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Replacing a Key Fob Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which allow drivers to remotely start their car and open doors. They also have the ability to activate the alarm. These remotes look like advanced car keys, with buttons, and often include a switchblade key or laser-cut keys within. You can get an additional key for your car by visiting an auto dealer, or an automotive locksmith. However, you may also have other options. Here are some of them. Battery The key fob is used to control the security features of your car, including remote entry and ignition start. Keyless entry became a common feature in the 1990s and many new models use key fobs to open doors and activate an alarm at the push of a button. Key fobs can the range of $150 to several hundred dollars, depending on the features they offer. It is easy and inexpensive to replace the battery of a key fob even without visiting an authorized dealer. The battery in your key fob is a coin-shaped piece that can be removed by taking off the plastic clip that is holding it. After releasing the clip, you can remove the battery and replace it using an screwdriver. Certain key fobs have batteries that is easily removed by sliding it out, while others require more effort to replace. Once you have removed the battery that was in use, remove the metal or plastic that covers the positive and negative battery posts. The positive posts typically have an orange cover over it and will have a cable attached to it, while the negative post is marked with a red stripe or a red sticker over it. Some older key fobs resemble an ornamental keychain made of plastic with buttons that let you open the door, or remotely start your car. Often, these devices conceal a key inside, which can be cut by any locksmith. Modern fobs that do not have the hidden key function in a different manner by using a transmitter to send unique signals that only your car can read and recognize. If you have an additional key fob, use it to determine whether it works with the engine of your vehicle. If it doesn't work, you'll need to have the key fob reprogrammed by an authorized dealer. It's expensive to buy a fob that has advanced features, such as an LCD display. However, replacement car key fobs near me 'll be the only way to use your vehicle. Some dealers offer this service for a fee or have an in-house technician that can handle it for you. Programming A key fob is an electronic device that lets you to unlock your car and sometimes start it without the use of the physical key. It is powered by a small battery and communicates using radio frequencies with your vehicle. Most vehicles employ codes to determine the correct radio frequency to transmit information. If the replacement fob is not been properly programmed the vehicle won't recognize the new fob, and will not open or start doors. It is easy to re-program most key fobs at the dealership or at a locksmith. It requires a working key fob as well as the code for your specific vehicle, which is typically included in the owner's manual or available from an authorized dealer. It also requires the correct tools, which can be found at some dealerships, auto parts stores and certain locksmiths. Some key fobs require reprogramming using special software that is only accessible through a dealership or a reputable auto locksmith. These programs are used to maintain the integrity of the EEPROM, which stores sensitive information and security codes on your car's computers. Consumer Reports explains that if the incorrect software is installed, it can corrupt your EEPROM system and shut down your vehicle. While it's tempting to buy a cheap replacement fob online and try to save money by programming it yourself, experts suggest staying clear of this option. Apart from 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 competent to program a new key for you at a cost that is reasonable. However, make sure you choose a reputable company that has insurance in the event that the work goes off-track and your vehicle is damaged. It's also a good idea examine your warranty, auto insurance policy or auto club membership for assistance or reimbursement for repair costs. Dealership In the past, keys made of metal were used for opening the car's doors and to start it. In the 1990s and beyond keys were more frequently used to facilitate convenience features like the push-button start button and increased security. Nowadays, nearly every new car is equipped with key fobs as standard equipment. If you lose your key fob you'll have to go to the dealer to get a replacement. You'll also need to pay for it to be programmed to fit your vehicle. Based on the type of key you have as well as its extra features, this could cost you hundreds of dollars. The manufacturer of the car decides the cost of an replacement key fob. This varies based on brand, materials keys, keyless entry options, and so on. A key fob that is equipped with advanced security features, such as rolling code encryption and anti-theft will cost more than a fob that only lets you unlock doors and start the car. The cost of replacing a fob for your key could be covered by your warranty or auto insurance policy, or an auto club membership. In some instances it is possible to save money by buying an auto parts store fob that has the same appearance and programming as your original. Online retailers offer affordable and easy to program replacement fobs. Some dealerships sell only replacement fobs that work with the car model you drive. This is usually due to their advanced technology. For instance, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other luxury brands use a special rolling-code encryption that isn't readable by fobs from aftermarket stores. If you own an older car that has a simple key fob, you could purchase a replacement at around $50 at a hardware store or a big-box retailer. You can either replace the battery yourself or have a locksmith do it. The majority of batteries found in car key fobs are in the shape of coins, and they cost around $10 or less. This is a straightforward fix. Your owner's manual or a quick YouTube search will show you how to do this for the majority of models. Parts Store for Auto Parts Store You can save money by going to your local auto parts store instead of the dealership if you have to replace an old car key that is not fob or mechanical key in your car isn't working. They usually have various keys that can be replaced, from oval or rectangular fobs to key blade types. They can also cut keys and program it at just a fraction of the cost of a dealership. The majority of modern cars have fob keys which communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency signals. This technology was invented in the 1990s and allows you to unlock and lock your car's doors, turn on the security system, and even open the trunk, all without the need for an actual key. Fobs can be used with many vehicles but not all. For this reason, 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. You can sometimes buy an replacement fob on merchants such as Amazon or eBay or specialized automotive retailers, but you'll usually have visit a dealer to get the most current models. They have the tools necessary to set up an appropriate fob that can be used with your vehicle. Certain fobs that are older, such as that are from cars built before the 1990s and without a sophisticated security systems, can be purchased in an auto parts store. They can be programmed online. Consumer Reports says that the most effective way to save money on a car key replacement is by comparing prices prior to making the purchase. They recommend, for example calling your auto insurance and roadside assistance provider in order to see if they are able to assist you. In addition, you could try to fix your car's problem yourself by putting off spending money on an alternative key. Extreme cold and heat or even just sweat can cause fobs to cease working and you may be able to cause it back to life if you give it a few minutes to rest. 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.