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Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you based on the make of your car.

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

Battery

The first thing to do if the key fob you have is not working is to replace the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons to lock and unlock your car. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though as with any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they get older.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will sell replacement key fob batteries that work with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside them that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for those with a tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you are having issues with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to see if the chip can be reset or a locksmith in the event of need.

If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an affordable price it's possible to do the programming yourself. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your car and require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours or need to replace it you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact process depends on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically accessible online. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but an exhausted battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, since even one door that is left open could affect how well the fob functions.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks and turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle uses an alternative type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal, it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer.

You can save money by using an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the work.

If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. However, they usually charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you a lot of money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your car without the need for a traditional metal key. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the 1990s and a large number of vehicles come with them as standard features. They can be a convenient method to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle.

The most common type of car key fob is the push-button starter, which is affixed to your car's ignition. They can be located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys which house the metal key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming the device.

You can change your key with an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated Electronic Car Key Replacement key. These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and they can program and cut them for a much lower price than dealers. You can use an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. It might not be as expensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.

Smart keys are used in all modern cars to stop theft. They function by sending an unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob itself but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less than what the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership.

Some automakers provide instructions for do-it-yourself key fob programming online or in their owner's guides. The steps aren't easy and you may require a second key fob to complete the procedure. For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs prior to experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car has a traditional metal key it is possible to purchase one at an hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob are likely to need to be professionally programmed, however, which can add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.

For those with German cars, for instance those that come with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife could only get replacement fobs from the dealer. This is because these fobs use a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed at the service department of the dealer.