Key Fob Replacement and Repair

Modern car key fobs are utilized frequently and are often misused. Sometimes, local just a simple repair or replacement is all it takes to make them work again.

Most fobs use flat watch-style batteries, which are easy to find in auto parts retailers. Before you call in a professional, you can do some of the DIY fixes.

Dead Key Fob Battery

The key fob battery powers the remote feature in your car. It also, in conjunction with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. It is therefore important to maintain a working and healthy battery. A dead key fob is a major problem when you're on-the-go. A simple, low-cost replacement can fix the issue quickly.

The most obvious sign that a key fob's battery is depleting is the decrease in signal strength and range. You might also notice that the buttons on the fob don't function or require any effort to turn on.

A new key fob is available in the auto parts section of a major retailer or on the internet. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are available in packs of two or more. Consult your owner's guide before you purchase the correct battery. Certain vehicles require a particular size or type of battery, which is not always available at big-box stores. Be sure to research before purchasing.

Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob. It can be removed by prying open the case with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Make sure to note the way the plus and minus symbols are oriented to ensure that the battery you are replacing is positioned correctly. After the battery has been replaced then 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 have been deprogrammed. In this case you'll have to contact a locksmith for help which will cost a bit more than replacing the battery in your key fob.

Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery has failed. Schedule an appointment to see the range of services we provide in your local area.

Weak Signals

If your key fob does not respond to the buttons of the remote it could be a sign that the signaling system is not functioning correctly. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistent signals can result in poor performance and range.

The battery level of your fob is a good idea, since it can affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings of the fob can aid in restoring a more constant response. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a phone call to the manufacturer's help line will likely be your best source of information here.

Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices can interfere with the RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob repairs fob transmits to connect to the vehicle's receiver.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can interfere with the transmission of radio signal, resulting in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case of the fob can affect signal transmission and cause the remote not to function properly.

There are some simple steps you can try to and solve the issue of weak signals from your fob, for example, resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn, it could be time to replace it.

Don't forget to use the spare remote that was included with your vehicle if your primary remote starts to fail. It's a good idea to try this method to determine if it resolves the issue before you invest in an entirely new one. If not, it might be the perfect time to consult an experienced auto locksmith. They will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest the best course of action.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can be troublesome from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these problems are not complicated or a major issue and can be resolved with a few easy steps. It's a good idea to keep spare batteries or an additional fob on hand in case your key ever fails to function.

A dead battery is the main reason for a car keyfob not working. These little devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. These are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores and places which sell electronic car key repair near me items. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver and gently pull out your existing battery. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries, but yours may require an alternative type.

If your device loses its pairing, it may also cease to respond to buttons. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including changing the batteries, but it is generally simple to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.

You can try this trick to fix your fob when none of the other methods work: Local Disconnect the battery from both the car and the fob for about ten minutes, and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could cause the system to restart and in certain cases it can fix the issue without further steps.

Keep the fob out of water or other sources of damage while playing around. Fobs can be quite durable, but it's important to take care with it in order for it to last as long as it can.

If none of the troubleshooting procedures above are helpful you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it has been dropped and trampled or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it may not be repairable and will need a replacement. If that's the case, make sure to look around for a deal prior to making a final decision.

Lost Fob

Even with the best of care keys for cars, they will occasionally stop working. If yours is lost, it could be a huge expense to replace it, especially if you don't have a spare. "You may end up paying between $50 and $100 for a replacement and having it programmed by a dealer, and a mechanical backup that will cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is among the most common causes for a keyfob's device to cease to function. If you know how to replace the battery, or if your owner's guide has instructions, you can try it yourself. If that doesn't solve the problem, you need to call in an expert.

A locksmith can assist you to replace or locate the lost key fob. A locksmith will probably know the reason why your fob stopped working in the first place. If your car is older and does not include smart technology, you can still save money by recording the number plate of your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind a keychain with an ornamental design. This will make it much easier for a locksmith to reprogram a brand new key fob for your car in the event that you need to do it.

If your current key fob is a modern smart key and you want to change it, you'll need to go to a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it and get a new one made, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes, which prevents thieves from getting access to your car. And that means the locksmith must have an exclusive programming tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost.

In most instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming the new key fob. Depending on the type of vehicle the cost can range from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.