Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars use key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock doors and begin your car. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require an appointment with the dealer that charges based on your vehicle's make. However, Consumer Reports reveals some simple techniques to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob stops working, the first thing you should do is change its battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have a lot more to offer than just buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver within the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however -- like any device that spends most of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse they are prone to break as they age. If you're fortunate your dealer has batteries for replacement keys that are compatible with your car. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery usually about $2-4 American per pack of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one. Some newer fobs have tiny keys inside that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start your engine. This is a great feature, but it can be dangerous 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 to open the doors. If you're experiencing issues, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith. If you're able to purchase a replacement key fob at a price you're comfortable with you might be able to program it yourself. This is usually a cheaper option than paying for a replacement key at the dealership. Be aware that not all replacement keys from the aftermarket will work with your car and require special equipment to program. Programming Modern cars are usually equipped with electronic keys which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or require an upgrade you might be capable of programming the replacement yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your car however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals contain detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogramme it. They are affordable and simple to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is recommended to close all doors since even one door left open can impact how well the fob operates. To reprogram a remote key, switch off your car and remove the original ignition key. Press the lock button of the new fob for a certain time period generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car may respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks, or emitting an audible chime to signal confirmation that the fob has been programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you'd like to add to your vehicle's system. Be aware that this reprogramming method is only available for vehicles which use the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob, or has an additional ignition key made of metal It will require special programming that can only be performed by an authorized dealer. You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. A lot of dealerships charge a flat price for this service. They have the tools to do the work for less than what you'd spend at a dealership. They may even be able come to you to do the work. If you decide to go to the dealership, inquire what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Examine your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they might even let you know about their pricing for this service prior to making an appointment. Dealerships If you lose your car keys, you might be tempted to go to the dealership for a replacement. However, dealerships typically charge more than other locations for this service, and they may not be the most affordable price. There are several alternatives for getting your key fob repaired, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These places are usually much cheaper than the dealership and could save you lots of money. A car key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without using traditional keys made of metal. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 1990s and are now standard on a lot of vehicles. They're a great way to open your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it. The most commonly used car key fob type is the push button starter. https://www.openlearning.com/u/henriksengade-sjof0l/blog/11WaysToCompletelySabotageYourReplacementCarKeyCosts is connected to the ignition of your car. They are usually available at the dealership or in an auto parts store. Other kinds of car key fobs include switchblade keys which contain the key made of metal 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 key. Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs since they know that consumers will be willing to pay for any service in order to return their vehicle. Although it's difficult to find a cheap replacement for a fob, you can save money by locating the right replacement battery and utilizing a different method of reprogramming the device. You can change your key with an independent locksmith who is not associated with a specific car manufacturer regardless of whether you have a traditional, metal key, or a smart, electronic key. A lot of these places offer a variety of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for cheaper than the dealers. You can search an online search engine to find an independent locksmith near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has an advanced feature, like remote start or locking that is automatic. The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes each time a button is hit. The codes are not stored on the fob, but rather in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only certified locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys. You may be able to purchase a new keyfob from a hardware store or locksmith that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than the cost you would pay if purchased it from a dealer. You'll still need to hire a professional to program your fob. This could require the same equipment as the dealership. Some automakers offer instructions for doing-it-yourself fob programming in their owners' manuals or online. These steps can be difficult and you may require an additional key fob in order to complete the procedure. It's wise for both tenants and owners to have two key fobs that function before they lose one. If your car has a traditional key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to make a spare at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank as well as the fob may need to be professionally programmed however, and this can be costly if you have to have more than one spare or if the key is required to be replaced. People with German cars, for instance, that have a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife, could only find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is generally the only manufacturer with the equipment necessary to do this.