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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and start your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge according to the model of your vehicle. But Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how: Battery The first thing to do when your key fob is not working is to replace its battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs may break down over time as does any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly jostled around in your purse or pockets. If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will offer batteries for keys that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $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 before replacing it with the new one. Some newer fobs have a small physical key stored inside of them that you can pull out if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. While this is a great feature, it could be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you're having issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith. You could be able to complete the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and that many require specialized equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, which let you start and unlock your vehicle via the internet. If you lose yours, or require a new one you may be able to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Owner's guides can also provide details on programming. Make sure your key fob is equipped with new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. These are cheap and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functionality of the fob. 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 certain time period generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off or turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat simply click the following article for any additional fobs you want to add to your car's system. This reprogramming method is only applicable on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your vehicle has a different type of key fob, or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that is only done by an authorized dealer. Many dealerships offer this service for a flat price however, you may be in a position to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith. They usually have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They may even visit you to complete the work. If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and if they offer a warranty on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, they may even tell you about the costs of this service before you make an appointment. Dealerships You may be tempted, when you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, including locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money. A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without having to use a traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the late 90s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They're a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal it. The most commonly used car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They can be found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the key is made of metal and encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. They are the most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical key. Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs since 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 at a reasonable price. However, you can save some money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner. If you have an old-fashioned metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the newer smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys and can cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also search using a search engine to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood. Locksmiths If your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to hire a professional to replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start. Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is press. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only certified locksmiths or car 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 at an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in security for cars at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. However, you'll likely still require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership employs. Certain automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' manuals or on the internet. The steps are a bit tricky, though you may require another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even complete it all. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one. If your car is equipped with a traditional key shank in addition to its smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost in the event that the metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank and the fob might need to be programmed by a professional, however this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key requires replacing. Replacement fobs for German cars that have the “flip” which is similar to a switchblade, can only be available through the dealer. This is because these fobs use transponders that can only be reset or reprogrammed by the dealer service department.