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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard fob requires a visit to the dealership, which charges based on your vehicle's make. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob ceases to work the first thing you need to do is change the battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do a lot more than just lock and unlock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly sending out the coded signal in a specific sequence that sends to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs won't last forever, however like any other device that spends most of its life jostling around in your purse and pockets, they can stop working when they age. If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer replacement key fob batteries that work with your vehicle. If not, you can find them at many auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. It is necessary to remove the old battery from your fob and install the new one with care to ensure that there is no damage to the electronic circuit board. Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside them that you can pull out in the event that the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. While this is a convenient feature, it could be a risk for people who have a tendency to lose keys. Some people use a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob. If you're experiencing issues with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith. If you're able to buy an extra key fob for an affordable price it's possible to do the programming yourself. This is typically a much affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. But, be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your vehicle and require special equipment to program. Programming Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start your car remotely. If you lose yours or need a new one you may be in a position to program a replacement yourself. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure is contingent on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's guides also contain details on programming. Make sure your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to program it. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. It is recommended to close all doors as even one door left open could influence how the fob operates. To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and take the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10-30 minutes. The car could respond by turning on the lights, turning off the locks, or emitting an audible chime to signal a confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system. Be aware that this reprogramming technique is only applicable to cars that use the same technology. If your vehicle has an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require special programming. This is only available by an authorized dealer. You can save money by hiring an auto locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat rate for this service. They typically have the equipment to do the job for a fraction of the price you'd pay at the dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the job. If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and if they offer a warranty on the work. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty and auto club membership as well as your insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs due to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even inform you of the cost of this service prior to scheduling an appointment. Dealerships You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys to go to a dealership to have them replaced. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not offer the best price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are often cheaper than the dealership, and can save you money. A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's typically an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle or trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the late 90s and a lot of cars have them as standard features. They are a convenient method of opening your car, but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it. The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. They are typically located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a piece of plastic, and keyless entry fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without physical keys. Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a low-cost replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device. You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not affiliated with a specific car manufacturer, whether you have a traditional, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them for less than dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood. Locksmiths If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to engage an expert to replace the item. But it may not be as cheap as you think, especially in the event that the key fob comes with an intelligent feature such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button. Smart keys are found in all modern cars to stop theft. They work by sending a unique security code each time the key is pressed. These codes are not stored on the fob but rather, in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and start it. Because of this additional layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these types of keys. G28 Car Keys might be able to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security for less than what you would have to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. However, you'll likely still need to pay an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's manuals or on the internet. The steps are quite difficult, however you may require an additional key fob to speed up 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 before experiencing the disappointment of losing one. If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to its smart key it is possible to get a spare made at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank as well as the fob may require programming by a professional. However, this could be costly if you want to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacing. People who own German cars, for example one, with the “flip” function that is akin to a switchblade knife, may only be able to get replacement fobs from the dealership. The reason for this is because these fobs typically use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is typically the only manufacturer with the tools needed to accomplish this.