Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Key fobs on modern cars are very efficient and are subject to a lot of abuse. In most cases, an easy repair or replacement is all that's needed to make them functional again.
The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries that can be found in hardware stores and auto parts stores. However, before calling an expert, try a few DIY fixes!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The battery in the key fob's remote powers your remote in your car and in push-to start cars it will start your engine. It is therefore important to maintain a working healthy and a good battery. When you're out and about, a dead key fob can be a huge problem. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can be made to fix it in a short time.
The most obvious sign that a key fob battery is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You may also notice that the buttons on your fob don't function or require any effort to turn on.
A new key fob can be found in the auto part section of a large retailer or on the internet. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. Check out the owner's manual before you decide on the best battery. Certain cars require a specific size or kind of battery that's not always in stock at big-box retailers, so be sure to know the specifications prior to you buy.
The battery is typically located at the back of the key fob. It can be removed with a flat-bladed screwdriver by removing the case. The battery will look similar to an ordinary coin and be labeled according to its size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks so that you can put the new battery in the correct place. Once the battery replacement is placed in the fob, gently snap both pieces of the fob in place and test all of the buttons to make sure they function.
It's worth noting that, when your key fob is unable to stop functioning, even after a battery replacement, it could be deprogrammed. In this instance 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 if it is damaged or if the battery is dead. Make sure to look over the range of services we offer in your region and book an appointment now!
Weak Signals
If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to buttons on the remote, this could be an indication of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, and weak or inconsistant signals can cause poor performance and range.
One of the first things you should examine is whether the battery of your fob is depleted because this could significantly affect the sensitivity of the signal. Resetting the settings on the fob could also aid in restoring a consistent response. key fob repairs varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a phone call to the helpline of the manufacturer is probably the best resource here.
Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, for example, interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines and other key fobs wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can interfere with the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle.
The physical damage to your keyfob can affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in low performance and a limited range. A blown fuse, damaged or cracked button, or a bent case of the fob may affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to respond.
You can try to resolve the issue by resetting the fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn, it could be time to replace it.
Lastly, don't forget that if you have an extra key fob which is part of your vehicle, this can be used in place of the primary remote if it starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if you can resolve the issue before purchasing another remote. If not, it could be the best time to consult an expert auto locksmith. They can identify the issue and suggest the most effective solution.
Physical Damage
Key fobs can have problems from time to time. Fortunately, most of these issues aren't serious or complex and can be fixed with a few easy steps. It's important to have spare batteries or an additional fob in case one of your keys ceases to function.
A dead battery is the most frequent reason why a key fob in a car is not working. These small devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. They are easy to replace and can be found in most pharmacies, grocery stores and shops that sell electronics. The fob's case can be opened using an screwdriver that is flat and gently remove your existing battery. Check to see if it's loose or damaged and then simply pop in the new battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require a different type.
Your fob could also stop responding to the buttons after losing its connection to the car. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, but is generally simple to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.
If none of the solutions above work, you can try this trick: disconnect the batteries from the car and fob for a short period of time and then connect them in reverse order. This could cause the system to reboot, and in some cases it will resolve the issue without additional steps.
When you're playing around with the fob, be sure to keep it clear of water and other possible damage sources. The fob is quite sturdy, but you need to treat it with care when you want it to last as long as it can.
If the suggestions above aren't working, it could be time to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped or tripped over, or exposed to other environmental hazards, it could be beyond repair and in need of a replacement. If that's the case, make sure to look around for a deal before making your final decision.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care it's a fact in life that car key fobs may sometimes cease to function. It can be expensive to replace yours if you lose it and especially if you do not have an alternative. "You may end up paying $50 to $100 for a new one and getting it programmed by the dealer, as well as a mechanical backup that will cost 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 basic issue, like an insufficient battery. If you are familiar with how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual contains instructions, try it yourself. If that doesn't work you'll have to call an expert.
A locksmith can assist you to replace or locate the lost key fob. A locksmith will probably know the reason your fob stopped working in the first initial place. If your vehicle is a model older than the one you own and has no built-in smart technology, you can save some cash by locating the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain) and recording it in a secure location, such as your wallet or on your phone. If you need to reprogram the key fob in your car locksmith is able to perform the task more easily.
If your key fob is an old smart key, it'll need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost more than replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes which stops thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that locksmiths must use a special programing tool which is only available to car manufacturers, which increases the cost.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any costs to reprogram a new key fob. Depending on the type of vehicle, that can run from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.