Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs found in modern cars are very efficient and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Sometimes just a simple replacement or repair is all that's required to bring them back into good working order.

The majority of fobs are powered by a flat watch-style batteries, which can be found in auto parts and hardware stores. However, before calling an expert, you can try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Battery

The battery in the key fob's remote powers the remote you have in your car, and in push-to-start cars, it can start your engine. It is therefore important to maintain a functional healthy and nearest a good battery. When you're on the go and your key fob is not working, it could be a major issue. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement can fix it quickly.

The most common sign that a key fob's battery is failing is the loss of signal strength and range. It is also possible to notice that the buttons on your key fob aren't working or require additional effort.

A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a large retailer or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. However it's best to check your owner's manual before you shop for the right battery for your fob. Certain vehicles require a certain size or kind of battery that's not always readily available at big-box stores, so be sure to know the right specs before you purchase.

Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob and is removed by tearing the case open using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be labelled with the battery's size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus signs to ensure that you insert the battery correctly. After the replacement battery is inserted, nearest gently snap both pieces of the fob together. Then test each button to make sure they function.

It's worth noting that in the event that your key fob continues to not function even after a battery replacement, it could have been deprogrammed. In this situation it is likely that a locksmith will be required to assist. This will cost more than just replacing the key fob's battery.

The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Make an appointment to look over all the services we provide in your area.

Weak Signals

If you notice that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote key repairs, it could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Radio signals are used to transmit information between your car and key fob. Inconsistent or weak radio signals can result in poor performance and range.

Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea, since it can affect the sensitivity of your signal. It's also worth resetting the settings on your fob, which can help to bring back the same response from the car. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or call to the help line of the manufacturer is probably the best resource here.

Other factors can cause weak fob signals, for example, interference from other devices operating at 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 utilizes to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can also affect the transmission of RF signal, leading to poor performance and range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked buttons or bent fob case can all affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to not respond.

You can attempt to solve the issue by resetting your fob's settings or by replacing the battery. However, if your fob is damaged, it's time to replace it completely.

Lastly, don't forget that if you have a spare key fob that is part of your vehicle, it can be used instead of the primary remote in the event that it begins to fail. Try this method first to determine if you can solve the issue prior to purchasing an entirely new remote. In this case it could be the right the right time to contact an expert auto-locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best way to proceed.

Physical Damage

Key fobs may have issues from time to time. The majority of these issues are not complex or serious and can be resolved with a few simple steps. It's important to have spare batteries or even an additional fob in case one of your keys stops working.

A dead battery is the most common cause of a car keyfob not working. These little devices rely on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. These batteries are easily replaceable and can be purchased at most pharmacies and grocery stores. You can open your fob's casing using an screwdriver that has a flat-head and gently pry out the existing battery. Replace the battery, making sure it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require a different kind.

If your device loses its pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This could be due to many factors, such as changing the batteries. However an auto Locksmith or local dealership is usually able to fix it.

Try this trick to solve your fob issue in the event that none of the above methods work: remove the battery from both the fob and the car for around ten minutes, and then reconnect them in the reverse 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, make sure to keep it out of water and other sources of damage. The fob is a durable device, but you should take care of it to ensure it lasts for as long as you can.

If none of the troubleshooting steps above are helpful, you may need to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped, trodden on or subjected to other environmental hazards, it could be beyond repair and may require an upgrade. Look around for the most competitive price.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care it's a fact of the road that car key fobs may occasionally fail to function. If you lose yours it could be a huge expense to replace it, particularly if you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to get an equivalent replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, and a new mechanical backup, which could cost you 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 device to stop working. Try changing the battery on your own if you know how or get instructions from the owner's manual. If that doesn't work, you'll need to contact an expert.

A locksmith can assist you replace or find your lost key fob. They'll also have an idea of the reason your fob was not working in the first instance. If your car is older and doesn't include smart technology, you can still save money by recording the key's number plate from your mechanical backup key. It's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain. If you're in need of reprogramming the key fob of your car, the locksmith can perform the task more easily.

If your key fob is an older smart key, it will need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car key repair service dealer. This can cost more than just replacing it. The reason is that modern key fobs utilize rolling-code encryption to stop thieves from getting into the car. This means that the locksmith needs to have a special programing tool that only the car manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost.

In the majority of cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any charges to reprogram a new key fob. It can cost anywhere from $20 at some shops to more than $200 at car dealerships, based on the vehicle.