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Replacing a Key Fob Modern cars come with key fobs that permit drivers to remotely start their car and open doors. They can also set off the alarm. These remote devices are similar to modern car keys, however they have buttons and often cover a laser-cut switchblade or laser key. You can get an alternative key for your vehicle by visiting a dealership, or an automotive locksmith. But, you might also have other options. Here are a few of them. Battery The key fob controls the security features of your vehicle, such as remote entry and ignition start. In the early 1990s, keyless entry became a commonplace. The majority of new models use key fobs to unlock doors and arm alarms at the push of a button. These devices can range in the range of $150 to several hundred dollars based on the features they come with. It's easy and cheap to replace the battery of a key fob even without visiting an authorized dealer. The battery inside your keyfob is a shaped coin device. It can be removed from the clip made of plastic by removing it. After releasing the clip you can remove the old battery and install the new one using a screwdriver or other tool. Some key fobs come with a battery that is easily removed by sliding it out, whereas others require more effort to replace. After removing the old battery, remove the plastic or metal covering the posts that are positive and negative. how to get a replacement car key fob is usually identified by a cover in red and a cable, while the negative will be marked with the use of a red stripe or the use of a sticker. The older key fobs appear like a plastic key chain decoration, with buttons to open the door and remotely start your engine. These devices can be disguised as keys that are cut-able. Newer fobs that don't contain a hidden key work differently by using a transmitter that can send unique signals that only your vehicle can read and recognize. If you have an extra key fob test it out to see whether it is compatible with your car's ignition. If it doesn't, you'll need to have the fob reset by a dealer. It can be expensive to purchase a key fob that is equipped with advanced features, such as an LCD display. However, it will be the only method to use your car. Some dealers charge fees for this service, and others have a technician on hand who can perform the service. Programming A key fob is an electronic device that allows you to unlock your car and sometimes start it without using the physical key. It is powered by small batteries and communicates via radio frequencies with your vehicle. Most vehicles use an identification code to identify the appropriate radio frequency for transmitting the information. If the replacement fob hasn't been properly programmed the vehicle won't recognize the new fob, and will not start or unlock doors. It is simple to reprogram the majority of key fobs in a dealership or a locksmith. The code for your car is usually found in the owner's guide or is available from a dealer. It also requires the right tools, which can be found at some dealerships as well as auto parts stores and certain locksmiths. Certain key fobs need to be reprogrammed using specialized software, which is only accessible through an authorized dealership or auto locksmith. These software programs are used to ensure the integrity of the EEPROM that stores sensitive information and security codes on the computers of your vehicle. If the wrong software is used it could corrupt the EEPROM and disable your car according to an article from Consumer Reports article. While it's tempting to buy an inexpensive replacement fob online and try to save money by programming it yourself, experts recommend not going down this route. Besides the fact that you might be putting your vehicle's security at risk, doing so could cause additional problems such as an unrepaired fob or a computer that is not functioning. A locksmith will be able to program your new key for you at a reasonable price. However, make sure you choose an established company with insurance in the event that the work goes wrong and your car is damaged. In addition, it's an excellent idea to look over your warranty, insurance policy, or auto club membership to determine whether they'll pay for the cost of replacing a key fob or help pay for any costs associated with the repair. Dealership Traditionally, simple keys made of metal were used to open the doors of the car and then start the engine. In the 1990s and beyond the use of key fobs was more frequently used to facilitate convenience features like button-based starting and enhanced security. Today, nearly every new car is offered with a key fob as standard equipment. If you have lost a key fob it, the only option to replace it is to visit the dealer, where you'll probably have to pay for a replacement and get it programmed for your vehicle. This could cost you hundreds of dollars depending on the kind of key and its features. The car's manufacturer determines the price of the replacement key fob. It can differ based on the brand, the materials keys, keyless entry options, and so on. For example, a key fob that has advanced security features such as rolling code encryption and anti-theft technology will have more expensive prices than one that only lets you unlock the doors and start the engine. Your warranty, auto insurance or auto club membership may cover the cost of an entirely new key fob. In some instances, you can save money by purchasing a key fob from an auto parts shop with a similar design and programming to your original one. You can also find affordable and easy-to-program replacement fobs for various vehicles from online stores. Some dealerships sell only replacement fobs that work with the type of car you drive. This is usually due to their high-tech systems. For instance, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other luxury brands utilize a special rolling-code encryption which isn't deciphered by fobs from aftermarket stores. If you have an older car that has the standard key fob, you could purchase a replacement for about $50 at a hardware store or a big-box retailer. You can either replace the battery by yourself or let a locksmith do it. The majority of the batteries on the car key fob are coin-shaped and will cost $10 or less it's a simple fix. The owner's manual or a quick YouTube search will show you how to fix this issue for the majority of models. Auto Parts Store You can save money by visiting your local auto parts store instead of the dealership when you need to replace a traditional car key without a fob or if the mechanical key in your car isn't working. They usually stock an array of replacement keys, from basic oval or rectangular key fobs to switchblade kinds. They can cut and program keys for you at a fraction of the cost of a dealer. Most newer cars use fob keys which communicate with the vehicle using radio frequency signals. This technology was invented in the 1990s and enables you to unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, activate the security system, and even open the trunk without the need for a physical key. Fobs are programmed for many different cars, but they're not always compatible with all cars. Therefore, if yours has an issue with a fob that's not working correctly, you might need to replace the entire unit instead of just the key itself. It is possible to purchase a replacement fob online from merchants such as Amazon or eBay or specialist automotive stores, but you'll usually have to visit the dealer for the most recent models. This is because dealers have the equipment required to prep a fob to ensure it's compatible with your particular car. Certain fobs that are older, such as that are from cars built before the 1990s and without a sophisticated security system, can be purchased in an auto parts store. They can be programmed online. Consumer Reports says that the most effective method to save money on a car key replacement is to compare prices before you make an purchase. They suggest, for example making contact with your car insurer and roadside assistance provider to see whether they can help. You could also try to solve the issue yourself, by waiting for some time before purchasing a new key. It is possible to get your fob to function again by giving it time to rest. Extreme heat and cold or sweat can cause it to stop working. It is also possible to repair your fob if you reset it. This is a straightforward procedure that's detailed in the owner's manual.