Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are utilized often and are often abused. Many times, a simple repair or replacement is all that's required to get them back in good working in good condition.
Most fobs run on a flat watch-style battery, which can be found in hardware and auto parts stores. But before you call an expert, you can try a few DIY fixes!
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The battery in the key fob's remote powers the remote you have in your car and, in push-to-start vehicles, it can start your engine. It is therefore important to maintain a functional and healthy battery. When you're on the move and your key fob is not working, it could be a major issue. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.
The most obvious sign that a battery on a key fob is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. It is also possible to notice that the buttons on your fob do not function or require any effort to turn on.
You can often find a new key fob battery in the auto parts section of a large box retailer or online. They are typically CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. However it's a good idea where to repair car key remote read the owner's manual prior to purchasing the right battery for your fob. Certain cars require a specific size or type of battery that's not always available at big-box retailers Be sure to know the specifications prior to you purchase.
Typically the battery is placed on the back of your key fob and is removed by tearing the case open using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. The battery will appear like a small coin and will be labeled based on its size. Be sure to note which direction the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the battery you are replacing is placed correctly. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together. Then test the buttons.
It's worth noting that, repairs if your key fob continues to not function even after battery replacement, it might be deprogrammed. In this scenario, you'll need to contact locksmiths for assistance, which will cost a little more than simply replacing the battery in your key fob.
Whether your fob battery is failing or you're experiencing other issues with your fob's key an experienced mechanic such as one from YourMechanic can examine and fix it to get you back on the road. Schedule an appointment to see all the services we offer in your region.
Weak Signals
If your key fob isn't able to respond to the buttons on the remote it could be a sign that the signaling is not working properly. Radio signals are used to communicate between your car and key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can result in low performance and limited range.
Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea since it can have a significant impact on the sensitivity of the signal. Resetting the settings on the fob can also help restore a more constant response. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a phone call to your manufacturer's support line is your best source of information.
Other factors can cause weak fob signals, for example, interference from other devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob. Other key repair service fobs as well as wireless communication devices may interfere with the radio frequency (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob sends to connect to the receiver of your vehicle.
Physical damage to your keyfob can also affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in lower performance and less range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked buttons or bent fob case can interfere with the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.
You can attempt to 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 which comes with your vehicle, it can be used as a replacement for the primary remote in case it starts to fail. You should test this option first to determine if you can solve the issue prior to buying a new remote. In this case it may be time to call an auto-locksmith professional. They will be able to determine the cause and suggest the most effective course of action.
Physical Damage
Key fobs may have issues from time to time. Fortunately, most of these issues aren't serious or complex and can be fixed with a few easy steps. It's recommended to keep spare batteries or another lock key repair near me fob in the event that one of your keys fails to work.
The most common reason for car keys not working is a dead battery. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. They are easily replaced and can be found at most pharmacies and grocery stores. You can access the fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the existing battery. Replace the battery, ensuring that it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours may require a different type.
When your fob loses its pairing, it could cease to respond to buttons. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, but it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.
If none of the solutions above work, try this trick: disconnect the batteries from the car and the fob for a short period of time and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This can force the system to restart and in some cases it can fix the issue without any other steps.
While you're experimenting with the fob, ensure to keep it clear of water and other dangers. The fob is quite sturdy, but you need to take care with it in order for it to last as long as possible.
If none of the troubleshooting steps above work you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown and trampled or exposed to extreme conditions, it might not be repairable and will need an upgrade. If that's the case, you should be sure to search for a deal before making your final choice.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care it's a fact of life that car key fobs may occasionally stop working. It's costly to replace yours when it is lost, especially in the event that you don't have an alternative. "You could end up paying $50 or more to get an equivalent replacement from the dealer and have it programmed, and an additional mechanical backup which will cost at most another $100," says Mel Yu who is an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
One of the most common reasons for a key fob's device to stop working is a simple issue, like an insufficient battery. Try changing the battery yourself if you know how or get instructions from the owner's manual. If that doesn't work, you'll have to call an expert.
A locksmith can help to find or replace the lost key fob. A locksmith will probably know the reason why your fob stopped working in the first place. If your car is older and does not have smart technology built in, you can still save money by recording the key's number plate from your mechanical backup key. It's usually hidden behind a keychain with an ornamental design. If you need to reprogram the key fob in your car locksmith is able to do it much more quickly.
If your key fob is an old smart key, it will need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or a car dealer. This can cost more than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by rolling-code encryption which stops thieves from getting access to your car. This means that the locksmith must have a special software program that is only available to car manufacturers, which increases the cost.
In the majority of cases, the entire process will be charged once. This includes all costs for reprogramming a keyfob. Based on the car it could cost anywhere from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealer.