Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are often abused. Sometimes an easy repair or replacement is all that's required to get them back in working order.
Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which is readily available in hardware and auto parts stores. However, before calling an expert, you can try a few DIY solutions!
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 it allows it to start your engine. As a result, it is critical to maintain an efficient, functioning battery. A dead key fob is an issue for anyone in the middle of nowhere. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can fix it quickly.
The most frequent sign that a battery on a key fob is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. It is also possible to find that the buttons on your fob do not work or require extra effort to turn on.
A new key fob is available in the auto part section of a big retailer or online. Typically, these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. However it's best to read the owner's manual prior to purchasing the correct battery for your fob. Certain cars require a certain size or type of battery that isn't always available at big-box stores. Be sure to check before purchasing.
Typically, the battery is located on the back of your key fob and is removed by tearing open the case with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. The battery will look similar to tiny coins, and it will be identified according to its size. Be sure to note which way the plus and minus symbols are placed to ensure that the battery you are replacing is placed correctly. After the replacement battery is installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob together. Then test the buttons to ensure they work.
If your key fob does not work after replacing the battery, it might be deprogrammed. In this scenario you'll have to contact a locksmith for help and it will cost you a bit more than replacing the key fob battery.
Whether your fob battery is failing or you're experiencing other issues with your fob's battery an experienced mechanic such as one from YourMechanic can examine and fix it to get you back on the road. Make an appointment to look over the range of services we provide in your area.
Weak Signals
If you find that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote, it could be an indication of a problem with the signaling. Radio signals are used to transmit information between your car and key fob. Poor or inconsistent radio signals can cause poor performance and range.
Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea, as it can affect the sensitivity of the signal. It is also recommended to reset the settings on your fob and help get an even and consistent response from the car. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's manual or a call to your manufacturer's support line is your best guide.
Other factors, including interference from other devices operating on the same frequency can also contribute to weak signals. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices can interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob transmits to the vehicle's receiver.
Finally physical damage to your key fob may also interfere with the transmission of signals RF, which could result in a decrease in performance and range. A blown fuses, a broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob could affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to function properly.
There are a few simple steps you can take to try and solve the issue of weak fob signals like resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn out, it's probably time to replace it altogether.
Don't forget to use the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if it can resolve the issue before buying another remote. If not, it might be the perfect moment to call an expert auto locksmith. They will be able diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Physical Damage
Key fobs may have issues occasionally. Luckily, the majority 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 even another key fob in the event that one of your keys fails to work.
A dead battery is the most common reason for a car keyfob not working. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. They are easily replaced and can be purchased at most pharmacies and grocery stores. You can access the fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pry out the battery. Make sure it's not loose or damaged and then insert the new battery. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. 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 reasons, including changing the batteries, however it is generally simple for an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.
Try this trick to solve your fob issue in the event that none of the above methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the fob and the car for about ten minutes, and then reconnect them in a reverse order. This can force the system to reboot, and in certain cases it can fix the issue without additional steps.
Keep repair car key remote from water or other sources of damage while you are trying out new techniques. Fobs can be quite durable, but it's important to take care with it in order for it to last as long as it can.
If none of the troubleshooting techniques above work, you may need to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped or trampled upon, or exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it could not be able to be repaired and may require an upgrade. Shop around to find the most competitive price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care keys to cars will occasionally stop working. It's costly to replace yours when it is lost particularly in the event that you don't have an extra. "You may end up spending $50 or more to purchase an alternative from the dealer and have it programmed, as well as a new mechanical backup, which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is among the most common causes for a keyfob's device to cease to function. You can try changing the battery on your own when you know how, or get instructions from the owner's manual. But if that doesn't fix the issue, it's time to call in an expert.
A locksmith is capable of helping you locate the lost fob or have it replaced. A locksmith will probably know why your fob stopped functioning in the first place. If your car is old and does not come with smart technology it is still possible to save money by recording the key number plate of your mechanical backup key. It's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain. This will make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram a new key fob for your car should you require it.
If your current key fob is a smart key of the present and you want to change it, you'll need to go to an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it and get a new one made, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. That's because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption to prevent thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost.
In the majority of cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including the cost of programming a new key fob. It can cost anywhere from $20 at some shops to more than $200 at car dealerships, depending on the car.