car key fob replacement (i was reading this)

A lot of cars have key fobs to lock and unlock the doors and begin your car. Replacing the standard key fob typically requires an appointment with a dealer who will charge according to the model of your vehicle.

Consumer Reports has some simple ways to save money. Here's how:

Battery

If your key fob ceases to work, the first thing to do is change its battery. These little devices that have taken over the place of traditional keys have a lot more in them than just buttons that unlock and lock your vehicle. They emit a sequence of signals based on many times you press them. This unique signal is sent to a receiver inside the car, which then locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however as with any other gadget that spends most of its time scurrying around in your pockets and purse they may cease to function as they age.

If you're lucky enough, your new-car dealer will offer key fob batteries replacement compatible with your car. If not, they're available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. It is generally recommended to purchase a CR2032 button cell battery, which ranges from $2-4 American for a set of two. To avoid damaging the electronic circuit board, you'll need to remove the battery that was on your key fob before replacing it with a new one.

Certain of the more recent fobs come with a small key that can be pulled out if your keys don't work to open the door or start the car. This is a useful feature, but it could be dangerous for people who frequently lose their keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that is based upon an RFID chip embedded into the key fob. If you are having trouble with your car, contact the manufacturer and ask if the chip could be reset. You can also contact an locksmith.

You may be able 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 additional key from the dealership. However, be warned that not all aftermarket replacement key fobs will work with your vehicle and require specialized equipment to program.

Programming

Modern cars come with electronic key fobs, which let you start and unlock the car key replacements from a distance. If you lose yours or require an upgrade you might be in a position to program an alternative yourself. The exact process depends on the model of your vehicle, but instructions are often available online. Owner's guides can also provide detailed programming information. Before you attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it has fresh batteries. They are inexpensive and easy to replace but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. It is also a good idea to close all doors, as even one door left open could influence how the fob functions.

To reprogram a key fob switch off your car and then remove the original key from its ignition. Press the lock button on the new fob in the same time frame generally between 10 to 30 seconds. The car could respond by turning on the lights, cycling the locks or emitting an audible chime signal as confirmation that the fob is programmed. Repeat this procedure for any additional keys you want to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method only works on vehicles that utilize the same technology. If your car uses an alternative key fob or has an ignition key that is different and requires specific programming. This can only be done by an authorized dealer.

Many dealerships provide this service for a flat fee however you may be able to save money by contacting an automotive locksmith instead. They often have the necessary equipment needed to complete the task for a fraction of what you'd pay at a dealership. They might even be able to travel to your location to do the work.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they offer a guarantee. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you've established a good working relationship with your mechanic, he or she might even inform you of the costs of this service before you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you lose your car keys, you may be tempted to visit the dealership to get an alternative. Dealerships may charge more than other locations, and they might not be the most affordable option. There are other options for getting your key fob replaced, including hardware stores and locksmiths. These stores are usually less expensive than dealerships, and can save you money.

A car key fob is a piece technology that lets you open and start your vehicle without using the traditional metal key. It's an oval or rectangular piece of plastic that has buttons to lock and unlock your vehicle, trigger an alert or open the trunk. Fobs were popular in the 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 steal your car.

The most common car key fob type is the push button starter. It is connected to the ignition in your car. You can usually find them at the dealership or an auto parts store. Switchblade keys, where the key made of metal is encased within a plastic part, and keyless entry key fobs are different types of car fobs. The latter are most popular because they permit you to unlock and start your car without physical key.

Many dealers overcharge the cost of key fobs as they know that customers will be willing to pay for any service in order to get their car back. It can be difficult to locate a replacement car key fobs fob at an affordable cost for replacement car key. However, you can save some money by using the right battery and reprogramming it in a different method.

Whether you have an old-fashioned metal key, a push-button starter, or one of the latest smart keys, you can change it at a locksmith that isn't affiliated with any particular car manufacturer. These locations offer a wide choice of replacement keys and are able to program and cut them for cheaper than dealers. You can search the search engine to find an independent locksmith near you.

Locksmiths

If your key fob has been lost, you'll have to hire a professional to replace it. It might not be as inexpensive as you think, especially if your key fob is equipped with some sort of smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.

Smart keys are found in most modern cars to guard against theft. They function by sending an unique security code each when the key is used. The codes aren't stored on the fob, but in an embedded chip that communicates with the car to unlock doors and also start the engine. Because of this additional layer only locksmiths and car dealership technicians have the tools and know-how needed to reprogram these keys.

Based on the model of your car and year, you could be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than it would cost to go through a dealer. But, you'll most likely have to hire an expert to program the fob, which may require the same equipment that the dealership utilizes.

Some automakers offer instructions for programming your own fob in their user's guides or online. The steps are somewhat difficult, however you may require another key fob that is functional to speed up the process, or even perform it at all. It is advisable for both the tenants and owners to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car also has an old-fashioned metal key, you can get an extra key at the hardware or key cutting store, as long as the key was not lost along with the fob. Fobs with transponders on both the key shank and the fob may need to be programmed by a professional. However, this could be costly in the event that you need to make more than one spare or if the key requires replacing.

People who own German cars, for example those that come with a "flip" function, which is similar to a switchblade knife might only be able to find fob replacements at the dealer. The reason for this is because these fobs typically 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 equipment necessary to accomplish this.