Key Fob Replacement and Repair

Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are often abused. Sometimes just a simple repair or replacement is all it takes to get them back in good working good working order.

Most fobs utilize flat-watch-style batteries that are easy to find in hardware stores and auto parts stores. Before you call a professional, try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Battery

The key fob's battery powers your car's remote and, in push-to-start vehicles it will start your engine. It is therefore essential to maintain a working and healthy battery. A dead key fob can be a major problem when you're on-the-go. A simple, affordable replacement will solve the issue quickly.

The most common sign that a key repair fob battery is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You might also be noticing that the buttons on your fob don't function or require any effort to activate.

A new key fob can be found in the auto part section of a big retailer or on the internet. Typically, these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. However it's a good idea to check your owner's manual prior to purchasing the right battery for your fob. Certain cars require a certain size or Key Repairs type that is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before you buy.

The battery is typically located in the back of the key fob. It can be removed using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade by removing the case. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be labelled with the battery's size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus signs to ensure that you put the new battery in the correct place. After the battery has been replaced, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together, and test the buttons.

It's important to note that if your key fob continues to cease functioning even after a battery replacement, it may have been deprogrammed. In this instance it is likely that a locksmith will be required to assist you. This will cost more than replacing the battery of your key fob.

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 of the services we provide in your area.

Weak Signals

If your Key repairs fob doesn't respond to the buttons of the remote it could indicate that the signaling system is not functioning correctly. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistent signals can result in poor range and performance.

One of the first things you should check is whether or not 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 that can help bring back a more consistent response from the car. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a phone call to your manufacturer's support line is the best source of information.

Other factors, like interference from other devices operating at the same frequency can also cause weak signals. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices could interfere with the RF (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob transmits to the receiver of your vehicle.

Finally physical damage to your key fob may affect the transmission of RF signals, which can result in poor range and performance. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked buttons, or a bent fob case can all affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to not respond.

You can attempt to resolve the issue by resetting the fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. However, if your fob is old and worn out, it's time to replace it completely.

Also, don't forget if you have an extra key fob that is included with your vehicle, it could be used as a replacement for the primary remote if it starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if you can fix the problem before purchasing another remote. In this case it may be the right time to contact an expert auto-locksmith. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the most effective course of action.

Physical Damage

It's not common for key fobs to experience issues from time-to-time. The majority of these issues aren't complex or difficult to fix and can be solved with just a few steps. It's important to keep spare batteries or another key fob in the event that one of your keys ceases to function.

The most common reason for a car key fob not working is an inactive battery. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. They are easy to replace and are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores and shops that sell electronics. You can access the fob's shell with a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the existing battery. Check to see if it's damaged or loose, and then put in a new battery. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. However, yours may require a different type.

If your device loses pairing, it can cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to a number of factors, including changing the batteries, but it is typically a simple issue for an auto Locksmith or key repairs your local dealership to fix.

You can try this trick to fix your fob if none of the above methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the fob and the car for about ten minutes, then reconnect them in a reverse order. This could trigger a restart within the system and in some cases it will solve the issue without requiring any of the other steps.

Keep the fob away from water or other sources of damage while you are experimenting. A fob can be pretty durable, but it's important to treat it with care if you want it to last as long as you can.

If none of the troubleshooting techniques above work you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown around, trodden on or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be beyond repair and may require a replacement. If that's the case, make sure to search for a deal before making your final choice.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care it's a fact of the road that car key fobs may sometimes fail to function. If you lose yours, it could be very expensive to replace it, particularly when you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 - $100 for a new one and getting it programmed by the dealer, as well as a mechanical backup that will cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob to stop working is a simple issue, such as an insufficient battery. If you are aware of how to change the battery, or if your owner's guide has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't work, you'll need to call an expert.

A locksmith can be able to help you find the lost fob or have it replaced. They'll also have a good idea of the reason why your fob was not functioning in the first place. If your car is older and does not include smart technology however, you can save money by recording the key's number plate on your mechanical backup key. It's usually hidden behind a keychain with an ornamental design. 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 a car key button repair dealer. This could cost more than just replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes, which prevents thieves from gaining access to your car key repair cost. And that means the locksmith must 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 one time. This includes any charges for reprogramming a keyfob. Based on the car, that can run from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a car dealership.