Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used frequently and are frequently abused. Often just a simple repair or replacement is all you need to make them work again.
Most fobs utilize flat watch-style batteries, which can be found in hardware stores and auto parts retailers. But before you call an expert, try a few DIY solutions!
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The key fob's battery powers the remote you have in your car, and in push-to-start cars, it can start your engine. It is therefore essential to maintain a working, healthy battery. When you're out and about, a dead key fob can cause a lot of trouble. A simple, affordable replacement will solve the issue quickly.
The most common sign that a key fob's battery is failing is the decrease in signal strength and range. It is also possible to notice that the buttons on the key fob aren't working or require more effort.
It is common to find a new key fob battery in the auto parts section of a big box retailer or online. 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 vehicle. Certain vehicles require a certain size or type of battery that isn't always available at big-box retailers, so be sure to know the specifications prior to you purchase.
Typically the battery is placed on the back of your key fob. It is removed by tearing the case open 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 the orientation of the plus and minus signs to ensure that you insert the battery correctly. After the battery has been replaced and the fob is closed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons.
It's important to note that when your key fob is unable to not function even after a battery replacement, it could have been deprogrammed. In this instance, you'll need to contact an expert locksmith which will cost a bit more than replacing the battery of your key fob.
The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery is dead. Make an appointment to look over the range of services we provide in your local area.
Weak Signals
If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons on the remote it could be a sign that the signaling system is not functioning correctly. Your car and key fob are dependent on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistant signals can result in poor range and performance.
Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea as it can have a significant impact on the sensitivity of your signal. It's also worth resetting the fob's settings and help restore a more consistent response from the car. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so the owner's manual or a phone call to the help line of the manufacturer is likely to be the best source of information here.
Other factors, including interference from other devices that operate at the same frequency can also contribute to weak signals. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices could interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob transmits to connect to the receiver of your vehicle.
Finally physical damage to your key fob may hinder the transmission of signals RF, which can result in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob could affect signal transmission and cause the remote to function properly.
There are a few simple steps you can follow to try and solve the issue of weak fob signals, for example, resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is damaged, it's time to replace it altogether.
Also, don't forget if you have a spare key fob that comes with your vehicle, it could be used as a replacement for the primary remote in the event that it starts to fail. Try this method first to see if it can fix the problem before buying an entirely new remote. In this instance it may be the right time to contact a professional auto-locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best way to proceed.
Physical Damage
It's not common for key fobs to have issues from time-to-time. Most of these problems aren't complicated or serious and can be resolved by following a few easy steps. It's a good idea also to keep spare batteries or a different fob on hand in the event that your key stops working.
The most common reason for car keys not working is an inactive battery. These tiny devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. These are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores and places which sell electronic items. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver and gently remove the battery that you have. Check to see if it's damaged or loose and then put in an alternative battery. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require a different kind.
If your device loses pairing, it may also cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as changing the batteries, but it is generally simple to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to fix.
Try this trick to solve your fob issue if none of the above methods work: remove the battery from both the fob and the car for about 10 minutes, then reconnect them in the reverse order. This can force a restart within the system, and in some cases it will solve the problem without doing any of the other steps.
While key repair service near me testing the fob, make sure to keep it out of water and other possible damage sources. The fob is a durable device, but you should treat it with care to ensure it lasts as long as it can.
If none of the troubleshooting steps above work, you may need to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped, trodden on or subjected to other harsh environmental conditions it may be beyond repair and in need of an upgrade. If that's the case, you should be sure to look around to find a bargain before making your final decision.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care, car key fobs can fail at times. It's costly to replace yours in the event that you lose it particularly when you don't have an extra. "You might end up paying $50 - $100 for a replacement and having it programmed by the dealer, as well as mechanical backups that could cost another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is among the most common reasons for a keyfob's stop working. Try changing the battery yourself when you know how, or consult the owner's manual. But if that doesn't fix the issue, it's time to contact an expert.
A locksmith will be capable of helping you locate the lost fob or have it replaced. They'll also probably have an idea of the reason your fob was not functioning in the first place. And if your car is an older model that has no smart technology built-in You can save cash by locating the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and storing it in a safe place--such as in your wallet or on your phone. This can make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram the new key fob for your car should you need to do it.
If the key fob you have is a smart key of the present it will require an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it before getting a new one made, which can be more expensive than replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. And that means the locksmith needs to have a special programing tool that only the car manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost.
In the majority of instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, including any costs to reprogram a new key fob. It can cost anywhere from $20 in certain stores to over $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the car.