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Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars today use key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with the dealer who will charge based on the make of the vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing you should do is replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to a receiver inside the car to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they age.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer batteries for keys that will work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll typically need a CR2032 button cell battery that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Some of the newer fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a convenient feature, but it could be dangerous for people who tend to lose their keys. Some 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 trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need.

You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for a price that you are comfortable with. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and many require specialized equipment to be programmed.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours or require a new one you may be in a position to program an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could compromise the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time period, typically 10-30 minutes. The car might respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to add to the system of your vehicle.

Be aware that this method of reprogramming is only applicable to cars that utilize the same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is separate and requires specific programming. This is only possible by an authorized dealer.

You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the tools to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd pay in the dealership. They might even be able to come to you to do the job.

If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them how much they charge and whether they have a warranty on the work. Examine your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to visit the dealership to get an alternative. Dealerships may charge more for this service than other places and they may not be the most affordable option. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, including 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 technology that allows you to unlock and start your car 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 car key repair open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are now standard on many vehicles. They can be a useful method to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They are typically located at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are other kinds of Car key Repair fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you open and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for an affordable price. However you can save money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

You can replace your key with an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. They have a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them for a much lower price than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to find a professional to replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an advanced feature, Car Key Repair such as the automatic locking feature or remote start button.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself, but rather 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 required to reprogram these keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in car security for less than what you would pay if you purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their user's guides or online. The steps aren't easy and you may need another key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's a good idea for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has an old-fashioned metal key you can purchase an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key's metal was not lost in the fob. Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacing.

People who have German cars, for example those that come with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs use transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.