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Car Key Fob Replacement Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge depending on the make of your vehicle. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob isn't working the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do much more than lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is transmitted to a receiver in the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however — like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they get older. If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with the new one. Certain newer fobs come with a small physical key stored inside that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to see if the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed. You might be able to do the programming yourself if it is possible to buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. how much are car key replacements is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be linked web page that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and that many require special equipment to be programmed. Programming The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also contain details on programming. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are cheap and easy to replace. However, the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functioning of the fob. To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob for a time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to add to the system of your vehicle. This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the exact same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative type of key fob or has an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that can only be done by an authorized dealer. You can save money by using an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the tools to complete the work at only a fraction of what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They might even be able to be at your location to complete the job. If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer a guarantee on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment. Dealerships You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to go to a dealership to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and can save you money. A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the 1990s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They're a great way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal your car. The most commonly used car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. These are usually located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Switchblade keys, where the key is made of metal and encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key. A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs because they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device. If you have a traditional metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it with an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular auto manufacturer. Many of these locations carry a large selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your area. Locksmiths If your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. It may not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with an advanced feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic. Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is hit. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys. It is possible to purchase a new keyfob through an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would pay if you went through the dealer. You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership. Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be tricky and you may require an additional key fob to complete the procedure. This is why it's sensible for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs before they experience the disappointment of losing one. If your car has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase one at a key cutting or hardware store, as long as the key was not lost with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob will probably require a professional to program however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced. Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature the “flip”, which is similar to a switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only company with the tools needed to accomplish this.