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Car Key Fob Replacement

A lot of cars today use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the car. Typically, replacing a standard fob requires an appointment at the dealership and the cost is depending on the make of your vehicle.

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

Battery

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

If you're lucky, your new car dealer will have batteries for keys compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase 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 remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with the new one.

Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside them that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start your engine. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for people with the tendency to lose keys. Others utilize a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you are having trouble getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also call an expert locksmith.

If you can purchase an additional key fob at a price you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your car and require specialized equipment for programming.

Programming

Modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock your vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. The exact procedure will depend on your vehicle model however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, make sure it's got new batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace, however an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors as one open door could compromise the functionality of the fob.

To reprogram a key fob, switch off your car and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in a time frame, usually between 10 to 30 seconds. The car might 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 process for any additional fobs you want to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method only works only on vehicles that have the same technology. If your vehicle uses different types of key fob or a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that can only be done by a dealer.

A lot of dealerships offer this service for a flat cost of car key replacement, but you might be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment to do the job at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to travel to your location to perform the job.

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

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain an alternative. But dealerships often charge more than other locations for this service, and may not offer the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These are typically cheaper than a dealership and could save you a significant amount of money.

A car key fob lets you to open and start your car without using a traditional metal keys. It's usually an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car key cover replacement and set off an alarm or open the trunk. Fobs were first introduced in the 1990s and a lot of cars come with them as standard features. They're a great way to open your vehicle, but they could 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 usually available at the dealership or an auto parts store. Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, which contain the key made of metal inside a piece of plastic and keyless entry fobs. They are well-known because they allow you to open and start your car without a physical key.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to get their car back. Although it's difficult to find a reasonable replacement fob, you can save money by selecting the correct replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device.

You can change your key at an independent locksmith who is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. Many of these locations offer a variety of replacement key fobs for cars keys, and they can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith who is independent in your area.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll need to hire a professional to replace it. But it may not be as cheap as you think, particularly if the key fob includes an intelligent feature such as automatic locking or remote start button.

Most modern cars have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every when a button is press. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys.

Depending on your car's model and year, you might 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 through a dealer. However, you'll probably require an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership uses.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' manuals or on the internet. The steps are somewhat difficult, however, and you might need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even complete it all. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to a smart key that you can purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for a relatively low cost, assuming that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank and the fob could 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.

Replacement fobs for German cars with the "flip", which is similar to a switchblade, are only available at the dealership. The reason for this is because the fobs are typically an exclusive transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only company with the equipment necessary to do this.