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Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and begin your vehicle. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work the first thing to do is change the battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, can do a lot more than just lock and unlock your car key Programming. They emit a sequence of signals based upon how many times you press them. This unique signal is then sent to a receiver inside the car, and it locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however -- like any gadget that spends most of its time in your purses and pockets, they can stop working when they age.

If you're lucky, your dealer will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are compatible with your mobile car key replacement. If not, they're available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with the 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 useful feature, but it could be risky for those who tend to lose their keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to determine whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith if needed.

You may be able do the programming yourself if you are able to purchase a replacement fob at an amount you are comfortable with. This is typically a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer. However, be warned that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle, and that most require special equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs that let you unlock and start the car remotely. You might be able program a new key if you lose yours, or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically accessible online. Owner's guides can also provide details on programming. Before you try reprogramming your key fob, be sure you have new batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace. However, the battery that is exhausted could cause problems with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the function of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob for the same time frame typically between 10 and 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off, turning on the lights or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs you wish to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method only works on cars that use the same technology. If your car has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is different, it will need specialized programming. This is only possible through the dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat fee, but you might be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They have the equipment to complete the work at a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to do the job.

If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire how much they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Verify your warranty, 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 or she might even be able to inform you of the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment.

Dealerships

You may be enticed when you lose your keys to go to a dealership to get them replaced. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other places, and they might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These stores are typically less expensive than the dealership and can save you lots of money.

A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without traditional keys made of metal. It's typically a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on many automobiles. They're a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

The most common car key fob is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition of your car. They can be located at an auto parts store or a dealership. Other types of car key fobs include switchblade keys which house the metal key inside a plastic cylinder, and keyless entry fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that customers will pay for any service to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to locate a replacement fob at an affordable cost of replacement car keys. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner.

If you own a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the more modern smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car key button replacement manufacturer. Many of these locations have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much less than dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll likely need to pay a professional to replace it. It may not be as costly as you think if your key fob has an advanced feature, like automatic locking or remote start.

The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is press. The codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather, in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle to open doors and start it. Because of this extra layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys.

It is possible to purchase a new keyfob at a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in security for cars at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if went through the dealer. You'll still have to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses.

Certain automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be quite difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process or even to complete it all. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car has traditional metal keys, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, provided that the metal key wasn't lost in the fob. Fobs that have a transponder component on both the key shank as well as the fob will probably require professional programming however, and this can increase the cost if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced.

replacement key for car fobs for German automobiles that feature a "flip" that functions in a similar way to the switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to do this.