Key Fob Replacement and Repair

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

Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries, which is easily found in hardware and auto parts stores. Before calling in an expert, try a few 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 vehicles it will start your engine. It is therefore important to keep a functioning healthy and a good battery. When you're on the go, a dead key fob can be a huge problem. A simple, low-cost replacement will fix the problem quickly.

The loss of range and signal strength are among the most commonly observed indicators that a battery in a keyfob is failing. You might also notice that the buttons on your fob do not work or require extra effort to be activated.

It is common to find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a large box retailer or online. They are typically CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. However, it's a good idea to read the owner's manual prior to purchasing the right battery for your vehicle. Certain cars require a specific size or type of battery that isn't always readily available at big-box stores, so be sure to know the specifications prior to you buy.

The battery is typically located on the back of the key fob. It can be removed with the flat-bladed screwdriver, by opening the case. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be labeled with the battery size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks so that you can put the new battery in the correct place. After the replacement battery has been placed in the fob, gently snap both pieces of the fob in place and test each button to ensure that they work.

It's worth noting that, if your broken key repair fob continues to cease functioning, even after a battery replacement, it might have been deprogrammed. In this situation, a locksmith will be needed to help you. This will cost more than replacing the battery in the key fob.

Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key repair near me fob if it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Set up an appointment to review all of the services we provide in your area.

Weak Signals

If your key fob does not respond to the buttons on the remote, it could be a sign that the signaling system is not functioning correctly. Radio signals are used to send messages between your car and key fob. Inconsistent or weak radio signals can result in poor performance and range.

One of the first things to determine is if the battery of your fob is depleted since this can greatly affect the sensitivity of your signal. It is also recommended to reset the settings of your fob, which can help to bring back an even and consistent response from the car. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so the owner's manual or a call to the helpline of the manufacturer will likely be your best guide here.

Other factors, such as interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency, can also contribute to weak signals. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices can interfere with the radio frequency (radio-frequency) signals your key fob sends to connect to the receiver of your vehicle.

Physical damage to your keyfob can affect the transmission of an RF signal, resulting in low performance and a limited range. A blown fuses, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case on the fob may affect signal transmission and cause the remote to not to function properly.

You can attempt to fix the problem by resetting the settings on your fob or by replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn, near it may be the right time to replace it.

Don't forget to remember that if you have a spare key fob that comes with your vehicle, it can be used in place of the primary remote in the event that it begins 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 may be an appropriate time to consult an auto-locksmith professional. They will be able diagnose the issue and suggest the best course of actions.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can have problems occasionally. Luckily, the majority of these problems are not complicated or a major issue and can be solved with some simple steps. It's recommended to keep spare batteries or an additional fob in case one of your keys ceases to function.

The most frequent reason for car keys not working is a dead battery. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. They can be replaced easily and are available in most pharmacies, grocery stores, and other places that sell electronics. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver, and gently pry out your existing battery. Check to see if it's loose or damaged and then put in an alternative battery. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries, but yours may require an alternative type.

If your device loses its pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This could be due to a number of reasons, including changing the batteries, but is typically a simple issue for an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.

If none of the strategies above work, try this trick: disconnect the batteries from the car and the fob for a few minutes and near then reconnect them in the opposite order. This can force a restart within the system and, in some instances this will fix the problem without doing any of the other steps.

While you're experimenting with the fob, be sure to keep it out of water and other damage sources. The fob is tough, but you should take care with it to make it last as long as it can.

If none of the troubleshooting procedures above work you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown, trampled on or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it could not be able to be repaired and may require an upgrade. Shop around to find the best deal.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care, it's a fact of the road that car key fobs may sometimes cease to function. It's costly to replace yours in the event that you lose it and especially when you don't have an alternative. "You might end up paying $50 or more to purchase an alternative from the dealer and have it programmed, plus 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 frequent reasons for a keyfob's device to stop working. You can try changing the battery yourself when you know how, or refer to your owner's manual. But if that doesn't fix the problem, you need to call in an expert.

A locksmith can help to replace or locate your lost key fob. They'll also have a good idea of the reason your fob was not working in the first place. If your vehicle is an older model with no built-in smart technology You can save money by finding the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and recording it in a secure place, such as your wallet or on your phone. If you're looking to change the programming of the key fob in your car the locksmith can do it much more quickly.

If your existing key fob is a smart key of the present and you want to change it, you'll need to go to an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it before getting an entirely new one which is more expensive than replacing it. That's because modern key fobs utilize rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from accessing the car. This means that the locksmith must have an exclusive programming tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost.

In most instances, the entire process will be charged once. This includes all costs for reprogramming a new keyfob. Depending on the vehicle the cost can range from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a car dealer.