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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer, which charges based on your vehicle's make. But Consumer Reports reveals some simple tricks to save you money. Here's how: Battery The first thing you should do in the event that your key fob isn't working is to replace its battery. These devices that have replaced traditional keys, do much more than lock and unlock the car. Depending on how often you press them, they're constantly emitting the coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to the car's receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though like any other gadget that spends most of its time in your purse and pockets they may cease to function when they age. If you're fortunate, your dealer will sell batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, you can find them in a variety of auto parts stores, and at big-box retailers. You'll usually want a CR2032 button cell battery that can cost between $2 and $4 American for a pack of two. You'll need to take 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. Certain newer fobs come with tiny keys inside of them that you can remove if keys aren't able to open your door or start the engine. This is a convenient feature but can be risky for people who tend to lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact your car's manufacturer to determine whether the chip could be reset or a locksmith if needed. If you're able to purchase an additional key fob at an amount you're comfortable with, you may be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs are compatible with your car and that many require special equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, that allow you to start and unlock the vehicle remotely. You may be able to create a new key in case you lose yours or if you require one. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle however instructions are typically available online. Some owner's manuals also include details on programming. Make sure that your key fob has new batteries before you attempt to program it. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to shut all doors, because even a door left open could affect how well the fob functions. To reprogram a key fob, turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob for a time frame typically between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning the locks on and off or switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system. This reprogramming method is only applicable on cars that use the exact same technology. If your vehicle has a different key fob, or has an ignition key that is separate from the other, it will require special programming. This is only possible through the dealer. You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you would pay at the dealership. They may even come to you to do the job. If you choose to go with the dealership, inquire how much they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Also, check your new-car warranty or auto club membership, or insurance policy on cars to see whether it covers any malfunctions or lost fobs that are related to them. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know about the cost of this service before you schedule an appointment. Dealerships If you've lost your car keys, you may be tempted to go to the dealership to obtain a replacement. However, they usually cost more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money. A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you open and start your car without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs first became popular in the '90s, and many vehicles include them as standard features. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, but they also make it simple for thieves to take your vehicle. The most popular type of car key fob is the one with a push-button start, which is affixed to your car's ignition. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the metal key is enclosed inside a plastic piece, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. These are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key. Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service needed to get their car back. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost. However, you can save some money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different manner. You can exchange your key with an independent locksmith who is not affiliated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have traditional metal keys or a sophisticated electronic key. G28 offer a wide choice of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them at cheaper than dealers. You can even use a search engine to locate an independent locksmith in your neighborhood. Locksmiths If your key fob is lost, you'll have to hire an expert to replace the item. But that might not be as cheap as you think, particularly when the key fob has an advanced feature, such as the automatic locking feature or a remote start button. Smart keys are used in all modern cars to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code every when the key is used. The codes are not stored on the fob itself but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this additional layer, only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and knowledge needed to reprogram these keys. Based on the model and year, you could have the option to buy the new key fob at an auto repair shop or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs online or in their owner's manuals. These steps can be quite difficult, however, and you might need another key fob that is functional to speed up the process or even complete it all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the disappointment 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 shop for a reasonable price in the event that the metal key isn't lost together with the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be programmed by a professional, however this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare, or if the key needs replacement. Replacement fobs for German cars with the “flip”, which is similar to a switchblade, are only available through the dealer. This is because these fobs use a transponder which can only be reset or reprogrammed at the dealer service department.