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Cost to Replace Car Key Fobs With today's advanced key fobs, it can cost a significant amount to replace your lost or broken one. The cost can be affected by a variety of factors. Key fobs send radio signals that activate the onboard computer in your car to unlock doors or start the engine. Based on the type of key fob, you might have to visit your dealer to get it replaced and programmed. Replacement Fobs Car fobs are no longer simply keys made of metal they are now sophisticated convenience and security devices. However, they're not impervious to damage and damaged or lost fobs are costly to replace. Key fob batteries can be bought at electronic stores, auto parts stores shops, and other retail outlets like big-box retailers. The coin-shaped batteries, which are available in packs of four or more, are usually priced at around $10 or less. The label on the back of your key fob will typically indicate the type of battery you require. After removing the old battery, put in the new one and then snap the two halves back together. In some cases the fob might need to be replaced completely. Certain high-end keys have a transmitter that is essential for certain functions, like window operation, automatic parking or summoning the vehicle to you. The transmitter is an essential element and if it fails the fob will not work effectively even with a new battery. A complete replacement can be ordered online or in-person at a local dealership which can cost as high as $300. A more affordable option is to go to a hardware store, such as Lowcountry Ace Hardware, that provides key fob duplication, replacement, and programming services at a fraction of the dealership's costs. While aftermarket fobs offer an affordable option, their reliability is different from brand to brand and is contingent on compatibility with your specific vehicle. Research the product and read the reviews prior to buying an aftermarket key fob to ensure that it will work with your vehicle. If you can, use a reputable locksmith in your area to avoid any problems or unexpected expenses in the future. A locksmith can also help you save money on the cost of a complete replacement by cutting and programming a spare key from another vehicle that matches yours. Depending on the model and make, this process can take less than an hour. Genesky who was the interviewee for this article, said that if a dealership offered customers $350 to replace and program a fob, Genesky could complete the same thing in his shop for $200-$250. Batteries A dead battery is the most frequent cause of your key fob not functioning. Thankfully, replacing a car key fob battery is a cheap and quick process. replacement for key fob can buy replacement batteries for your car key fob in a variety of hardware stores and large online retailers. The majority of key fobs utilize conventional button cells that look like coins, such as the CR2032. You can get a pack of them from popular brands such as Energizer or Panasonic for around $2-4. To change the battery in your key fob, remove it from the ignition of your car or unlock it using your manual remote. Next look for a notch or groove on the inside of the key fob, where you can place the tool. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the key fob open. Once it is open, locate the old battery and replace it with a new one. Make sure you match the type of battery with the model and year of your vehicle. Press the unlock or lock button to test the key fob after it has been recharged. If the key fob doesn't work it might require reprogramming by a dealer. In contrast to older key fobs which can be programmed at home by the owner, more modern ones equipped with transponder chips or proximity sensors require special machines that are only available through certain dealerships. Dealers charge between $50 and $500 to reprogram a keyfob with these advanced features. Many vehicles also come with a “smart key” that requires special technology to serve as an antitheft device. These fobs are difficult to program, and must usually be done by a dealer. In some instances, a smart key will need to be completely replaced when it's damaged or lost. It's expensive as keys can be priced at more than $200. Some dealers will provide this service at no cost as a courtesy to customers, but this isn't always the situation. Consult your owner's manual for more information on how to replace the smart key fob. Also, make sure to keep a spare key fob in your pocket or center console in case of emergency. Key Replacement A new key fob can cost you anything from $50 to several hundred dollars. There are a variety of factors that affect the cost such as the kind of key fob you choose and the car's make and model. High-end cars as well as those with sophisticated features may require a more complicated key system, driving up the cost to replace them. A car fob (also known as a key remote or a remote control) emits a signal at a low frequency which identifies the vehicle to the vehicle it is linked. The owner is then able to unlock the doors and then start the car. To function properly, fobs require programming to the vehicle in question. Some dealerships will do this for no cost, while others charge a fee for half an hour or an hour of labor. Some replacement key fobs can be programmed by the owner without the need of an agent or locksmith. The cheapest replacement key fob is the standard metal key. They can be duplicated at the local hardware store. Transponder keys, however, must be matched to the immobilizer system on your vehicle in order to operate, and these are much more expensive. Some newer replacement keys also come with “smart” technology which includes an electronic chip that connects with the car's onboard systems. While most locksmiths have the tools to cut a replacement key but they might not be capable of programming it correctly for your specific car. Because of the software and security features that are included in the software, certain replacement car key fobs can only be purchased at the dealer. In general, this isn't an issue, since most dealers have a wide selection of car keys, and they can be programmed at a reasonable price. A handful of locksmiths for automotive have entered into the business of selling replacement key fobs for a variety of popular models, ranging from $50 to $400. However, Consumer Reports notes that these “aftermarket” fobs aren't an ideal idea. Some are difficult to program, and others could be rejected by your car's security system due to incompatible software or technology. It is better to ensure that you don't lose your car key fob by keeping it in a designated location and buying a spare. Dealerships The cost of replacing car key fobs varies according to the type and model of the vehicle. In general, dealer-installed key fobs are more expensive than those purchased from aftermarket stores. Key fobs with an immobilizer chip that is required or are part of advanced security systems tend to be more expensive. replacement car key with fob of modern fobs work by emitting a signal that connects to a device in the car's computer system, which then detects the radio frequency and allows the key to open doors or start the engine. Some fobs may include an integrated display, which allows drivers to see their fuel level and other information about the vehicle in glance. The majority of hardware stores can cut traditional keys but they aren't able to program or cut fobs that require a special code, immobilizer chip, or remote-frequency signal. These advanced fobs are usually connected by a professional using the right remote. Most of the time, dealers can program the new keyfob. This is particularly the case for vehicles that are late in their production. The dealer will have the equipment to program the key fob. Some of these systems have password security, which means that only licensed dealers can access and use the system. For older vehicles, Consumer Reports recommends trying to locate the right fob in an online auto parts store or at a local hardware store instead of paying the high cost of the dealership. Some dealers claim that aftermarket keys don't be compatible with their vehicle's technology. It's important to note that the majority of the expense associated with replacing the key fob isn't pertaining to the replacement itself. Most of the cost associated with a key fob is usually the reprogramming that has to be done in order to make it work correctly. Before purchasing a fob, it is recommended that you check your car's warranty, auto insurance policy or club membership insurance to determine if any of these will cover the costs of programming. If not, the cost could quickly increase. In the meantime, it's always a good idea to keep a spare key on hand, just in case.