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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard 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

The first step to take when the key fob you have is not working is to replace the battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs may break in time as does any other electronic device that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys for cars keys that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, that can cost of replacement car key between $2 and $4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature but can be risky for people who frequently lose their keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based on an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip can be reset, or call a locksmith if needed.

You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours, or require a new one you may be capable of programming an alternative yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain details on programming. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure it's got new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key, turn off your car and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within the same time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob or an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that can only be done by an authorized dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however you may be able to save money by calling an automotive locksmith instead. They typically have the equipment to accomplish the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at the dealership. They might even be able to be at your location to complete the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, ask them how much they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she may even tell you about the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and could save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without using a traditional metal key. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s, and many vehicles have them as standard features. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. They are well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming the device.

You can change your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. They have a wide selection of replacement keys, and can program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your area.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it. It might 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.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is hit. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you may have the option to buy a new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership.

Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require another key fob in order to complete the procedure. This is why it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car has a traditional metal key you can purchase one at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

mobile Replacement car keys fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip" that functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.