Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs found in modern automobiles perform a lot of work and are subject to lots of abuse. Many times an easy replacement or repair is all it takes to get them back in working good working order.

Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which is readily available in auto parts and hardware stores. However, before calling 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 cars it will start your engine. It is therefore important to maintain a working and healthy battery. When you're out and about and your key fob is not working, it can be a huge problem. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.

The loss of range and signal strength are the most frequent indications that a battery on a keyfob is dying. You may also notice the buttons on your key fob aren't working or require more effort.

You will often find a new mobile key repair fob battery in the auto key fob repair parts section of a big box retailer or online. Typically, these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. Consult your owner's guide before you purchase the correct battery. Certain cars require a specific size or kind of battery that's not always available at big-box stores So, make sure you know the specifications prior to you buy.

Typically the battery is situated in the back of your key fob. It is removed by tearing open the case with the flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will look like an ordinary coin and be labeled based on its size. Be sure to note which way the plus and minus symbols are oriented to ensure that the new battery is placed correctly. After the battery has been replaced and the fob is closed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together. Then test the buttons.

It's important to note that in the event that your key fob continues to cease functioning even after battery replacement, it may be deprogrammed. In this case you'll have to contact locksmiths for assistance and it will cost you a little more than simply replacing the battery of your key fob.

The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it is damaged or if the battery has failed. 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 buttons on the remote, this can be a sign of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, therefore 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 the signal. Resetting the settings of the fob can aid in restoring a more constant response. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or call to the helpline of the manufacturer will likely be your best source of information here.

Other factors, including interference from other devices operating on the same frequency can also cause weak signals. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cellular networks can interfere with the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.

The physical damage to your keyfob can affect the transmission of an RF signal, leading to low performance and a limited range. A blown fuse, a broken 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 solve the issue by resetting your fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is old and worn out, it's probably time to replace it completely.

Don't forget to use the spare remote that came with your car key fob repairs if your primary remote starts to fail. It's a good idea to try this method to see if it solves the issue before you invest in the new one. In this case it may be time to call a professional auto-locksmith. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best course of actions.

Physical Damage

It's not common for key fobs to have problems from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't difficult or complicated and can be fixed with a few easy steps. It's a good idea to keep spare batteries or a different fob in case your key ever stops working.

The most common reason for a car key fob repairs key fob not working is an inactive battery. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. They can be replaced easily and are available in most pharmacies, grocery stores and places which sell electronic items. You can open the case of the fob using an screwdriver that is flat and gently remove the battery you have. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged or loose. Most fobs require batteries that are CR2032. However, yours may require a different type.

The fob may not be responding to buttons after losing its connection to the car. This can happen due to a number of factors, such as changing the batteries, however it is usually easy for an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.

If none of the methods above work, try this trick: disconnect the battery from the car and fob for a few minutes and then connect them in reverse order. This may cause the system to restart and in some cases it can fix the issue without additional steps.

Keep the fob out of water or other sources of damage while you are trying out new techniques. Fobs can be quite sturdy, but you need to treat it with care in order for it to last as long as it can.

If the suggestions above don't help, it might be time 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 in need of an upgrade. Look around for the most competitive price.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care it's a fact in life that car key fobs may occasionally fail to function. If you lose yours, it could be a huge expense to replace it, particularly if you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 - $100 for a replacement, and getting it programmed by the dealer, and a mechanical backup that will cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is among the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to stop working. You can try changing the battery yourself when you know how, or get instructions from the owner's manual. If this doesn't work, you'll have to call an expert.

A locksmith will be capable of helping you locate the lost fob or have it replaced. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason why your fob stopped working in the first initial place. If your vehicle is an older model that has no smart technology built-in You can save cash by locating the key number plate on your current mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain) and recording it in a safe place--such as in your wallet or on your phone. This will make it easier for the locksmith to reprogram a new key fob to your car in the event that you 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 can cost more than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by rolling-code encryption which stops thieves from getting access to the car. This means that the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programming tool that only the car manufacturer has, which adds to the overall expense.

In the majority of instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including the cost of programming the new key fob. Depending on the vehicle, that can run from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealership.