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How Do You Explain Car Key Fob Replacement To A Five-Year-Old
Car Key Fob Replacement

Many cars use key fobs that lock and unlock the doors and allow you to start your car. Typically replacing a standard key fob requires an appointment with the dealer and the cost is according to the vehicle's make.

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

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If your key fob stops working the first thing you should do is change its battery. These devices, which have replaced traditional keys, do a lot more than just unlock and lock the car. They emit a coded sequence of signals based on how many times you press them. This unique signal is transmitted to a receiver within the car, which locks or unlocks it. Fobs won't last forever, however like any other piece of consumer technology that spends the majority of its time in your purses and pockets, they can stop working as they age.

If you're lucky, your new-car dealer will have batteries for keys compatible with your vehicle. If not, they are available at auto parts stores or big-box retailers. You'll typically need 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 carefully remove the old battery from your key fob and replace it with a new one.

Some modern fobs include an electronic key inside of them that you can pull out if the keys fail to open your door or start the engine. While this is a useful feature, it can be risky for people with an inclination to lose keys. Some people have a wireless remote locking system that relies upon an RFID chip embedded in the key fob. If you're having trouble with this, you'll need to contact the manufacturer of your car to see whether the chip could be reset, or contact a locksmith if needed.

If you can purchase a replacement key fob at an amount you're comfortable with you might be able to do the programming yourself. This is typically a affordable alternative to paying for an additional key from the dealership. Be aware that not all key fobs from aftermarket will work with your vehicle and many require special equipment to be programmed.


Programming

Most modern cars come equipped with electronic key fobs which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle remotely. If you lose yours, or require an upgrade you might be in a position to program a replacement yourself. The exact procedure is dependent on the model of your vehicle however, the instructions are usually accessible online. Some owner's manuals also include specific programming instructions. Before Continue Reading attempt reprogramming your key fob, ensure that it's got new batteries. They are affordable and easy to replace but an over-charged battery can interfere with the process. Close all doors at once. One open door can affect the functioning of the fob.

To reprogram a remote, switch off your vehicle and remove the ignition key that was originally used. Press the lock button on the new fob within a predetermined time frame, typically 10 to 30 seconds. The car might respond by cycling the locks, switching on the lights, or emitting a chime to confirm that the fob was programmed. Repeat this process for any additional fobs that you want to add to your vehicle's system.

This reprogramming method is only applicable on vehicles that utilize the exact same technology. If your vehicle uses a different type of key fob or a separate metal ignition key, it will require specialized programming that must be done 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 do the work for a fraction what you would pay in the dealership. They may even be able to travel to your home to complete the job.

Ask the dealer how much the service will cost and if they provide a guarantee. Verify your warranty or auto club membership or insurance policy to determine if they cover any lost fobs. If you have a good working relationship with your mechanic, he might even be able to inform you of the cost of this service prior to when you make an appointment.

Dealerships

If you've lost your car keys, you could be tempted to go to the dealership for an alternative. Dealerships can charge more for this service than other locations and may not provide the best price. Locksmiths and hardware stores are two other options to replace your key fob. These places are often cheaper than the dealership, and could save you money.

A car key fob is a piece of technology that lets you unlock and start your car without the need for a traditional metal key. It's usually a rectangular or oval piece of plastic that has buttons that let you lock and unlock your car, trigger an alarm, or open the trunk. Fobs became popular in 1990s and are now common on many vehicles. They are a convenient method of opening your vehicle, but they could also make it easier for thieves to take it.

The most common car key fob model is the push button starter. It is attached to the ignition in your car. These are usually found at an auto parts store or dealership. Switchblade keys, in which the key made of metal is encased in a plastic piece and keyless entry key fobs are also kinds of car fobs. The latter are most popular since they allow you to open and start your car without a physical keys.

Many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs because they know that consumers will pay whatever it takes to return their vehicle. It can be difficult to find a replacement fob for a reasonable price. However, you can save some money by choosing the correct battery and programming it in a different manner.

You can exchange your key at an independent locksmith that is not associated with a particular car manufacturer regardless of whether you own an old-fashioned, metal key or a sophisticated electronic key. These locations offer a wide selection of replacement keys, and can cut and program them for cheaper than dealers. You can also make use of a search engine in order to find a locksmith that is independent in your neighborhood.

Locksmiths

If your key fob goes missing, you'll probably have to hire a professional replace it. It may not be as costly as you think, especially if your key fob has a smart feature, such as remote start or automatic locking.

Modern cars are equipped with smart keys that are designed to stop theft by sending unique security codes every time the button is hit. These codes are not stored on the fob itself but instead in an embedded chip which communicates with the vehicle in order to unlock doors and begin it. Because of this extra layer of security, it's usually only locksmiths who are licensed or dealership technicians who have the tools and know-how to reprogram replacements to these types of keys.

Based on the model and year, you might be able to purchase a new key fob at a hardware store or locksmith that is specialized in automotive locksmithing for less than what it would cost to go through the dealer. However, you'll likely still have to hire a professional to program the fob, which may require the same equipment the dealership uses.

Certain automakers provide instructions for programming your own fob in their owners' guides or online. The steps are quite difficult, however and you may need a second functional key fob to speed up the process or even complete it all. It's a good idea for both owners and tenants to have two key fobs working before they lose one.

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key shank in addition to its smart key it is possible to purchase a spare key at a key or hardware cutting store for relatively inexpensive, assuming that the metal key doesn't get lost together with the fob. Fobs with a transponder feature on both the key shank as well as the fob are likely to require professional programming however, and this can add up if you need to have more than one spare or the key needs to be replaced.

Replacement fobs for German cars with a "flip" that is similar in function to a switchblade, can only be available through the dealer. The reason for this is that these fobs typically use a specific type of transponder that can only be reset and programmed by the dealer's service department, which is usually the only company that has the tools needed to do this.

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