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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many vehicles use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and begin your vehicle. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer that charges according to the vehicle's make.

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

Battery

If your key fob isn't working the first thing you should do is change its battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a specific sequence that is sent to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs can break in time, car key Fob replacement just like any other electronic device that is constantly tossed around in your pockets or purse.

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will sell batteries for keys compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them at many auto parts stores and even at 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 battery that was on your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Some of the latest fobs include a tiny key that can be pulled out if your keys fail to open the door or start the car. This is a great feature but can be risky for those who are prone to losing their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to operate the doors. If you're experiencing issues getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.

You might be able to do the programming yourself if you are able to buy a replacement fob for an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper alternative than buying a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket can be used 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 from a distance. If you lose yours or require a new one, you might be in a position to program the replacement yourself. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle, but instructions are often available online. Some owner's guides also contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door could compromise the function of the fob.

To reprogram a remote key switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. The car could respond by switching on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the exact same technology. If your car 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.

You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the equipment to do the work for car key FOB replacement only a fraction of what you'd spend at a dealership. They may even come to you to do the job.

If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and whether they have a warranty on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy for your car to determine if it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they might even inform you of the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership to get a replacement. But dealerships often charge more than other places for this service, and may not offer the best price. There are other options for getting your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These stores are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you lots of money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that allows you to unlock and start your vehicle without using the traditional metal key. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of vehicles. They can be a convenient way to unlock your car, but they also make it easy for thieves to take your vehicle.

The most popular car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to your car's ignition. These are usually found at an auto parts store or dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys, which house the metal key inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry fobs. They are the most popular as they allow you to unlock and start your car key fob replacement without a physical keys.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay for anything to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and employing a different method of reprogramming your device.

If you have a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can change it with an independent locksmith that isn't associated with any particular car manufacturer. A lot of these places carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can even 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 pay a professional to replace it. It might not be as costly as you think if your key fob comes with some sort of smart feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic.

Most modern cars have smart keys designed to guard against theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is hit. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how required to reprogram these keys.

You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in car security for less money than you would pay if you went through the dealer. But, you'll most likely need to pay a professional to program the fob, which might require the same equipment the dealership employs.

Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's manuals. The steps are a bit tricky, though and you may need a second functional key fob to expedite the process or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two working key fobs prior to experiencing the anxiety of losing one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key it is possible to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require professional programming however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced.

For those who have German cars, for example those that come with a "flip" function that is akin to a switchblade knife might only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. The reason for this is because the fobs are typically a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is typically the only company with the tools needed to do so.