Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs found in modern automobiles are very efficient and are subject to lots of abuse. In many cases an easy replacement or repair is all that's required to restore them to working good working order.

Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries, which can be found in hardware and auto parts stores. Before calling a professional, you can do some of the DIY fixes.

Dead Key Fob Battery

The battery in the key fob's remote powers your remote in your car and in push-to start cars, it can start your engine. This is why it is essential to keep a healthy, Key Repair working battery. When you're on the go, a dead key fob can cause a lot of trouble. A simple, inexpensive replacement will fix the problem quickly.

The most frequent sign that a key fob's battery is dying is the decrease in signal strength and range. You might also notice that the buttons on the key fob aren't working or require more effort.

It is common to find the latest key fob batteries in the auto parts section of a large box retailer or online. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. Consult your owner's guide before you purchase the correct battery. Certain cars require a certain size or type of battery that is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.

Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob. It can be removed by prying the case open using a flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will look like tiny coins, and it will be labeled based on its size. Make sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus symbols to ensure that you put the new battery in the correct place. After the battery has been replaced and the fob is closed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together, and test the buttons.

It's worth noting that if your key fob continues to cease functioning even after a battery replacement, it may be deprogrammed. In this case you'll have to contact locksmiths for assistance which will cost some more than replacing the battery of your key fob.

Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair key your key fob if it's damaged or the battery has died. Make an appointment to look over all of the services we provide in your region.

Weak Signals

If you find that your key fob isn't responding to the buttons on the remote, this can be an indication of a problem with the signaling. Radio signals are used to communicate between your car and key fob. Inconsistent or weak radio signals can result in poor performance and range.

One of the first things you should check is whether or not your fob's battery is low since this can greatly affect the sensitivity of the signal. It's also advisable to reset the fob's settings, which can help to get the same response from the car key repair cost. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or call to the help line of the manufacturer will likely be your best source of information here.

Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, for example, interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can interfere with the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can also affect the transmission of an RF signal, which can result in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, a broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob may all affect the signal transmission and cause the remote not to respond.

You can try to solve the issue by resetting your fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn, it could be the right time to replace it.

Don't forget to utilize the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote starts to fail. It's worth trying this option to determine if it resolves the issue before you invest in the new one. In this situation, it might be the right time to contact a professional auto-locksmith. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best method of action.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can be troublesome from time to time. Most of these problems aren't complicated or serious and can be resolved by following a few easy steps. It's important to keep spare batteries or another fob available in case one of your keys stops working.

A dead battery is the most frequent reason why a key fob in a car is not working. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. These are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies, food stores, and other places that sell electronic products. The fob's case can be opened using an screwdriver that is flat and gently remove your existing battery. Make sure it's not damaged or loose and then insert an alternative battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries. However, yours may require a different type.

The fob may also stop responding to buttons if it loses its connection with your vehicle. This can happen due to a number of factors, including changing the batteries, but is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to fix.

If none of the methods above work, try this method: 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 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 trying out new techniques. A fob is durable but you need to take care with it to make it last for as long as it is possible to.

If none of the troubleshooting steps above help you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown or trampled upon, or exposed to extreme conditions, it might not be repairable and may require a replacement. If this is the case, be sure to look around for a deal before making your final decision.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care keys for cars, they may fail to function. If you lose yours, it could be very expensive to replace it, especially if you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to purchase an equivalent replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, and a new mechanical backup which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu, an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is one of the most common reasons for a keyfob's stop working. If you are aware of how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't work you'll need to call an expert.

A locksmith can help you to find or replace your lost key fob. They'll also probably have an idea of the reason why your fob stopped working in the first instance. If your car is older and Key Repair does not have smart technology built in it is still possible to save money by recording the key number plate on your mechanical backup key. It's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain. This will make it much easier for a locksmith to reprogram the new key fob for your car should you require it.

If your Key Repair fob is an old smart key, it'll need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost more than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by encryption using rolling-codes that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith must have an exclusive programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which adds to the overall expense.

In the majority of instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming the new key fob. This could range from around $20 in certain stores to over $200 at car dealerships, based on the vehicle.