Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars are now equipped with key fobs that lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with the dealer who will charge you based on the make of your car But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money Here's how Battery The first thing you should do in the event that the key fob you have is not working is to change the battery These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons that lock and unlock your car Depending on https//peaceful-lily-h7sxv0mystrikinglycom/blog/the-most-hilarious-complaints-we-ve-been-hearing-about-car-key-replacement at which you press them, they are constantly emitting a coded signal in a distinct sequence that sends to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it Fobs can break down over time, just like any other electronic gadget that you carry around in your purse or pockets If you're lucky your dealer has replacement keys fob batteries compatible with your vehicle If not, they are available at auto parts stores, or big-box retailers You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around 2-4 American per pack of two You'll need to take the old one from your fob and install the new one carefully to prevent damage to the electronic circuit board Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car While this is a convenient feature, it can be risky for people with the tendency to lose keys Some people utilize a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip that is embedded in the key fob If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and inquire if the chip can be reset You can also contact an locksmith If you're able to buy an additional key fob at an affordable price you might be able to program it yourself This is usually a cheaper option than buying a new key from a dealer But, be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment to program Programming Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely You might be able program a new key if you lose yours or if you require one The exact procedure will depend on the model of your car, but instructions are often accessible online Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob, make sure you have new batteries They are affordable and easy to replace, but the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process Close all doors as one open door could affect the functioning of the fob To reprogram a remote, turn off your car and take out the ignition key that was originally used Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, usually about 10 to 30 seconds The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime as an indication that the fob has been programmed Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles that use the same technology If your vehicle has an alternative type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that is only done by a dealer Many dealerships provide this service for a flat price however you may be in a position to save money by making contact with an automotive locksmith They typically have the equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership They may even visit you to complete the work If you decide to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have a guarantee on the work Examine your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs If you have a great working relationship with your mechanic, he or she may even tell you about the costs of this service before you schedule an appointment Dealerships You may be enticed in the event that you lose your keys, to visit a dealership to have them replaced Dealerships may charge more than other locations, and they might not provide the best price There are several other options for getting your key fob replaced such as locksmiths and hardware stores These places are usually much less expensive than the dealership and could save you lots of money A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your car without using a traditional key made of metal It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car or activate an alarm, or open the trunk Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now standard on a lot of automobiles They are a great 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 that is attached to the ignition of your car You can typically find these at the dealership or an auto parts store Other types of car key fobs include switchesblade keys, that house the key inside a plastic piece and keyless entry fobs They are the most popular since they allow you to unlock and start your car without a physical key A lot of dealerships overcharge prices for key fobs since they know consumers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable cost However you can save money by choosing the correct battery and reprogramming it in a different method Whether you have a traditional metal key a push-button starter or one of the latest smart keys, you can replace it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any specific car manufacturer These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and are able to cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers You can even search using a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your neighborhood Locksmiths When your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to pay a professional to replace it It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with a smart feature, such as automatic locking or remote start Smart keys are found in most modern cars to prevent theft They work by sending a unique security code each when the key is used 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 only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians who have the tools and knowledge to reprogram replacements to these types of keys Based on the model and year, you might have the option to buy an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that specialises in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost through a dealer You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob This could require the same equipment that the dealership uses Some automakers offer instructions for self-programming key fobs on their websites or in their owner's guides These steps can be a bit tricky, though and you may need an additional key fob to expedite the process or even to complete it all For that reason, it's prudent for owners and lessees alike to have two functional key fobs before they experience the anxiety of losing one If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key that you can make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive in the event that the metal key isn't lost along with the fob Fobs with a transponder on both the key shank and the fob may require programming by a professional, but this can be costly when you need to create more than one spare or if the key needs replacing 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 find replacement fobs at the dealer The reason for this is because these fobs usually use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the necessary equipment to do so