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Car Key Fob Replacement Many vehicles use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge depending on the make of the 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 replace its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a unique sequence that sends to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however like any other gadget that spends the majority of its time in your purse and pockets, they can stop working when they age. If you're lucky, your dealer will sell replacement batteries for keys fobs that are that are compatible with your vehicle. If not, you can locate them in a variety of auto parts stores and at big-box retailers. You'll want a CR2032 battery, which is usually around $2-4 American per pack of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to carefully remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with the new one. Some of the latest fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys fail to open the door or start the car. While cheap key replacement car is a great feature, it can be risky for people with the tendency to lose keys. Others use a wireless remote-locking system that relies on an RFID chip inside the key fob to open the doors. If you have trouble with this, it's best to contact your car manufacturer to see whether the chip can be reset, or contact a locksmith in the event of need. If you're able to purchase an additional key fob at an affordable price you might be able to program it yourself. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an alternative key at the dealership. But, be aware that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle, and that most require specialized equipment to program. Programming Most modern cars come equipped with electronic keys that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle remotely. If you lose yours or require a new one, you might be capable of programming an alternative yourself. Instructions are typically available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also contain details on programming. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has new batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, however the battery that is exhausted can cause problems with the process. It is recommended to close all doors, because even a door left open can influence how the fob operates. To reprogram a remote key, switch off your vehicle and take off the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within the specified time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning the locks on and off and switching on the lights, or emitting a chime signal to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional keys you'd like to include in your vehicle's system. This reprogramming technique only works on cars that use the same technology. If your car has different types of key fob or has a separate metal ignition key it will require specialized programming that is only performed by an authorized dealer. Many dealerships offer this service for a flat cost however, you may be in a position to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at a dealership. They may even be able to come to your location to perform the job. If you choose to go with the dealership, ask them what they charge and whether they have an assurance on the work. Examine your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to see if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, they may even inform you of the cost of this service prior to making an appointment. Dealerships You might be enticed, if you lose your keys to visit a dealership to get them replaced. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced, such as locksmiths and hardware stores. These locations are typically less expensive than the dealership, and can save you money. A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your car without having to use a traditional key made of metal. It's a rectangular or oblong piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, set off an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs were first popular in the '90s and a large number of vehicles include them as standard features. They're a great method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it. The most popular type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your car. You can typically find these at the dealership or in an auto parts store. 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 well-known because they allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without a physical key. A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs since they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It's not always easy to find a replacement fob for an affordable price. However you can save cash by purchasing the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method. Whether you have a traditional metal key, an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at an independent locksmith that's not associated with any particular car manufacturer. They have a wide range of replacement keys and can cut and program them at a much lower price than dealers. You can also use a search engine to find a locksmith who is independent in your area. Locksmiths If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find a professional to replace it. However, it might not be as expensive as you think, particularly in the event that the key fob comes with a smart feature like an automatic locking system or remote start button. Smart keys are used in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. These codes aren't saved on the fob, but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and start the engine. Because of this extra layer only locksmiths and dealership technicians have the tools and expertise required to reprogram these keys. You might be able to purchase a new keyfob from a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in automotive security at a lower cost than you would have to pay if you bought it through a dealer. But, you'll most likely have to hire an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment that the dealership employs. Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' guides or online. These steps can be difficult and you may need an additional key fob to complete the process. It is advisable for both the owners and tenants to have two key fobs that function before they lose one. If your car has a traditional key shank addition to a smart key that you can make a spare at a hardware or key cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost as is the fob. Fobs that have transponders on both the key shank and the fob could need to be programmed by a professional, but this can be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key needs replacing. Replacement fobs for German cars that have a “flip” which is similar to a switchblade, can only be available at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and reprogrammed by the manufacturer's dealer service department, which is usually the only company with the equipment necessary to do so.