Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are utilized a great deal and are frequently abused. Often an easy repair or replacement is all that's needed to get them working again.
Most fobs utilize flat-watch-style batteries that are readily available in hardware stores and auto parts stores. Before you call in a professional, you can do a few DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The key fob's battery powers your remote in your car, and in push-to-start cars, it can start your engine. It is therefore essential to keep a functioning healthy and a good battery. A dead key fob is a major problem when you're traveling. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.
The most obvious indication that a battery on a key fob is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You may also notice the buttons on the key fob aren't working or require extra effort.
A new key fob is available in the auto parts section of a major retailer or online. They are typically CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you shop for the right battery. Some cars require a particular size or type of battery that isn't always available at big-box stores, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you purchase.
The battery is usually found in the back of the key fob. It is removed using the flat-bladed screwdriver, by removing the case. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be labelled with the battery's size. Make sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks in order to insert the battery correctly. After the replacement battery has been installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob together and 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 could be deprogrammed. In this case you'll have to contact an expert locksmith which will cost some more than replacing the key fob battery.
The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Make an appointment to look over all the services we provide in your area.
Weak key fob repair
If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to buttons on the remote, this can be a sign of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob are dependent on radio signals to communicate, and weak or inconsistant signals can cause poor range and performance.
The battery level of your fob is a good idea, because it could affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob could also help restore a more consistent response. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. Your owner's guide or a phone call to your manufacturer's support number is your best guide.
Other factors can cause weak fob signals, such as interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines as well as other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cellular networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob utilizes to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.
Additionally, physical damage to your key fob may also interfere with the transmission of signals RF, which can result in poor performance and range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked button or bent fob case can affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to not respond.
You can solve the issue by resetting the fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn out, it might be time to replace it.
Lastly, don't forget that if you have an extra key fob that comes with your vehicle, it can be used as a replacement for the primary remote in case it starts to fail. You should try this solution first to determine if you can solve the issue prior to purchasing a new remote. If not, it could be the right time to contact a professional auto locksmith. They can determine the cause and suggest the best method of action.
Physical Damage
It's not unusual for key fobs to encounter issues from time-to-time. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't serious or complex and can be fixed by following a few simple steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or a different fob on hand in the event that your key fails to function.
The most common reason for car keys not working is the battery is dead. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. They can be replaced easily and are available at most pharmacies, food stores and shops that sell electronic products. You can access the fob's case using a flat head screwdriver and gently pry out the battery that is in there. Ensure that it is not damaged or loose and then put in a new battery. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries, however yours may require an alternative kind.
Your fob could also stop responding to the buttons when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can be caused by various reasons including changing the batteries. However it is possible to fix the issue with an auto Locksmith or local dealership will usually be able to solve the issue.
You can try this method to solve your fob issue when none of the other methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the fob and the car for about 10 minutes, then reconnect them in the opposite order. This may cause the system to restart, and in some cases it will resolve the issue without any other steps.
While you're testing the fob, ensure to keep it away from water and other potential dangers. Fobs can be quite robust, but it's crucial to take care with it if you want it to last as long as you can.
If all of the suggestions above aren't working, it could be time to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped, trodden on or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be beyond repair and requires a replacement. Find the most affordable price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care keys to cars will occasionally stop working. If you lose yours, it can be extremely expensive to replace it, especially when you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 to $100 for a replacement, and getting it programmed by the dealer, and mechanical backups that could cost another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
One of the most common reasons for a key fob's to stop working is a simple issue, like an insufficient battery. If you are familiar with how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual contains instructions, you can try it yourself. But if that doesn't fix the problem, you need to contact an expert.
A locksmith can help you replace or find the lost key fob. They will also likely have a good idea of the reason why your fob was not working in the first place. And if your vehicle is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in, you can save some money by finding the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and storing it in a secure location, such as in your wallet or on your phone. This will make it much easier for a locksmith to reprogram the new key fob to your car if you ever need to do so.
If the key fob you have is a smart key of the present and you want to change it, you'll need to go to a car dealership or locksmith to deprogram it before getting a new one made which is more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from getting access to the car. This means that locksmiths must be equipped with a specific software program that is only available to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any costs to re
