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Car Key Fob Replacement

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

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing you should do is change the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly emitting an encoded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs are susceptible to breaking in time just like any other piece of consumer electronics that is constantly tossed around in your purse or pockets.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement that will work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs have a small key that can be pulled out when your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob to open the doors. If you are having issues with this, it's best to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine if the chip can be reset or a locksmith if needed.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you can buy a replacement fob for an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a less expensive option than purchasing a brand new key from a dealer. But, be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs for cars key fobs can be used with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock the car remotely. If you lose yours or need to replace it you might be capable of programming the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle, but instructions are often accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure it has new batteries. They are affordable and simple to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. Close all doors as one open door could affect the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and take the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within the same time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or emitting a chime to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like 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 special programming that must be performed by a dealer.

You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They usually have the equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost 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 how much they charge and if they offer an assurance on the work. Verify 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, he might even inform you of the cost for car key replacement of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership for a replacement. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options for replacing your key fob. These places are usually much cheaper than a dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without using a traditional key made of metal. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car or set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s, and many vehicles come with them as standard features. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, however 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. You can usually find them at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular as they allow you to unlock and start your car without physical key.

A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at a reasonable price. However you can save money by choosing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think, especially if your key fob has an advanced feature, such as remote start or locking that is automatic.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is hit. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car in order to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys.

Based on the model and year, you may have the option to buy a new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost for car key replacement to go through a dealer. You'll still require a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Some automakers provide instructions for doing the programming yourself for key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however and you may need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. This is why it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing the frustration of losing one.

If your car has a traditional metal key, you can get one at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the key's metal was not lost along with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank and the fob may 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 replacement.

Those who have German cars, for example, that have the "flip" function, which is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company that has the equipment necessary to do this.