Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs in modern vehicles perform a lot of work and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Sometimes, an easy repair or replacement is all it takes to make them work again.

Most fobs utilize flat-watch-style batteries that are easy to find in auto parts retailers. Before you call an expert, you can try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The battery in the key fob's remote powers your remote in your car and in push-to start cars it will start your engine. Therefore, it is critical to maintain an active, healthy battery. A dead key fob is an issue when you're traveling. A simple, affordable replacement will solve the issue quickly.

The most common indication that a battery on a key fob is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You might also notice that the buttons on your key fob are not working or require extra effort.

A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a major retailer or on the internet. Typically, these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you shop for the right battery. Certain cars require a specific size or kind of battery that's not always in stock at big-box stores, so be sure to know the specifications prior to you purchase.

The battery is typically located at the back of the key fob. It is removed using the flat-bladed screwdriver, by removing the case. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Make sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks to ensure that you place the new battery properly. After the replacement battery is inserted, gently snap both pieces of the fob together. Then test the buttons to make sure they function.

If your key fob isn't working after replacing the battery, it may have been deprogrammed. In this situation you will require a locksmith required to assist you. This will cost more than just replacing the battery in the key fob.

Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Schedule an appointment to see all the services we offer in your area.

Weak Signals

If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to buttons on the remote, this could be a sign of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistent signals could cause poor performance and range.

One of the first things to check is whether or not your fob's battery is low because this could significantly affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings of the fob key repair can aid in restoring a more constant response. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a phone call to the help line of the manufacturer will likely be your best source of information here.

Other factors can cause weak fob signals, for example, interference from other devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices may interfere with the radio frequency (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob transmits to connect to the vehicle's receiver.

Additionally, 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 fuse, damaged or cracked button, or a bent case on the fob may all affect the signal transmission 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 worn out, it's the time to replace it all over again.

Also, don't forget if you have an extra key fob which is included with your vehicle, it could be used as a replacement for the primary remote in the event that it starts to fail. It's worth trying this solution to see if it solves the issue before investing in an entirely new one. If not, this might be the best moment to call an experienced auto locksmith. They will be able to identify the problem and recommend the best course of actions.

Physical Damage

It's not common for key fobs to have problems from time to time. Fortunately, most of these problems are not serious or complex and can be solved by following a few simple steps. It's important to keep spare batteries or another fob available in case one of your keys ever fails to work.

The most frequent reason for car keys not working is the battery is dead. These little devices rely on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. These batteries are easily replaceable and can be purchased in most pharmacies and stores. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver and gently remove the battery that you have. Check to see if it's damaged or loose, and then simply pop in an alternative battery. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries, however yours may require an alternative kind.

The fob may also stop responding to buttons when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including changing the batteries, however it is usually easy for an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.

If none of the methods above work, try this trick: disconnect the battery from the car and the fob for a short period of time and then reconnect them in a reverse order. This could cause the system to restart and in some cases it will resolve the issue without any other steps.

Keep the fob clear of water or other sources of damage while you are experimenting. The fob is quite robust, but it's crucial to take care with it in order for it to last as long as it can.

If none of the troubleshooting procedures above help, you may need to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown, fob key repair trampled on or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it may not be repairable and will need an upgrade. If that's the case, you should be sure to shop around for a deal prior to making a final decision.

Lost Fob

Even with the best of care it's a fact of life that car key fobs will sometimes stop working. It can be expensive to replace yours when it is lost particularly when you don't have an extra. "You could end up paying $50 or more to purchase a new replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, and a new mechanical backup which will cost at most another $100," says Mel Yu who is an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is one of the most common causes for a keyfob's device to cease to function. You can try changing the battery on your own if you know how or consult your owner's manual. If this doesn't work, you'll have to call an expert.

A locksmith is capable of helping you locate your lost fob, or get it replaced. A locksmith will likely know the reason why your fob stopped working in the first place. If your car is older and Fob Key Repair does not have smart technology built in however, you can save money by recording the key's number plate of your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain. If you're in need of reprogramming your car's key fob locksmith is able to perform the task more easily.

If your key fob is an old smart key, it'll need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or emergency car key repair dealer. This can cost more than just replacing it. That's because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption to prevent thieves from getting into the car. This means that locksmiths need an exclusive programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which adds to the overall cost.

In most instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming the new key fob. This can range from $20 at some shops to more than $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the car.