which is similar to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs usually use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is generally the only company with the necessary equipment to do this.