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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you according to the model of the vehicle.

However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing you should do if your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do more than lock and unlock the car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a unique sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any device that spends most of its time in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they age.

If you're lucky your dealer has batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores and even at big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob, and then install the new one with care to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Some modern fobs include a small physical key stored inside that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a great feature but can be risky for people who are prone to losing their keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.

If you can purchase an extra key fob for an affordable price, you may be able to program it yourself. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying a replacement car key fobs key at the dealership. However, be warned that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your car key replacement and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you require one. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's manuals also contain specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. 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 functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new car key replacement fob within the specified time period, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car may respond by cycling the locks, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to the system.

This reprogramming technique only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is different and requires specialized programming. This is only possible through a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat fee however, you may be better off calling an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the work.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what their charges are 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're in good standing with your mechanic, they may even let you know about the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership for an alternative. Dealerships can charge more than other places and may not offer the best deal. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a lot of cars include them as standard features. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob type is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. These are the most well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay for anything to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However you can save money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith that 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 much less than dealers. You can use the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

When your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. But that might not be as cheap as you think, especially when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as an automatic locking system or remote start buttons.

Smart keys are used in all modern cars to prevent theft. They function by sending an unique security code each time a key 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 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.

Based on the model of your car and year, you might have the option to buy the new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll probably have to hire an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership utilizes.

Certain automakers offer instructions for self-programming fobs in their owners' manuals or on the internet. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. It's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your Car Key replacement price has an old-fashioned metal key, you can get one at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably require a professional to program however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

Those who have German cars, for instance one, with a "flip" function which is akin to a switchblade knife, could only find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason is that these fobs usually use an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only company with the equipment necessary to accomplish this.