Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are frequently abused. In many cases, a simple repair or replacement is all it takes to restore them to good working in good condition.
Most fobs use flat watch-style batteries, which are readily available in auto parts stores. However, before calling a professional, try a few DIY fixes!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The key fob's battery powers your car's remote, and in push-to-start cars, it can start your engine. As a result, it is crucial to maintain an efficient, functioning battery. When you're out and about and your key fob is not working, it can be a huge problem. A simple, inexpensive replacement will solve the issue quickly.
The most common indication that a key fob battery is failing is the decrease in signal strength and range. You may also find 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 major retailer or online. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. However it's best to read the owner's manual prior to purchasing the right battery for your vehicle. Some cars require a particular size or kind of battery that's not always available at big-box stores, so be sure to know the right specs before you buy.
Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob and is removed by tearing open the case with the flat-blade screwdriver. It will usually resemble the shape of a small coin, and be labeled with the battery size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus marks to ensure that you 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 together. Then test all of the buttons to ensure they work.
If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery, it could have been deprogrammed. In this instance, a locksmith will be required to assist you. This is more expensive than replacing the battery in the key fob.
If your fob's battery is failing or you're experiencing other issues with your fob's key An experienced mechanic like one from YourMechanic can check and repair it to get you back on the road. Schedule an appointment to see all of the services we offer 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, it could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Radio signals are used to communicate between your car and key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can lead to poor performance and a limited range.
One of the first things to examine is whether the battery of your fob is depleted because this could significantly affect the sensitivity of the signal. It is also recommended to reset the settings of your fob, which can help to get an even and consistent response from the car. The procedure may differ from vehicle to vehicle. Your owner's guide or a phone call to your manufacturer's support line is the best resource.
Other factors can cause weak fob signals, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines as well as other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob utilizes to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle.
Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can also affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in low performance and a limited range. key fob repair damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked buttons or a bent case can all interfere with the transmission of signals and cause the remote to fail to respond.
You can fix the problem by resetting the fob's settings or by replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn out, it might be time to replace it.
Also, don't forget if you have an extra key fob which is part of your vehicle, it could be used as a replacement for the primary remote in the event that it begins to fail. You should try this solution first to see if you can solve the issue prior to purchasing another remote. If not, it could be the perfect time to contact a professional auto locksmith. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best way to proceed.
Physical Damage
It's not common for key fobs to have problems from time to time. The majority of these issues aren't complex or serious and can be resolved by following a few easy steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or another key fob in the event that one of your keys fails to work.
The most common reason for a car key fob not working is a dead battery. These little devices rely on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. They can be replaced easily and are available at most pharmacies, food stores, and other places which sell electronic items. You can remove your fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pull out the battery that is in there. Ensure that it is not damaged or loose and then put in the new battery. Most fobs require batteries that are CR2032. However, yours may need a different type.
If your device loses pairing, it could cease to respond to buttons. This can happen due to a number of factors, including changing the batteries, but is typically a simple issue for an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.
You can try this method to solve your fob issue when none of the other methods work: remove 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 reboot, and in certain cases, this will fix the issue without additional steps.
Keep the fob out of water or other sources of damage while experimenting. The fob is tough however, you must take care of it to ensure it lasts for as long as it is possible to.
If none of the troubleshooting procedures above help you, you may have to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped or tripped on, or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be beyond repair and in need of an upgrade. Shop around to find the most competitive price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care it's a fact in the road that car key fobs will sometimes fail to function. It can be expensive to replace yours when it is lost, especially in the event that you don't have an extra. "You may end up paying $50 - $100 for a new one and having it programmed by a dealer, plus mechanical backups that could cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob's to stop working is a simple problem, such as an insufficient battery. If you are familiar with how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual has instructions, try it yourself. If this 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. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason your fob stopped working in the first initial place. And if your car is a model older than the one you own and has no built-in smart technology it is possible to save money by finding the key number plate on your current mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and storing it in a safe place--such as your wallet or on your phone. If you need to reprogram the key fob of your car, the locksmith can do it more easily.
If your key fob is an old smart key, it will need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or a car dealer. This can cost more than replacing it. That's because modern key fobs utilize rolling-code encryption to prevent thieves from gaining access to the car. That means that locksmiths need an exclusive programing tool that only the car manufacturer has, which increases the overall expense.
In most cases, the whole process will be charged one time. This includes any charges for reprogramming a keyfob. Depending on the vehicle the cost can range from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealer.