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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars now use key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires a visit to the dealership and the cost is based on your vehicle's make.

But Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how:

Battery

The first thing you should do when your key fob isn't working is to replace the battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do more than lock and unlock your car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver in the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they get older.

If you're lucky your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your car. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. You'll need to remove the old one from your fob and install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board.

Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside them that you can pull out in the event that keys don't open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for people with a tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're having issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact a locksmith.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement key for car fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your car and that many require special equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which allow you to start and unlock your car from a distance. You may be able to create 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 guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are cheap and easy to replace. However, an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors as even one door left open could affect how well the fob works.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your vehicle and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob for the same time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by switching on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your car's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming method is only applicable to cars which use the same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob or an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that can only be done by an authorized dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost of a replacement car key however you may be better off contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They usually have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to your home to complete the work.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Verify your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even let you know their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. Dealerships might charge more for this service than other places and they may not offer the best deal. There are several 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 unlock and start your vehicle without having to use a traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your car, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on many automobiles. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most popular car keys lost replacement key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are also types of car fobs. They are the most popular because they permit you to open and start your car without a physical keys.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different way.

Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can change it at an independent locksmith that isn't affiliated with any specific car manufacturer. There are many locksmiths that offer a variety of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to pay a professional to replace it. But it may not be as expensive as you think, especially if the key fob includes an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button.

Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. They function by sending a unique security code each when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge required to reprogram these keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob at a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less money than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers provide instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their user's manuals or online. The steps are somewhat difficult, however, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to a smart key, you'll be able to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob could require programming by a professional, however this could be costly when you need to create more than one spare or if your key requires replacement.

Replacement fobs for German cars that have the "flip" which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, can only be available at the dealership. This is because these fobs operate on an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the service department of the dealer.