Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used often and are often abused. Sometimes, a simple replacement or repair is all that's required to get them back in good working in good condition.
Most fobs use flat-watch-style batteries that are easy to find in hardware stores and auto parts retailers. Before calling a professional, you can do some of the DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The battery in the key fob powers the remote function of your car. It also, with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. It is therefore important to maintain a functional, healthy battery. A dead key fob is a major problem when you're in the middle of nowhere. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can be made to fix it in a short time.
The most frequent indication that a key fob's battery is depleting is the loss of signal strength and range. It is also possible to be noticing that the buttons on the fob don't function or require any effort to activate.
You will often find the latest key fob batteries in the auto parts section of a large box store or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. However it's best to check your owner's manual before shopping for the correct battery for your device. Some cars require a particular size or type of battery that isn't always available at big-box retailers, so be sure to know the right specs before you purchase.
The battery is usually located on the back of the key fob. It can be removed with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade by prying the case open. It will usually resemble an ordinary coin and will be labeled with the battery size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks in order to place the new battery properly. After the replacement battery has been installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob together. Then test all of the buttons to ensure they work.
It's worth noting that in the event that your key fob continues to stop functioning, even after a battery replacement, it may have been deprogrammed. In this instance you'll need to call an expert locksmith and it will cost you some more than replacing the battery in your key fob.
YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery has failed. Make sure you check out all of our services available in your area and schedule an appointment today!
Weak Signals
If you find 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 range and performance.
car key fob repair of the first things you should examine is whether your fob's battery is insufficient because this could significantly affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob could aid in restoring a more regular response. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a call to the manufacturer's help line will likely be your 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. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices can interfere with the radio frequency (radio-frequency) signals your key fob transmits to connect to the receiver of your vehicle.
Additionally, physical damage to your key fob could also interfere with 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 affect signal transmission and cause the remote to function properly.
There are a few easy steps you can take to try and resolve the issue of weak fob signals, for example, resetting the fob's settings or changing the battery. If, however, your fob is worn out, it's the time to replace it all over again.
Don't forget to utilize the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote begins to fail. Try this method first to see if it can resolve the issue before buying another remote. In this case, it might be an appropriate time to consult a professional auto-locksmith. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best course of actions.
Physical Damage
Key fobs can have problems occasionally. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't complicated or a major issue and can be resolved with a few easy steps. It's a good idea also to keep spare batteries or another fob on hand in the event that your key stops working.
The most common reason for car keys not working is an inactive battery. These small devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. They can be replaced and can be found in most pharmacies and stores. You can open the case of the fob using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the battery that you have. Ensure that it is not loose or damaged and then put in an alternative battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries. However, yours may require a different kind.
The fob may also stop responding to the buttons if it loses its connection with your car. This could be due to many factors like changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or a local dealership will usually be able to solve the issue.
You can try this method to fix your fob when none of the other 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 instances it will solve the issue without requiring any of the other steps.
While you're experimenting with the fob, ensure to keep it clear of water and other potential sources of damage. The fob is a durable device, but you should treat it with care to make it last for as long as you can.
If all of the suggestions above don't help, it might be time to think about replacing your key fob. If it's been dropped or tripped on, or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be damaged beyond repair and in need of an upgrade. If that's the case, be sure to shop around to find a bargain before making your final decision.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care it's a fact of the road that car key fobs can occasionally fail to function. It's costly to replace yours if you lose it and especially in the event that you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to get an alternative from the dealer and then have it programmed, plus a new mechanical backup which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu, an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob's cease to function. You can try changing the battery yourself If you are familiar with the procedure or consult the owner's manual. But if that doesn't fix the problem, you need to contact an expert.
A locksmith is capable of helping you locate your lost fob, or get it replaced. They will also likely have an idea of the reason your fob was not working in the first instance. If your car is an older model that has no smart technology built-in it is possible to save cash by locating the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and storing it in a secure place, such as in your wallet or on your phone. This will make it much 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 will need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car dealer. This could cost more than simply replacing it. That's because modern key fobs utilize rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from getting into the car. This means that locksmiths must have a special software program which is only available to car manufacturers, which increases the cost.
In the majority of cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming a new key fob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could cost anywhere from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a car dealership.