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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob will require an appointment with the dealer, which charges depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

The first step to take when your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more to offer than just buttons that lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a distinct sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break in time just like any other electronic device that you carry around in your pockets or purse.

If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell replacement keys fob batteries that are compatible with your vehicle. If they don't, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the new one.

Some newer fobs have an electronic key inside of them that you can remove if the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. While this is a great feature, it could be risky for those with an inclination to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, it's best to contact your car's manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset or a locksmith if needed.

You may be able do the programming yourself if it is possible to purchase a replacement key at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than buying a new key from the dealer. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs that allow you to start and unlock the car via the internet. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade, you might be able to program a replacement yourself. The exact process depends on the model of your car, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure it's got fresh batteries. These are cheap and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is recommended to close all doors as even one door left open can impact how well the fob operates.

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 in a certain time period, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you want 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 car has a different key fob, or has a metal ignition key that is different from the other, it will require specialized programming. This is only possible through a dealer.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They have the equipment to complete the task for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to do the work.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys to visit a dealer to get them replaced. Dealerships may charge more than other places and they may not provide the best price. There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced including locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much cheaper than the dealership and can save you a lot of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular 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 steal it.

The most popular car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the metal key is enclosed in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are other types of car fobs. These are the most popular because they let you open and start your car key battery replacement without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save money by using the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different way.

If you own an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any particular car manufacturer. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can even make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find an expert to replace the item. It may not be as inexpensive as you think if your key fob comes with an advanced feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob from an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in automotive security for less than what the cost you would pay if bought it through a dealer. But, you'll most likely have to hire an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their user's guides or online. These steps can be tricky and you may need an additional key fob to complete the procedure. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car keys replacement cost has a traditional key shank addition to its smart key that you can make a spare at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank and the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, which could add up if you need to have more than one spare or if the key has to be replaced.

People who have German automobiles, for instance, that have the "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife, could only find fob replacements at the dealership. This is because these fobs utilize a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed by the service department of the dealer.