Key Fob Replacement and Repair

Modern car key fobs are utilized frequently and are often abused. In many cases just a simple repair or replacement is all that's required to bring them back into working in good condition.

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

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The battery in the key fob powers the remote feature in your car. It also, with push-to-start vehicles it allows it to start your engine. As a result, it is essential to keep a healthy, working battery. A dead key fob can be a major problem when you're in the middle of nowhere. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can fix it quickly.

The most frequent indication that a key fob's battery is failing is the loss of signal strength and range. It is also possible to find that the buttons on your fob don't function or require any effort to be activated.

It is common to find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a large box store or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you shop for the right battery. Some cars require a specific size or type of battery, which isn't always available at big-box stores. Be sure to check before purchasing.

Typically the battery is situated on the back of your key fob. It is removed by tearing the case open with a flat-blade screwdriver. It will usually resemble an ordinary coin and will be labelled with the battery's size. Make sure to note the direction the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the battery you are replacing is positioned correctly. 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, when your key fob key repair is unable to cease functioning even after a battery replacement, it might be deprogrammed. In this instance, you'll need to contact a locksmith for help which will cost a bit more than replacing the battery in your key fob.

The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it is damaged or if the battery has died. Set up an appointment to review all the services we offer in your region.

Weak Signals

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

One of the first things to examine is whether your fob's battery is insufficient because this could significantly impact signal sensitivity. Resetting the settings of the fob can also help restore a more consistent response. The procedure differs from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a phone call to the helpline of the manufacturer is probably the best source of information here.

Other factors, such as interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency, can also affect weak signals. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices may interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob transmits to the receiver of your vehicle.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can interfere with the transmission of radio signal, which can result in lower performance and less range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob may affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote not to respond.

There are some simple steps you can take to try and resolve the issue of weak signals from your fob, such as resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn, it may be time to replace it.

Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob that is part of your vehicle, it could be used in place of the primary remote in the event that it starts to fail. You should try this solution first to see if it can resolve the issue before purchasing another remote. If not, it might be the best moment to call an experienced auto locksmith. They will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest the best course of action.

Physical Damage

It's not uncommon for key fobs to encounter issues from time-to-time. Fortunately, most of these issues aren't difficult or complicated and can be resolved by following a few simple steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or a different fob on hand in the event that your key stops working.

The most common reason for car keys not working is the battery is dead. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. They can be replaced and can be purchased at most pharmacies and grocery stores. You can open the case of the fob using a screwdriver with a flat head, and gently pry out the battery you have. Make sure it's not damaged or loose and then simply pop in an alternative battery. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours may require a different kind.

When your fob loses its pairing, it can cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including changing the batteries, however it is generally simple 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 few minutes and then reconnect them in a reverse order. This can force the system to reboot, and in some instances it will resolve the issue without additional steps.

Keep the fob away from water or other sources of damage while you are trying out new techniques. A fob can be pretty robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care in order for it to last as long as possible.

If none of the troubleshooting steps above work you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown around, trodden on or subjected to other harsh environmental conditions it could be damaged beyond repair and requires a replacement. Find the most competitive price.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care, it's a fact of the road that car key fobs can occasionally stop working. If yours is lost, it can be extremely expensive to replace it--especially when you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to get an alternative from the dealer and have it programmed, plus 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 causes for a keyfob's device to cease to function. 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 contact an expert.

A locksmith can help to find or replace the lost key fob. They will also likely have a good idea of the reason why your fob stopped functioning in the first place. And if your car key lock repair near me is a model older than the one you own and has no built-in smart technology, you can save some cash by locating the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and storing it in a secure location, such as your wallet or on your phone. If you need to reprogram the key fob of your car key repair shop near me the locksmith can perform the task more easily.

If the key fob you have is a modern smart key it will require a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it and get a new one made, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. That's because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption to stop thieves from accessing the car. That means that the locksmith needs to have a special programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which adds to the overall cost.

In most cases, the whole service will be billed at once. This includes any costs to reprogramme a new keyfob. Based on the car it could cost anywhere from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.