Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs found in modern cars are very efficient and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Often an easy repair or replacement is all you need to make them work again.

Most fobs run on a flat watch-style battery, which can be found in hardware and auto parts stores. Before calling in a professional, you can do a few DIY fixes.

Dead Key Fob Key Repair Battery

The battery for the key fob power the remote feature in your car and, with push-to-start vehicles it allows it to start your engine. This is why it is crucial to maintain an active, healthy battery. A dead key fob is an issue when you're on-the-go. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can fix it quickly.

The most obvious sign that a battery on a key fob is dying is the decrease in signal strength and range. You may also be noticing that the buttons on your fob do not work or require additional effort to turn on.

It is common to find the latest key fob batteries in the auto parts section of a large box retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you shop for the right battery. Certain vehicles require a particular size or type that is not always available at big-box stores. Be sure to research before you buy.

The battery is typically located on the back of the key fob. It can be removed with the flat-bladed screwdriver, by opening the case. The battery will appear like an ordinary coin and will be identified according to its size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus signs in order to insert the battery correctly. Once the battery replacement is placed in the fob, gently snap both pieces of the fob together and test each button to ensure that they work.

It's worth noting that, in the event that your key fob continues to stop functioning even after battery replacement, it may have been deprogrammed. In this case, you'll need to contact a locksmith for help, which will cost a little more than simply replacing the key fob battery.

YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob in the event that it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Make an appointment to look over all the services we provide in your region.

Weak Signals

If your key fob does not respond to the buttons on the remote, it could be a sign that the signaling isn't working correctly. Radio signals are used to communicate between your car key and repair and key fob. Inconsistent or weak radio signals can lead to 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 is also recommended to reset the settings on your fob, which can help to bring back a more consistent response from the car. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so the owner's manual or call to the manufacturer's help line is probably the best source of information here.

Other factors can cause weak fob signals, including interference from other devices operating on 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 uses to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.

Finally physical damage to your key fob could hinder the transmission of RF signals which may result in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob may all affect the signal transmission and cause the remote not to function properly.

You can try to resolve the issue by resetting your fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is damaged, fob Key repair it's the time to replace it all over again.

Also, don't forget if you have an extra key fob which comes with your vehicle, it can be used instead of the primary remote in the event that it begins to fail. It's a good idea to try this method to see if it can solve the issue prior to investing in a new one. In this instance it could be the right an appropriate time to consult an expert auto-locksmith. They can identify the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Physical Damage

Key fobs may have issues from time to time. Fortunately, most of these issues aren't serious or complex and can be resolved by following a few simple steps. It's also a good idea to have spare batteries or Fob Key Repair even another key fob in the event that one of your keys ceases to function.

The most frequent reason for a car key fob not working is the battery is dead. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button 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 shell with a flat head screwdriver and gently remove the battery that is in there. Replace the battery, making sure it's not damaged or loose. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. However, yours may require a different kind.

The fob may also stop responding to buttons if it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, but it is typically a simple issue to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.

You can try this method to solve your fob issue if none of the above methods work: remove the battery from both the car and the fob for about ten minutes, then reconnect them in the reverse order. This may cause the system to restart, and in some cases, this will fix the issue without additional steps.

Keep the fob out of water or other sources of damage while playing around. A fob is durable, but you should take care of it to ensure that it lasts as long as it can.

If none of the troubleshooting techniques above help you, it may be necessary 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 may require a replacement. Look around for the best deal.

Lost Fob

Even with the best of care keys to cars can fail at times. If you lose yours it can be extremely expensive to replace it--especially in the event that you don't have spare. "You could end up paying $50 to $100 for a replacement, and getting it programmed by the dealer, as well as an electronic backup that could cost you 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. If you know how to replace the battery, or if your owner's manual has instructions, try it yourself. If that doesn't solve the problem, you need to get help from an expert.

A locksmith will be capable of helping you locate your lost fob or get it replaced. They'll also probably have a good idea of the reason why your fob was not working in the first instance. If your car is old and does not have smart technology built in however, you can save money by recording the key's number plate of your mechanical backup key. It's usually hidden behind an ornamental keychain. This will make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram a brand new key fob for your car in the event that you need to do so.

If your key fob is an older smart key, it'll have to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost more than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith has to use a special programing tool that is only available to car manufacturers, which can increase the cost.

In the majority of cases, the whole service will be charged at once. This includes all costs for reprogramming a keyfob. Based on the car the cost can range from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a car dealership.