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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which allow doors to be locked and unlocked and start the car. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership that charges depending on the make of your vehicle. But Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how: Battery The first step to take in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to replace 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 that unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This signal is then sent to a receiver in the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they get older. If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys that work with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery, which costs from about $2-4 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 before replacing it with a new one. Certain newer fobs come with an electronic key inside of them that you can pull out in the event that keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. This is a useful feature, but it could be risky 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 to open the doors. If you're having issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and inquire if the chip can be reset. You can also call a locksmith. You might be able to do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed. Programming Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start the car remotely. You might be able create a new key in case you lose yours or if you need one. The exact process depends on the model of your car however instructions are typically available online. Some owner's manuals also contain specific programming instructions. Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, ensure that you have new batteries. They are cheap and easy to replace but an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could affect the functionality of the fob. To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and take out the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car could respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to add to the system of your vehicle. This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has a metal ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This can only be done through an authorized dealer. A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat price however, you may be better off making contact with an automotive locksmith. They have the tools to complete the task for only a fraction of what you'd pay in the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job. If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what their charges are and whether they have an assurance on the work. Also, check key replacement car -car warranty or auto club membership, or car-insurance policy to see if it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment. Dealerships You might be enticed, in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealer to get them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and can save you a lot of money. A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle and trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the late 90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They are a great method to unlock your car, however they also make it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle. The most common car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They can be found in an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. They are popular because they let you open and start your car without a physical key. Many dealers overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a low-cost replacement fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device. You can replace your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have traditional metal keys or a smart electronic key. There are many locksmiths that offer a variety of replacement keys and can cut and program them for much less than the dealers. You can also search using a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your local area. Locksmiths If your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional replace it. But that might not be as expensive as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button. Smart keys are found in all modern cars to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code each when the key is used. The codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and then start it. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reprogram these keys. Depending on your car's model and year, you could be able to purchase an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost through the dealer. You'll still need to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment as the dealership. Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require a second key fob in order to complete the procedure. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that work before they lose one. If your car has a traditional key shank addition to a smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require professional programming however, which could be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced. Replacement fobs for German cars that have a “flip” which functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs use an electronic transponder that can only be reset or reprogrammed in the dealer service department.