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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which 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 based 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 in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more going on in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking down over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets. If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that will work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. It is necessary to remove the old one from your fob before installing the new one with care in order to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board. Certain of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. While this is a convenient feature, it can be a risk for people who have the tendency to lose keys. Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call an locksmith. You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at a price that you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper alternative than purchasing a new key from the dealer. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle remotely. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours, or if you need one. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to program it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, since even one door that is left open could impact how well the fob operates. To reprogram a key fob, switch off your car and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off, switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you would like to add to your car's system. Be replacement key for car near me that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your car uses a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is separate, it will need special programming. This is only available by a dealer. You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealership. They may even be able visit you to complete the job. 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 see whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment. Dealerships If you lose your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain an alternative. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations, and they might not offer the best deal. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These locations are typically less expensive than dealerships, and could save you money. A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without using a traditional metal key. 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 were first introduced in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles have them as standard features. They're a convenient way to open your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it. The most popular car key fob model is the push button starter. It is connected to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular as they allow you to open and start your car without a physical keys. A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob at an affordable price. However, you can save some money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way. You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific manufacturer of cars, whether you have a traditional, metal key or a smart electronic key. There are many locksmiths that offer a variety of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can use an online search engine to locate a locksmith that is independent near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional to replace it. But it may not be as costly as you think, particularly when the key fob has an intelligent feature such as an automatic locking system or a remote start button. Modern cars are equipped with smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes each when a button is hit. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Due to this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys. Depending on your car's model and year, you could have the option of purchasing an entirely new key fob from a hardware store or locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through the dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay an expert to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership employs. Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs online or in their owner's guides. The steps aren't easy and you may need another key fob 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 a traditional metal key, you can get one at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the metal key wasn't lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional, but this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacement. Those with German cars, for instance one, with a “flip” function which is akin to a switchblade knife could only find fob replacements at the dealer. This is because these fobs operate on a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.