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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that allow doors to be locked and unlocked and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob normally requires a trip to the dealer, who will charge you according to the model of the vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing to do is change its battery. These tiny devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly sending out an encoded signal in a unique sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though -- like any gadget that spends most of its life jostling around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they age.

If you're lucky your dealer has replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your car. If not, they're 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 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 of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature, but it can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to operate the doors. If you are having issues with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset, or contact an locksmith if you need.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you can purchase a replacement fob at the price you are comfortable with. 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 key battery replacement, and that most require special equipment to program.

Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require a new one you might be capable of programming the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Owner's guides can also provide details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, make sure it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to shut all doors, because even a door that is left open could influence how the fob works.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and take off the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car might respond by cycling the locks and switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to include in your vehicle's system.

Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob or has an ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that must be done by a dealer.

Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost, but you might be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to your location to do the job.

Ask the dealer about the service will cost and if they offer an assurance. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he may even tell you about the cost replacement car key of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to visit the dealership for an alternative. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are alternatives to get your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership, and could save you money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They are a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, in which the key is made of metal and encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate prices for key fobs since they know that customers will pay anything to get their vehicle back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement car key for a fob, you can save money by choosing the right replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

You can change your key with an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. These locations offer a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them for cheaper than dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob is lost, you will need to hire a professional to replace the item. However, it might not be as costly as you think, particularly when the key fob has a smart feature like automatic locking or a remote start button.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys.

You may be able to purchase a new keyfob through an establishment like a hardware or locksmith that specializes in car security for less money than you would pay if you purchased it from a dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owner's guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may need a second key fob in order to complete the process. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that work before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to get a spare made at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank and the fob are likely to require a professional to program, however, which can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

For those who own German automobiles, for instance those that come with a "flip" function which how.much is a replacement car key similar to a switchblade knife may only be able to find replacement fobs at the dealer. The reason is that the fobs are typically a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to do so.