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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge you depending on the make of the vehicle. However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery The first step to take in the event that your key fob is not working is to change its battery. These devices are replacing traditional keys, do a lot more than just unlock and lock the car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly sending out an encoded signal in a distinct sequence that sends to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break down over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that you carry around in your pockets or purse. If you're lucky the dealer you go to will sell replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with a new one. Some modern fobs include tiny keys inside them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it could be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith. You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and that many require special equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, which allow you to start and unlock the car via the internet. If you lose yours or need an upgrade, you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually available online. Owner's guides can also provide specific programming instructions. Make sure your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are affordable and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors in one open door can affect the functionality of the fob. To reprogram a key fob, switch off your car and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob in the same time frame typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime as a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to include in your vehicle's system. This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob or an ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that must be done by an authorized dealer. You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the tools to complete the task for a fraction what you would have to pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job. If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and whether they have a warranty 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 that are related to them. If you're in good standing with your mechanic, they might even let you know about the cost of this service prior to making an appointment. Dealerships You may be enticed when 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 they may not offer the best price. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you a lot of money. A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s 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 it. The most popular type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to the ignition of your vehicle. They are typically located at an auto parts store or dealership. Other kinds of car keys fobs include switchblade keys that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs. The latter are the most well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key. Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device. You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. They offer a broad choice of replacement keys and they can program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can search a search engine in order to locate a locksmith who is independent near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is lost, you'll have to engage an expert to replace the item. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking. Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to guard against theft. replacement key car work by sending an unique security code each when the key is used. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys. Based on key replacements car of your car and year, you might have the option of purchasing a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through a dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. The steps aren't easy and you may require an additional key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one. If your car has an old-fashioned metal key it is possible to purchase a spare at an hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob may require professional programming however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key needs to be replaced. For those with German cars, for example, that have the “flip” function which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.