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Cheap Car Key Fob Replacement If your car's fob isn't one of the fanciest “smart” models that work with advanced vehicle-security systems, replacing it shouldn't be too costly. Comparison shopping is the key. Most dealerships claim they cannot offer lower-cost fobs because they don't have the software to work with modern vehicles. However, there are alternatives to that. 1. Buy a new battery The majority of key fobs are clamshell style and open at the seam that separates the two sides. To replace the battery, you must open them with a tool such as a flat screwdriver, watch knife, or flat screwdriver. To open the case, place the tool around its fasteners and slowly pry the case open. Don't force it; doing so will likely cause internal damage. The inside of fob cases may differ based on the year, model and make of your car. Check the case or the owner's guide before buying a replacement battery. Fobs are small, coin-shaped batteries, referred to as CR2025 and CR2032. Batteries are available in general stores, home improvement stores and auto parts stores. They cost between $5-10 per pack. Most fobs take just one battery, but some, such as the Ford Mustang key fob, require two. After taking out the old battery, carefully replace it in the correct place. Be sure that it is properly aligned and facing the right way. Many fobs have both a negative and positive symbol on both sides, so it's important to identify which one is which. Then, snap the fob together. If the fob doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might require reprogramming by a dealer, according to Yu of CR. You can attempt to reprogram the fob yourself if you've confirmed that it has the correct battery and isn't damaged, but the majority of dealerships charge for this service. Some dealers charge a few hundred bucks, while luxury dealerships can charge up to $500 for the reprograming of the fobs of luxury vehicles, such as Tesla's crystal fob. The best method to save money is to compare shopping as well as checking the cost of a used fob on eBay or local classifieds. 2. Purchase a new key Modern key fobs don't come cheap. They're more expensive than traditional keys and include sophisticated technology and security features. Some even have LCD displays that allow users to control the car's parking system directly from the fob itself and also a built-in remote starter. Fobs like this are called “smart,” and can cost hundreds of dollars to replace if you lose or damage one. Many locksmiths for automotive recommend against purchasing generic aftermarket fobs that work with a variety of vehicles. The reason is because aftermarket fobs can be difficult to program, and they may not work with the security system of your vehicle. Find key fobs designed specifically for the make and model of your vehicle. This will ensure that the new key fob is compatible and works as it should. Hardware stores offer a variety of aftermarket keyfobs, but in the event that you own an older car with basic key fobs that lack advanced security features, it's best to go to a dealer. Most modern vehicles come with keys that need to be programmed by an authorized dealer using computer software. The key fobs on most modern automobiles are laser-cut keys which fold down into fobs when they are not in use. keyless car fob replacement are more expensive than traditional keys and can only be purchased at an authorized dealer, who will also require the reprogramming that is necessary to allow them to function. In some cases it is possible to reprogramme at the dealership for free, but it's always important to know what the process will entail first. 3. Buy a new key fob If your key fob has been stolen or lost, you'll need to buy another one. Fobs are an integral part of the modern car's keyless entry systems and provide the remote control of a vehicle's doors, alarm, trunk, or windows. A basic key fob costs around $50 to manufacture, but a high-tech model with a transponder chip may cost as much as $500. Some dealers offer keys that are made for the market, but the process of programming them can be tricky. If you're looking to save money, some online stores offer programmable fobs shipped right to your door. Remember that you must have a working key to program a replacement. The type of keyfob you need depends upon the make and model of your car. A basic key fob that opens doors and opens the windows is standard in minivans, trucks and some SUVs. Some cars use a key fob with a switchblade design, which has a spring-loaded steel key that folds down into the fob when not in use, and then pops out with the press of one button. They are difficult to replicate and can cost up to $200 to replace and reprogram. Other types of key fobs offer various functions, including remote start or advanced security features. They usually cost more and you'll need to pay for a dealership visit in the event of losing one. 4. Buy a new key shank The key fob on your car does much more than simply unlock doors and start the engine. It also serves as a security feature that is a significant security measure against theft. The more complicated the fob, higher the cost of replacing it if it is lost or damaged. Kelley Blue Book contacted new car dealers to determine what they charge to replace the fob. Prices vary from $50 to a few hundred dollars. To start the car, all newer automobiles require keys that have transponders. These keys are the most expensive to replace since they need to be reprogrammed at the dealer using special equipment which are only available at dealers, according to Consumer Reports' Mel Yu. Genesky, a Chicago-area locksmith has said that he's seen dealerships charge $300 for a replacement key fob. Genesky can usually complete the task for a fraction of the cost if he finds the correct key. There are a variety of sizes and shapes of key fobs. Metal keys are the most affordable to duplicate, but they're also the most vulnerable to theft. Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys, are more secure, because they feature a distinctive cut that's more difficult to duplicate. Switchblade keys are keys with springs that fold up into the fob to resemble a switchblade. Smart keys aren't really keys at all, but remotes that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle with proximity sensors, or even start it by pressing a button. A basic key copy costs around $5 for a key made of metal, but fobs with chips and proximity or comfort controls can range from $150 to $500. You can save money by purchasing an uncut fob online and having it duplicated at the local auto parts or hardware store instead of the dealership. 5. Purchase a new key Modern key fobs do more than just unlock and start a car. They can also control functions like rolling down windows and calling the car from a parking spot. This additional function makes it more expensive to replace the fob that has been damaged or lost. Replacements of key fobs can include programming and labor charges in addition to the cost of the new key fob. These expenses can be significant in the case of an expensive model, one that requires special programming to work with the computer system of your vehicle. The type of key that you have can also affect the cost of replacing your fob. A fob with transponder chips is more expensive than a basic key. The cost of a new fob will also depend on the materials it is made from and whether the key shank is blank or complete with the lock cylinder. Another factor that could increase the cost of a new fob is whether or not it has a push-button start feature, which requires it to be connected to a special receiver in order to work. This feature is often only available on high-end models. It makes them harder to steal. To cut down on the cost of buying a new key, you may be able to locate a less expensive alternative at an auto parts store or a locksmith. These options will not have the same features and appearance as the original key that came with your vehicle. These places will also require the VIN number to be able to create an appropriate replacement.