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Car Key Fob Replacement Many cars are now equipped with key fobs, which lock and unlock doors and also allow the car to start. Typically, replacing a standard fob will require an appointment at the dealership that charges based on your vehicle's make. Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery The first step to take in the event that your key fob is not working is to replace the battery. These tiny devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your car. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they are constantly sending out a coded signal in a specific sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't impervious to damage, however — like any device that spends most of its time in your pockets and purse they may cease to function as they age. If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have key fob batteries replacement that work with your vehicle. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery which costs from about $2-4 American for a set of two. To prevent damaging the electronic circuit board you'll have to carefully remove the old battery from your key fob before replacing it with a new one. Some of the newer fobs have a small key that can be pulled out in the event that your keys aren't working to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature but can be risky for those who tend to lose their keys. Some use a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob in order to operate the doors. If you are having trouble getting your car manufacturer's attention and ask if the chip might be reset. You can also contact an expert locksmith. If you're able to buy a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to program the key yourself. This is typically a cheaper option than paying for an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket are compatible with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys, which let you start and unlock your vehicle from a distance. You might be able create a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. Instructions are generally available online. The exact procedure depends on the model of your car. Some owner's manuals also include detailed programming information. Make sure that your key fob is powered by a new battery before you attempt to reprogram it. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, an exhausted battery could interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functioning of the fob. To reprogram a key fob turn off your vehicle and remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob within a set time frame, typically 10 to 30 minutes. The car might respond by cycling the locks and switching on the lights, or chiming to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional fobs that you would like to add to your vehicle's system. This reprogramming method only works on cars that 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 specialized programming that must be performed by a dealer. You can save money by hiring an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They have the tools to complete the work at less than what you'd have to pay at the dealership. They may even be able to your location to do the work. If you decide to go with the dealership, inquire what their charges are and whether they have a warranty on the work. Check your warranty, auto club membership, or insurance policy to determine whether they will cover lost fobs. If you're in good contact with your mechanic, they may even let you know about their pricing for this service before you schedule an appointment. Dealerships If you've lost your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership for a replacement. But dealerships often cost more than other locations for this service, and may not be the most affordable price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options for replacing your key fob. These stores are usually less expensive than the dealership and could save you money. A car key fob allows you to open and start your car without a traditional metal keys. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic with buttons that let you lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are currently standard on a lot of vehicles. They're a great method of opening your car but they can also make it easier for thieves to take it. The most commonly used type of car key fob is a push-button starter that is attached to the ignition of your car. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Keys with a switchblade, where the key is made of metal and encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. The latter are the most popular because they let you unlock and start your car without the need for a physical key. A lot of dealerships overcharge the price of key fobs as they know that customers will pay for any service to get their car back. It's not always easy to locate a replacement fob at an affordable price. However, you can save some cash by purchasing the correct battery and programming it in a different method. You can replace your key with an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer, whether you have an old-fashioned, metal key or a smart electronic key. A lot of these places have a wide selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for less than the dealers. You can search an online search engine to locate a locksmith who is independent near you. automotive car key replacement If your key fob goes missing, you'll most likely have to hire a professional replace it. It may not be as expensive as you think if your key fob has a smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking. The majority of modern vehicles have smart keys that are designed to prevent theft by sending unique security codes every time a button is pressed. These codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to open doors and even start the engine. Due to this additional layer of security, it's only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys. It is possible to purchase a new keyfob through a locksmith or hardware store that specializes in car security at a lower cost than you would pay if you bought it through a dealer. But, you'll most likely require an expert to program the fob, which could require the same equipment the dealership utilizes. Some automakers provide instructions for self-programming key fobs on the internet or in their owner's guides. These steps can be somewhat difficult, however you may require a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even perform it at all. For that reason, it's recommended for both owners and lessees alike to have two functioning key fobs prior to experiencing 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 key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive and assuming that the original metal key isn't lost as is the fob. Fobs that have a transponder on both the key shank as well as the fob could need to be programmed by a professional. However, this can be expensive if you want to make more than one spare or if your key requires replacement. Replacement fobs for German cars that have the “flip”, which functions in a similar way to a switchblade, are only available from the dealer. The reason is that 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 that has the equipment necessary to accomplish this.