Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are utilized a great deal and are often abused. Often just a simple repair or replacement is all that's needed to make them functional again.
Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries. This is easily found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before you call a professional, try a few DIY solutions!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The key fob's battery powers your remote in your car and, in push-to-start vehicles, it can start your engine. It is therefore essential to maintain a working and healthy battery. When you're on the go, a dead key fob can be a huge problem. A simple, low-cost replacement will solve the issue quickly.
The most obvious indication that a key fob's battery is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You may also notice that the buttons on the fob don't function or require any effort to be activated.
A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a big retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. However, it's a good idea to consult your owner's manual prior to purchasing the right battery for your fob. Certain cars require a certain size or type of battery, which isn't always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.
The battery is typically located on the back of the key fob. It can be removed with a flat-bladed screwdriver by opening the case. It will usually resemble an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Make sure to note the way the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the new battery is properly placed. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons.
If your key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, it may have been deprogrammed. In this scenario you'll have to contact an expert locksmith, which will cost a bit more than replacing the battery of your key fob.
YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery is dead. Make sure to look over all of our services in your area and make an appointment today!
Weak Signals
If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to the buttons on the remote, this could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistent signals can result in poor performance and range.
Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea since it can affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob could also aid in restoring a regular response. The procedure differs from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a phone call to the help line of the manufacturer is likely to be the best guide here.
Other factors, including interference from other devices that operate at the same frequency can also affect weak signals. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices could interfere with the radio frequency (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob transmits to the vehicle's receiver.
Finally, physical damage to your key fob can also interfere with the transmission of RF signals, which can result in poor range and performance. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case on the fob may affect signal transmission and cause the remote to not to function properly.
You can attempt to fix the problem by resetting the fob's settings or by replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is worn out, it's time to replace it altogether.
Don't forget to use the spare remote that was included with your vehicle if your primary remote starts to fail. You should try this solution first to determine if you can fix the problem before purchasing another remote. If not, this might be the right time to contact a professional auto locksmith. They can identify the issue and suggest the best course of actions.
Physical Damage
It's not uncommon for key fobs to experience issues from time-to-time. Most of these problems aren't complicated or severe and can be fixed with a few simple steps. It's a good idea to keep spare batteries or another fob in the event that your key fails to function.
A dead battery is the most frequent cause of a car keyfob not working. These little devices depend on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. These are easily replaced and can be found at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and other places that sell electronic products. You can open your fob's shell with a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pry out the battery. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged, loose or damaged. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries, but yours may require a different kind.
Your fob might also stop responding to buttons if it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This could be due to various reasons like changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or a local dealer can usually repair the issue.
You can try this trick to solve your fob issue if 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 the opposite order. This could trigger a reboot within the system, and in some cases, this alone will fix the issue without requiring any of the other steps.
Keep the fob away from water or other sources of harm while you're playing around. The fob is a durable device however, you must take care with it to make it last as long as it can.
If none of the troubleshooting procedures above help you, you may have to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped or tripped on, or subjected to other environmental hazards, it may be beyond repair and may require a replacement. Look around for the most affordable price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care it's a fact in the road that car key fobs will occasionally fail to function. If yours is lost, it could be very expensive to replace it--especially when you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to purchase a new replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, as well as a new mechanical backup, which could cost you at least another $100," says Mel Yu who is an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
auto key repair near me of the most frequent reasons for a key fob to stop working is a simple issue, like a weak battery. If you know how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual has instructions, try it yourself. If this doesn't work, you'll need to call an expert.
A locksmith can be in a position to assist you in finding your lost fob, or get it replaced. A locksmith will likely know the reason your fob stopped working in the first initial place. If your car is old and does not have smart technology built in however, you can save money by recording the number plate from your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain. If you're in need of reprogramming your car's key fob the locksmith can perform the task more easily.
If your key fob is an old smart key, it'll have to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost more than replacing it. The reason is that modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from accessing the car. This means that the locksmith has to have a special programing tool that is only available to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost.
In most cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any charges to reprogram the new key fob. Depending on the vehicle, that can run from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealer.