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Key Fob Replacement and Repair

Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are often misused. Many times an easy replacement or repair is all it takes to restore them to good working in good condition.

Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which can be found in auto parts and hardware stores. However, before calling an expert, you can try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The battery in the key fob's remote powers the remote you have in your car and, in push-to-start vehicles, it can start your engine. As a result, it is critical to maintain a healthy, working battery. A dead key fob is an issue for anyone on-the-go. A simple, inexpensive replacement will solve the issue quickly.

The most frequent indication that a key fob's battery is depleting is the loss of signal strength and range. You might also find that the buttons on your fob do not work or require additional effort to activate.

It is common to find the latest key fob batteries in the auto parts section of a big box retailer or online. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are available in packs of two or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you shop for the right battery. Certain cars require a specific size or type of battery that's not always available at big-box stores, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you buy.

Typically, the battery is located in the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. It will usually resemble an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus signs so that you can insert the battery correctly. Once the battery replacement is installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob together and test all of the buttons to ensure they work.

If your key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might be deprogrammed. In this situation it is likely that a locksmith will be required to assist. 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. Be sure to check out all of our services in your area and make an appointment now!

Weak Signals

If you find that your key fob isn't responding to buttons on the remote, it could be a sign of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob are dependent on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistent signals can result in poor performance and range.

Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea because it could affect signal sensitivity. It is also recommended to reset the settings on your fob that can help get an even and consistent response from the car. 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, such as interference from other devices operating on the same frequency can also affect weak signals. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can also affect the transmission of an RF signal, resulting in low performance and a limited range. A blown fuses, a broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob could affect signal transmission and cause the remote to respond.

You can attempt to resolve the issue by resetting the settings on your fob, or by replacing the battery. However, if your fob is damaged, it's the time to replace it all over again.

Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob that is part of your vehicle, it can be used as a replacement for the primary remote if it starts to fail. You should test this option first to determine if you can solve the issue prior to buying a new remote. If not, this might be the right time to consult a professional auto locksmith. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best way to proceed.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can have problems occasionally. The majority of these issues are not complex or difficult to fix and can be solved with a few simple steps. It's a good idea also to keep spare batteries or a different fob in case your key ever fails to function.

The most frequent cause for car keys not working is the battery is dead. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries. They can be replaced easily and are available at most pharmacies, food stores, and other places that sell electronic products. You can open your fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pry out the battery that is in there. Ensure that it is not damaged or loose, and then put in a new battery. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. However, yours may require a different kind.

If your device loses pairing, it may also stop responding to buttons. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, but it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership car key circuit board repair to resolve.

If none of the strategies above work, try this method: disconnect the battery from the car and fob for a short period of time and then connect them in the opposite order. This could trigger a restart 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 harm while you're trying out new techniques. The fob is quite robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care when you want it to last as long as you can.

If the suggestions above do not help, it may be time to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown around or tripped on, or subjected to other environmental hazards, it could be damaged beyond repair and in need of an upgrade. Find the most affordable price.

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 when you don't have a spare. "You might end up paying $50 or more for an alternative from the dealer and then have it programmed, plus an additional mechanical backup which could cost you at least another $100," says Mel Yu, an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.

One of the most common reasons for a key fob to stop working is a basic issue, such as an insufficient battery. You can try replacing the battery on your own if you know how or refer to the owner's manual. If this doesn't work, you'll need to call an expert.

A locksmith will be able to help you find your lost fob or get it replaced. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason your fob stopped working in the first in the first place. And if your car is an older model with no smart technology built-in it is possible to save money by finding the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and recording it in a secure place, such as your wallet or on your phone. If you're looking to change the programming of the key fob in your car, the locksmith can do it much more quickly.

If the key fob you have is a smart key of the present, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to remove it from the system and have a new one created which is more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to your car. That means that the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programming tool that only the vehicle manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall cost.

In the majority of instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any charges to reprogram a new key fob. Depending on the vehicle, that can run from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealer.