Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Key fobs on modern cars perform a lot of work and are subject to lots of abuse. Often just a simple repair or replacement is all you need to get them working again.
Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which is easily found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before you call in a professional, you can do some DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The battery in the key fob powers the remote function in your car. It also, in conjunction with push-to start vehicles, permits 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, affordable replacement will fix the problem quickly.
The most frequent sign that a battery on a key fob is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You might also be noticing that the buttons on your fob don't work or require extra effort to be activated.
You can often 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 purchase the correct battery. Certain vehicles require a certain size or kind of battery that's not always in stock at big-box stores, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you buy.
Typically the battery is situated on the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open with the flat-blade screwdriver. It will usually resemble a small coin and be labelled with the battery's size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus symbols to ensure that you insert the battery correctly. 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 not function even after battery replacement, it may be deprogrammed. In this case, you'll need to contact an expert locksmith which will cost some more than replacing the key fob battery.
Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it is damaged or if the battery has died. Schedule an appointment to see the range of services we provide in your local area.
Weak Signals
If you notice that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote, this can be an indication of a problem with the signaling. Radio signals are used to transmit information between your car and the key fob. Inconsistent or weak radio signals can result in poor performance and range.
Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea because it could significantly affect the sensitivity of your signal. It's also advisable to reset the fob's settings that can help get the same response from the car. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a call to the manufacturer's help line will likely be your best source of information here.
Other factors, including interference from other devices operating on the same frequency can also cause weak signals. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices can interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob transmits to connect to the vehicle's receiver.
Physical damage to your keyfob can also affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in lower performance and less range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked buttons or a bent case could interfere with the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.
You can try to fix the problem by resetting the settings on your fob, or by replacing the battery. However, if your fob is old and worn out, it's probably the time to replace it all over again.
Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob which comes with your vehicle, it could be used in place of the primary remote if it begins to fail. You should test this option first to see if it can fix the problem before buying another remote. If not, this might be the right moment to call an experienced auto locksmith. They can diagnose the problem and suggest the best method of action.
Physical Damage
Key fobs can have problems occasionally. Luckily, the majority of these problems are not complicated or a major issue and can be resolved by following a few simple steps. It's important to have spare batteries or even an additional fob in case one of your keys ever stops working.
repair car key fob is the main reason for a car keyfob not working. These little devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. They can be replaced easily and can be found at most pharmacies, food stores, and other places which sell electronic items. You can open your fob's casing using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pry out the existing battery. Replace the battery, ensuring that it's not damaged, loose or damaged. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries, but yours may require an alternative type.
When your fob loses its pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, however it is typically a simple issue to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.
If none of the strategies above work, try this method: disconnect the batteries from the car and the fob for a few minutes and then reconnect them in reverse order. This could trigger a reboot within the system, and in some cases, this alone will fix the issue without requiring any of the other steps.
Keep the fob away from water or other sources of damage while you are playing around. The fob is quite robust, but it's crucial to take care with it when you want it to last as long as it can.
If the above troubleshooting tips aren't working, it could be time to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown or trampled upon, or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it could not be repairable and may require a replacement. If this is the case, be sure to shop around for a deal prior to making your final decision.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care it's a fact of the road that car key fobs may sometimes fail to function. It's expensive to replace yours if you lose it, especially in the event that you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to purchase an alternative from the dealer and then have it programmed, plus a new mechanical backup, which could cost you at least another $100," says Mel Yu who is an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to stop working. If you know how to replace the battery, or if the owner's manual has instructions, you can try it yourself. If that doesn't solve the problem, you need to call in an expert.
A locksmith can help to replace or locate the lost key fob. They'll also have a good idea of the reason your fob was not working in the first instance. If your car is older and doesn't have smart technology built in, you can still save money by recording the key's number plate from your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain. This will make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram the new key fob to your car if you ever need to do so.
If your key fob is an older smart key, it will need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or a car dealer. This could cost more than simply replacing it. That's because modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. That means that locksmiths need an exclusive programming tool that only the car manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall expense.
In the majority of instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, including the cost of programming the new key fob. This can range from $20 in some stores to over $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the vehicle.