Key Fob Replacement and Repair
The key fobs found in modern cars perform a lot of work and are subject to a lot of abuse. Often an easy repair or replacement is all it takes to get them working again.
Most fobs utilize flat-watch-style batteries that are easy to find in hardware stores and auto parts stores. Before calling a professional, do some of the DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The battery in the key fob's remote powers your car's remote and in push-to start cars, it can start your engine. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy, working battery. A dead key fob is a major problem when you're on-the-go. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement can fix it quickly.
The most frequent sign that a key fob battery is depleting is the decrease in signal strength and range. You might also notice that the buttons on your fob don't work or require extra effort to be activated.
You can often find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a large box retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. Check out the owner's manual before you decide on the best battery. Certain vehicles require a particular size or type of battery that is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.
Typically the battery is situated on the back of your key fob. It can be removed by prying the case open using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be labelled with the battery's size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus signs to ensure that you place the new battery properly. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together. Then test the buttons.
If your key fob doesn't work after replacing the battery, it could be deprogrammed. In this instance, you'll need to contact locksmiths for assistance which will cost a bit more than replacing the key fob battery.
YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery has failed. Be sure to check out all of our services available 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, this can be an indication of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob are dependent on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistent signals can cause poor range and performance.
One of the first things to determine is if the battery of your fob is depleted because this could significantly affect the sensitivity of the signal. It's also worth resetting the settings on your fob, which can help to get the same response from the car. The procedure differs from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a call to the helpline of the manufacturer is probably the best guide here.
Other factors, such as interference from other devices operating at the same frequency can also cause weak signals. 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, leading to lower performance and less range. A blown fuse, a broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob may all affect the signal transmission and cause the remote to respond.
There are a few simple steps you can try to and solve the issue of weak fob signals like resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If your fob is worn out, it's probably time to replace it completely.
Don't forget to make use of the spare remote that came with your car in the event that your primary remote starts to fail. You should try this solution first to determine if you can solve the issue prior to purchasing an entirely new remote. In this case it may be the right time to contact a professional auto-locksmith. They will be able to identify the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Physical Damage
It's not common for key fobs to encounter issues from time-to-time. Fortunately, most of these issues aren't difficult or complicated and can be resolved with some simple steps. It's also a good idea to have spare batteries or another fob available in case one of your keys ceases to function.
The most frequent reason for a car key fob not working is an inactive battery. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. These batteries are easily replaceable and are available at most pharmacies and stores. You can open your fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the battery that is in there. Replace the battery, making sure it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries, however yours may require an alternative kind.
If your device loses pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including changing the batteries, but it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.
If none of the strategies above work, try this trick: disconnect the battery from the car and fob for a short period of time and then connect them in a reverse order. This could trigger a reboot within the system and, in some instances, this alone will fix the issue without having to do any of the other steps.
While you're experimenting with the fob, make sure to keep it away from water and other potential damage sources. A fob can be pretty robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care in order for it to last as long as possible.
If none of the troubleshooting steps above work, you may need to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped or tripped over, or exposed to other environmental hazards, it may be beyond repair and may require a replacement. Find the most competitive price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care keys for cars, they may fail to function. If you lose yours it can be extremely expensive to replace it, especially if you don't have a spare. "You might end up paying $50 or more to purchase an equivalent replacement from the dealer and have it programmed, plus an additional mechanical backup which will cost at most another $100," says Mel Yu who is an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob's device to cease to function. You can try changing the battery on your own when you know how, or refer to your owner's manual. If this doesn't work, you'll need to contact an expert.
A locksmith can assist you replace or find your lost key fob. A locksmith will likely know 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 You can save cash by locating the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and recording it in a safe place--such as your wallet or on your phone. This will make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram a new key fob to your car if you ever need to do so.
If your key fob is an old smart key, it'll need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car dealer. This could cost more than just replacing it. That's because modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from accessing the car. mobile key repair means that locksmiths must use a special programing tool that is available only to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost.
In most instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including any costs to reprogram the new key fob. Based on nearby key repair shop , that can run from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.