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How to Replace a Car Key Fob If you have a modern vehicle, chances are that you've become accustomed to key fobs. These handy devices not only be used to lock and unlock the doors of your car, but also provide a variety of security and security features. Sometimes, these key fobs fail to function or even break. CR spoke to dealerships and other experts about the best method to replace it — and some money-saving suggestions. Dead Battery Many modern cars have key fobs that can unlock the doors and start the engine with a simple press of a button. This is referred to as keyless entry and it makes driving much more convenient than having to juggle your keys or trying to find them in your pocket. Fobs can also do other things, like roll down the windows, or summon and park your car for you. If you lose your keyfob, or it's dead, replacing it can be a hassle and costly. Examine your car's warranty or insurance coverage, or roadside assistance to determine if a replacement is covered. If you don't have this protection, the next best option is to call a locksmith. They have the same knowledge as an auto dealer and can solve your problem faster and efficient. The easiest way to fix your dead key fob is by replacing the batteries. These coin-shaped battery are available in hardware stores as well as online retailers and big-box retailers for less than $10. If you're handy, you can replace the battery yourself by following the steps in the owner's manual, or by watching a YouTube video. In some instances, a new battery may not be able to solve the issue. You'll need it reprogrammed. This is usually done by a dealer, however you can find it on YouTube or in a few owner's guides. A locksmith with experience can modify your key fob's programming and create any new keys you require to get back on the road. They'll do it at a fraction of the price you'd pay at a dealer. They might not have latest technology or be able to provide for all models and makes. Check their credentials before hiring. Another option is to install an app for your smartphone to start and open the vehicle by using a Bluetooth connection. These apps are accessible on a majority of popular smartphones. They can be downloaded either on the website of the manufacturer or through a third-party service. These apps may not be as secure as physical key fobs but they allow you to drive your car while you await a replacement. Locked Out Since their introduction in 1990, car key fobs are now indispensable for unlocking doors and starting cars. These electronic devices can malfunction due to a variety reasons. Keep an extra key or fob in your vehicle at all times to avoid being locked out. You can unlock your car using the phone app or manually unlocking the door. You should also make it a habit to check for your keys prior to locking your car as part of your routine. A professional auto locksmith will assist you if lost or misplaced your key fob, or if it is out of sync. They'll typically resync the fob with your vehicle at a cost of a small fee. Most locksmiths can also cut new keys for you if yours aren't working. A locksmith could be less expensive than a dealer when it comes to changing a car key, especially in the event that your car is newer. For example, a dealer could charge as high as $400 to replace the latest key fobs on certain brands of vehicles. These models are protected with advanced digital encryption. According to Mel Yu, automotive editor at Consumer Reports, some dealers only have the necessary equipment to reprogram a completely new key fobs in their service centers. Apart from being costly, it's inconvenient to be locked out of your car and could cause anxiety and stress. You should always have a spare car key with you or hand it over to an individual in your family or to a friend to keep safe. You can also put in an auto-tracking device that has remote locking features as an additional measure of security. Another option is calling roadside assistance if you've accidentally locked your keys inside of your car. Many roadside assistance services can connect you with a mobile auto locksmith who will quickly unlock your door for only a fraction of the cost. Some of these services may even help you start your vehicle if it doesn't start without a key fob. Button is not responding Key fobs were originally an ornamental piece of plastic that was attached to keys. But since remote entry systems have become commonplace in late 1990s, key fobs are now an integral part to your vehicle. Fobs are usually black or dark gray plastic with buttons. They are used to unlock doors or activate an alarm, but unlike traditional metal keys they cannot be used to start the car. Typically, the fob is attached to an electronic key or, as in the case of some Toyota models the key made of metal as well as the remote are a single switchblade unit. The key fob sends out the radio frequency signal which is in sync with the vehicle's receiver unit. This is how a car determines whether a driver is trying to enter it. Some fobs have additional features, for instance the capability to remotely lower all of a vehicle's windows. You can purchase replacement car key fobs from a dealership or auto parts store. However, you'll need to have them professionally programmed to match your vehicle. The reason is that many automakers have their own unique code system and preparing a new fob with the same specifications as the current one requires the expertise of a dealer in technology and security. Some newer vehicles come with a specific key that can be used to summon the car and park it automatically. These are generally more expensive than a standard fob however they provide an abundance of convenience. Some types of fobs require professional programming. A car dealership, or in more common cases an auto locksmith with the right programming software and equipment, is able to do this. If you have a newer vehicle, a dealership could be the best option as they can program most fobs for a low fee and usually in less than an hour. Some older fobs can be bought at a hardware store and can be self-programmed, however this isn't the norm for modern automobiles. Unless you have an additional fob that could be used with your car, it is always best to visit the dealer from which you purchased the vehicle. Many will offer a discount for being a loyal customer, which is great in the event that your car's key fob is dead. Other Issues Key fobs are among the most useful features for modern-day car owners. They permit drivers to lock or unlock their vehicle by pressing one button. However, despite their convenience, key fobs are not durable and may require repair or replacement. There are remote car starter key fob replacement that you can do to ensure that your device functions correctly. This includes cleaning the buttons frequently and replacing the battery when it is exhausted. You can also keep batteries in a safe place. Avoiding exposing the fobs to magnetic fields or electromagnetic interference will also extend their life span. A key fob that is dead is one of the easiest and most common problems that can be caused by a car key fob. If you notice that the range which your key fob can unlock your vehicle is getting shorter or the fob has to be repeatedly pressed to activate an option, it's likely that the battery is dying. Replacing the battery is easy, as most key fobs have an indentation of a small size that you can use a coin or screwdriver to remove. Replace the battery by taking out the old one and putting in an entirely new battery that matches the type of battery to your model. A broken lock can also cause keys not to function. If your key fob can't unlock the doors or start your car, it could be an issue with the locks. This is especially the case for older vehicles that have manual transmissions. It can be difficult to use keys fobs. A malfunctioning component within the key fob may hinder its functioning. The causes can range from physical damage to worn-out internal electronics. If you notice that your key fob is damaged, it's best to contact a professional who can find out the cause and decide whether it is worth fixing or if it's more easily replaced. Dealers could be the best choice in certain situations because they are experts on a specific brand and model.