Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used often and are often abused. In most cases, an easy repair or replacement is all that's needed to make them work again.
Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries, which is easily found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before you call an expert, you can try a few DIY fixes!
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The key fob's battery powers your remote in your car, and in push-to-start cars, it can start your engine. As a result, it is crucial to maintain an efficient, functioning battery. When you're on the go and your key fob is not working, it can cause a lot of trouble. A simple, affordable replacement will solve the issue quickly.
The loss of range and signal strength are the most common signs that a keyfob battery is failing. You might also find that the buttons on your fob don't work or require extra effort to be activated.
You will often find a new key fob battery in the auto parts section of a big box store or on the internet. Typically, these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Consult your owner's guide before you decide on the best battery. Certain cars require a specific size or kind of battery that's not always available at big-box retailers Be sure to know the right specs before you purchase.
Typically the battery is situated in the back of your key fob. It can be removed by prying open the case with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. It is usually shaped like a small coin and be labeled with the battery size. Be sure to note which direction the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the new battery is positioned correctly. After the replacement battery has been inserted, gently snap both pieces of the fob in place and test the buttons to ensure they work.
It's worth noting that when your key fob is unable to stop functioning even after a battery replacement, it may be deprogrammed. In this case you'll have to contact a locksmith for help which will cost some more than replacing the battery in your key fob.
Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it is damaged or if the battery is dead. Set up an appointment to review the range of services we provide in your area.
Weak Signals
If your key fob isn't able to respond to the buttons on the remote it could be an indication that the signaling is not functioning correctly. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistant signals can cause poor range and performance.
The battery level of your fob is a good idea, since it can affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings of the fob can aid in restoring a more regular response. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a call to the manufacturer's support line is the best guide.
Other factors can cause weak fob signals, including interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cellular networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.
Furthermore physical damage to your key fob can affect the transmission of RF signals which could result in a decrease in range and performance. A blown fuses, a broken or cracked button or a bent case of the fob could affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to not to respond.
You can attempt to solve the issue by resetting the fob's settings or by replacing the battery. However, if your fob is old and worn out, it's probably the time to replace it all over again.
Also, don't forget if you have an extra key fob that is part of your vehicle, it could be used instead of the primary remote in the event that it starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if it can resolve the issue before purchasing an entirely new remote. If not, it might be the right time to contact an expert auto locksmith. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best method of action.
Physical Damage
It's not unusual for key fobs to encounter problems from time to time. Most of these issues are not complex or severe and can be fixed with just a few steps. It's recommended to have spare batteries or an additional fob in case one of your keys stops working.
The most common reason for the car key fob not working is the battery is dead. These little devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. These batteries are easily replaceable and can be found at most pharmacies and grocery stores. broken key repair can remove your fob's shell with a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pull out the battery. Check to see if it's damaged or loose and then insert an alternative battery. Most fobs require batteries that are CR2032. However, yours may require a different kind.
If your device loses its pairing, it could stop responding to buttons. This could be due to a number of factors, such as changing the batteries, but is generally simple to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.
If none of the strategies above work, you can try this trick: disconnect the batteries from the car and fob for a short period of time, then reconnect the two in a reverse order. This can force a restart within the system and in some cases, this alone will fix the issue without requiring any of the other steps.
Keep the fob clear of water or other sources of harm while you're trying out new techniques. A fob is durable however, you must take care with it to ensure it lasts as long as it can.
If all of the above troubleshooting tips do not help, it may be time to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped or tripped on, or subjected to other environmental hazards, it could be damaged beyond repair and in need of an upgrade. Shop around to find the most competitive price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care, it's a fact of life that car key fobs will sometimes stop working. If you lose yours it could be a huge expense to replace it--especially if you don't have a spare. "You may end up spending $50 or more to purchase an equivalent replacement from a dealer and get it programmed, and a new mechanical backup, which could cost you at least another $100," says Mel Yu, an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.
One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob's device to not function is a simple problem, such as an insufficient battery. If you are familiar with how to replace the battery, or if your owner's guide has instructions, you can try it yourself. If that doesn't solve the problem, it's time to get help from an expert.
A locksmith can be in a position to assist you in finding your lost fob, or get it replaced. They'll also have a good idea of the reason your fob was not functioning in the first place. If your car is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in it is possible to save cash by locating the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and recording it in a safe place--such as in your wallet or on your phone. This can make it easier for the locksmith to reprogram the new key fob for your car should you need to do it.
If the key fob you have is a modern smart key and you want to change it, you'll need to go to a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it before getting an entirely new one, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by encryption using rolling-codes that prevents thieves from gaining access to your car. This means that locksmiths need an exclusive programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which increases the overall expense.
In most instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any charges to reprogram a new key fob. Based on the car, that can run from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.