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Cheap Car Key Fob Replacement Unless your fob is one of the most elegant “smart” models that integrate with advanced vehicle-security systems replacing it shouldn't cost too costly. The key is to compare. Many dealerships say they can't offer cheaper fobs because they require specific programming equipment that works with many newer cars. There are ways around this. 1. Buy a new battery Most key fobs are clamshell style and open at the seam that divides both sides. They need to be opened before you can replace the battery. This requires a tool called a flat screwdriver or a watch knife. To open the fob case, wedge the tool around its fasteners and slowly pull the case open. Don't force the case. This will likely cause internal damage. The inside of fob cases may differ based on the year, model and model of your vehicle. Examine the case or the owner's manual before purchasing replacement batteries. Fobs are powered by small coin-shaped batteries, CR2025 and. Batteries are sold in general stores as well as home improvement stores and auto parts stores. They cost between $5-10 per box. Most fobs take just one battery, however some, such as the Ford Mustang key fob, require two batteries. After you've removed your old battery, you can carefully insert the new battery into its place, making sure that it's aligned correctly and facing the correct way. A lot of fobs have both a negative and positive symbol on both sides and it's crucial to know which one is which. Connect the fob. If the fob continues to not work, it could require reprogramming at the dealer. Some dealers charge just a few hundred dollars, whereas luxury dealers can charge upwards of $500 to reprogram the fobs of certain high-end cars, such as Tesla's crystal fob. Some charge as little as a couple hundred dollars, whereas luxury dealers can charge upwards of $500 to reprogram the fob of some expensive cars, like Tesla's crystal fob. Comparative shopping and comparing the cost of used fobs on eBay or local classifieds are excellent ways to save money. 2. Buy a new key Modern key fobs don't come cheap. They're more expensive than traditional keys, and they come with sophisticated security and technology features. Some even come with LCD displays that let drivers operate the car's parking system directly from the fob itself and also an inbuilt remote starter. These “smart” fobs can cost hundreds of pounds to replace in the event they are lost or damaged. Although some people have had success finding generic, aftermarket fobs online that can be used with most vehicles Some locksmiths from the automotive industry recommend against it. replacement auto key fob is that aftermarket key fobs are often difficult to program, and they may not work with the security system of your vehicle. Make sure you choose key fobs that are made specifically for the particular make and model of your car. This will ensure that the replacement for your key fob is compatible and works just as it should. Some key fobs that are aftermarket are available in hardware stores, but if your car is older and has a basic key fob that does not have security features that are advanced then the best choice is to visit an auto dealer. The majority of modern cars come with the key fob, which must be programmed by an authorized dealer using computer software. The majority of modern vehicles come with keys that have a key shank laser-cut that folds down into the fob when it's not in use. The keys are more expensive than conventional ones and can only bought at a dealer, who must complete the necessary reprogramming to allow them to function. In certain cases, reprogramming can be done in the dealership for free, but it's always worth checking to see what the process involves first. 3. Purchase a new key fob If your key fob is lost or stolen, you'll need to buy another one. Fobs are a component of keyless entry systems that are found in modern automobiles and provide remote control for your windows, doors and trunks, as well as alarm. A basic key fob is around $50 to manufacture and a more sophisticated model with a transponder chip may cost up to $500. Some dealers sell aftermarket key fobs, but the process of programming them can be tricky. If you want to save money, some online sites offer programmed fobs delivered right to your doorstep. Make sure that a functioning key must be present to program the replacement. The type of key fob that you require depends on the manufacturer and model of your car. Minivans, trucks and some SUVs use a standard key fob to open the doors and roll down the windows. Certain cars have keys with a switchblade design, which has a spring-loaded steel key that folds down into the fob when not in use and pops out with the press of the button. These are more difficult to copy and can cost up to $200 to replace and program. Other key fobs have more functions, like remote start or more advanced safety features. They usually cost more and you'll have to pay for a dealer visit in the event of losing one. 4. Purchase a new key shank The key fob in your car does more than just unlock doors and turn on the engine. It also serves as an effective deterrent to theft as well as a security feature. The more complex the fob, the higher the cost of replacing it in the event that it is stolen or damaged. Kelley Blue Book recently contacted new car dealerships to see what they charge for a replacement fob and found that prices ranged from as little as $50 to hundreds of dollars. Most modern automobiles require the use of a key fob remote that includes an transponder chip that makes the car start. According to Mel Yu of Consumer Reports they are the most costly to replace as they have to be programmed by the dealer using special equipment only available at the location. Genesky, who owns a locksmith business in the Chicago area, says he has seen some dealerships cost $300 or more for a replacement key fob. He is able to complete the task for less than half that cost if he has the right type of key. There are a variety of sizes and shapes of key fobs. The standard metal ones are cheapest to copy, but they're also the most susceptible to theft. Laser-cut or sidewinder keys are more secure because they have a distinctive cut that is hard to duplicate. Switchblade keys are keys that have springs loaded and fold into the fob to look like the shape of a switchblade. Smart keys aren't actually keys, but a remote that lets you to lock and unlock your vehicle using proximity sensors, or even start it by pressing the button. A basic key copy starts at around $5 for a metal-only key, but fobs with chips, proximity or comfort controls could cost $150 to $500. You can cut down on these costs by purchasing a blank key fob online and having it copied at a local hardware store or auto parts store instead of the dealership. 5. Buy a new key Modern key fobs do more than simply unlock and start a vehicle. They can also control features like lowering the windows and calling the car from a parking space. However, this added function can increase the cost of replacing the fob that has been damaged or lost. In addition to the cost of the new key fob replacements can also involve programming and labor costs. These costs can be significant in the case of an expensive model, one that requires special programming to connect to the car's computer system. The kind of key you own can also have an impact in how much it costs to replace the fob. For instance, a standard key that is made using an old-fashioned brass or steel key cylinder could be substituted with a blank key at a significantly lower cost than a fob equipped with a transponder chip. The price of a new key fob can also differ based on the material and whether it comes with a lock cylinder or not. Another aspect that can add to the cost of a new device is whether or not it comes with an option to start with a push button, which requires it to be placed into a special receiver in order to work. This is usually an option on premium models, which makes it more difficult to take. You may be able find alternative options that are less expensive at an auto parts store or locksmith to reduce the cost of purchasing an entirely new key. The alternatives won't come with the same features or appearance as the original key that came with your vehicle. These places will also require the VIN number to make a replacement.