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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing the standard key fob typically 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

The first thing you should do if your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver in the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time just like any other electronic device that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.

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

Some modern fobs include a small physical key stored inside them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for those with the tendency to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip can be reset, or call an locksmith if you need.

If you're able to buy a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with it's possible to program it yourself. This is usually a cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and most require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the cheapest car key replacement from a distance. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got new batteries. They are cheap and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob for the same time frame generally between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off and turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job for a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership. They might even be able to be at your location to complete the job.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they have an assurance. Also, check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. Dealerships may charge more than other places and may not be the most affordable option. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than dealerships, and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car keys replacements without the need for a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are currently standard on a variety of automobiles. They are a convenient method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most popular car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to your car replacement key cost's ignition. These are usually found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. These are the most sought-after as they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that consumers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

Whether you have a traditional metal key a push-button starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. Many of these locations offer a variety of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you will need to find a professional to replace the item. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob comes with a smart feature, like remote start or automatic locking.

Most modern cars have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model and year, you may have the option to buy the new key fob at an hardware store or a locksmith that specializes in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through the dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or online. These steps can be tricky and you may require a second key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key that you can get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably require professional programming however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip" which is similar in function to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company with the necessary equipment to accomplish this.