Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are utilized often and are often misused. Often just a simple repair or replacement is all that's needed to make them work again.
The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries that can be found in auto parts stores. Before calling in an expert, try some DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The key fob battery powers the remote function in your car. It also, with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy, working battery. A dead key fob is an issue when you're on-the-go. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.
The most frequent sign that a key fob's battery is depleting is the decrease in signal strength and range. You might also be noticing that the buttons on your fob don't work or require additional effort to be activated.
You will often find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a big box store or on the internet. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. Check out the owner's manual before you decide on the best battery. Certain cars require a certain size or type of battery, which is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.
Typically the battery is placed on the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open using a flat-blade screwdriver. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Make sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus signs in order to insert the battery correctly. After the battery has been replaced, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together. Then test the buttons.
If your key fob does not work after replacing the battery, it may have been deprogrammed. In this case you'll have to contact an expert locksmith which will cost a bit more than replacing the battery in your key fob.
Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery has died. Make sure to look over all of our services in your area and schedule an appointment today!
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 a sign of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistant signals can result in poor performance and range.
Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea, as it can affect signal sensitivity. It's also worth resetting the fob's settings and help get the same response from the car. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's manual or a phone call to your manufacturer's support line is your best guide.
Other factors, like interference from other devices operating on the same frequency, can also contribute to weak signals. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can interfere with the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob utilizes to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.
Physical damage to your keyfob can affect the transmission of RF signal, which can result in poor performance and range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked button or a bent case can all affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to fail to respond.
There are a few simple steps you can try to and resolve the issue of weak signals from your fob, such as resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn, it may be the right time to replace it.
Don't forget to use the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote starts to fail. It's worth trying this option to determine if it resolves the issue before you invest in the new one. If not, it could be the right time to consult a professional auto locksmith. They will be able diagnose the issue and suggest the best way to proceed.
Physical Damage
Key fobs may have issues from time to time. Most of the time, these problems aren't complicated or difficult to fix and can be solved by following a few easy steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or another fob on hand in the event that your key fails to function.
A dead battery is the most common reason for a car keyfob not working. These tiny devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. They can be replaced easily and can be found at most pharmacies, food stores and shops that sell electronics. You can access the fob's shell with a flat head screwdriver and gently pull out the existing battery. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged or loose. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries, however yours may require an alternative type.
If your device loses pairing, it may also stop responding to buttons. This can happen due to a number of factors, such as changing the batteries, however it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.
Try this trick to fix your fob when none of the other methods work: remove the battery from both the car and the fob for about 10 minutes, and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This can force the system to restart and in certain cases, this will fix the issue without any other steps.
While you're experimenting with the fob, make sure to keep it clear of water and other possible sources of damage. The fob is quite robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care when you want it to last as long as possible.
If the above troubleshooting tips do not help, it may be time to consider replacing your key fob. If it's been thrown around or tripped over, or exposed to other harsh environmental conditions it may be beyond repair and in need of a replacement. Look around for the most competitive price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care, it's a fact of the road that car key fobs will sometimes stop working. It's expensive to replace yours if you lose it and especially when you don't have an alternative. "You could end up paying between $50 and $100 for a replacement and having it programmed by a dealer, and an electronic backup 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 device to stop working is a simple problem, such as a weak battery. Try changing the battery yourself if you know how or consult your owner's manual. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you need to call in an expert.
A locksmith can assist you replace or find your lost key fob. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason your fob stopped working in the first in the first place. If your car is older and does not include smart technology, you can still save money by recording the key's number plate on your mechanical backup key. g28carkeys.co.uk 's usually hidden behind an ornamental keychain. If you're in need of reprogramming your car's key fob locksmith is able to do it more easily.
If your current key fob is a modern smart key 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 can be more expensive than replacing it. That's because modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from accessing the car. This means that the locksmith must have a special programing tool which is only available to car manufacturers, which increases the cost.
In the majority of cases, the entire service will be billed at one time. This includes all costs for reprogramming a new keyfob. It can cost anywhere from $20 in some stores to over $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the vehicle.