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Car Key Fob Replacement Many vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and allow you to start your car. Replacing a standard key fob usually requires a trip to the dealer who will charge you according to the model of your vehicle. But Consumer Reports reveals some simple ways to save money. Here's how: Battery If your key fob stops working, the first thing you should do is change the battery. These little devices that have taken the place of traditional keys have more going on in them than just buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. Depending on the frequency at which you press them, they're constantly emitting a coded signal in a distinct sequence that goes to an inside car receiver to either lock or unlock it. Fobs aren't indestructible, though like any other gadget that spends the majority of its time scurrying around in your purses and pockets they may cease to function as they get older. If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer replacement key fob batteries that work with your car. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or even big-box retailers. You'll need a CR2032 battery that is typically around $2-4 American per pack of two. You'll need to take the old battery from your fob and install the new one with care in order to avoid damage to the electronic circuit board. Some of the latest 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 great feature but can be risky for those who frequently lose their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies on an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you are having trouble, contact your car manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an locksmith. You might be able to do the programming yourself if you are able to buy a replacement fob for the price you are comfortable with. This is typically a much cheaper alternative than buying an alternative key at the dealership. Be aware that not all aftermarket key fobs will work with your vehicle and some require special equipment to be programmed. Programming Modern cars come with electronic key fobs which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle via the internet. You may be able to program a new key if you lose yours or if you need one. Instructions are usually available on the internet. The exact procedure will depend on the model of your vehicle. Some owner's manuals also contain detailed programming information. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got fresh batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace, but an over-charged battery could interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors since even one door that is left open could affect how well the fob works. To reprogram replacement car key cost , switch off your vehicle and then remove the original key from the ignition. Press the lock button of the new fob within the same time frame, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks or turning on the lights or chiming to confirm the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you wish to add to your vehicle's system. Be aware that this reprogramming method only works for cars that use the same technology. If your car has a different type of key fob, or has an ignition key made of metal it will require specialized programming that can only be performed by a dealer. You can save money by using an automotive locksmith. Many dealerships charge a flat fee for this service. They usually have the equipment to accomplish the task for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to visit you to complete the work. Ask the dealer what the service will cost and if they provide an assurance. Also, make sure to check your new car warranty, auto club membership or insurance policy for your car to determine whether it covers any lost fobs or malfunctions related to them. 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 If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to go to the dealership for an alternative. However, dealerships typically charge more than other places for this service, and might not provide the best price. Hardware stores and locksmiths are two other options to replace your key fob. These are typically cheaper than a 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 usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or activate an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now standard on many automobiles. They can be a useful way to unlock your car, however they also make it simple for thieves to rob your vehicle. The most common car key fob type is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. They are typically found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the metal key is enclosed within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different kinds of car fobs. These are the most sought-after because they permit you to unlock and start your car without physical key. Many dealers overcharge prices for key fobs since they know that consumers will pay anything to return their vehicle. While it's not easy to find a cheap replacement for a fob you can save money by choosing the correct replacement battery and using an alternative method of reprogramming your device. If you own a traditional metal key an electronic starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can get a replacement for it at a locksmith that isn't associated with any particular auto manufacturer. Many of these locations carry a large selection of replacement keys, and they can cut and program them for much cheaper than the dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you. Locksmiths If your key fob is lost, you'll need to find an expert to replace the item. It might not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob comes with an advanced feature, like remote start or automatic locking. Smart keys are utilized in the majority of modern vehicles to prevent theft. They function by sending a unique security code each time a key is pressed. The codes are not stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip that communicates with the vehicle to unlock doors and start it. Due to this additional layer of security, it's usually only licensed locksmiths or car dealership technicians that have the equipment and know-how to reprogram replacements for these kinds of keys. Based on the model and year, you may be able to purchase an entirely new key fob from an hardware store or a locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. You'll still have to hire an expert to program your fob. This may require the same equipment that the dealership uses. Certain automakers offer instructions on self-programming key fobs on their websites or in their owner's manuals. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need an additional key fob to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It's wise for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one. If your car has an old-fashioned key shank in addition to the smart key, you'll be able to purchase a spare key at a hardware or key cutting shop for a reasonable price and assuming that the original metal key doesn't get lost along with the fob. Fobs with a transponder element on both the key shank and the fob will probably require a professional to program however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key has to be replaced. Those with German automobiles, for instance, that have a “flip” function, which is akin to a switchblade knife may only be able to find fob replacements at the dealership. The reason is that these fobs usually use a special type of transponder that can only be reset and reset by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company with the equipment necessary to do this.