Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are often misused. In many cases an easy repair or replacement is all that's required to bring them back into working in good condition.
Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries, which is easily found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before you call in a professional, do a few DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The battery for the key fob power the remote feature in your car. It also, with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. It is therefore crucial to maintain a working and healthy battery. When you're on the go, a dead key fob can be a huge problem. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can fix it quickly.
The most frequent indication that a key fob's battery is dying is the decrease in signal strength and range. You might also find that the buttons on your fob don't work or require extra effort to activate.
A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a big retailer or online. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you decide on the best battery. Some cars require a specific size or type that isn't always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.
The battery is typically located on the back of the key fob. It can be removed with a flat-bladed screwdriver by opening the case. It will usually resemble a small coin and be marked with the battery's size. Be sure to note which direction the plus and minus symbols are oriented to ensure that the new battery is placed correctly. After the replacement battery is installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob together and test all of the buttons to ensure that they work.
If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery, it may be deprogrammed. In this instance you will require a locksmith required to assist you. This will cost more than just replacing the key fob's battery.
If your fob's battery is dying or you're having other issues with your key fob an experienced mechanic such as one from YourMechanic can check and repair it to get you back on the road. Make sure to look over all of our services available in your region and book an appointment now!
Weak Signals
If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to the buttons on the remote, this can be a sign of a problem with the signaling. Radio signals are used to send messages between your car and the key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can result in low performance and limited range.
One of the first things you should check is whether or not your fob's battery is low since this can greatly affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings of the fob can aid in restoring a more regular response. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a call to your manufacturer's support line is your best source of information.
Other factors can cause weak fob signals, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cellular networks can interfere with the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob utilizes to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle.
Finally, physical damage to your key fob could affect the transmission of RF signals which could result in a decrease in performance and range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked buttons, or a bent fob case could interfere with 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, for example, resetting the fob's settings or changing the battery. If your fob is old and worn, it may be the right time to replace it.
Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob that is part of your vehicle, it could be used as a replacement for the primary remote if it starts to fail. It's worth trying this solution to see if it can solve the issue before investing in the new one. In this case, it might be an appropriate time to consult a professional auto-locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Physical Damage
Key fobs may have issues at times. The majority of these issues aren't complex or severe and can be fixed with just a few steps. It's a good idea also to keep spare batteries or another fob in case your key ever ceases to work.
The most frequent cause for a car key fob not working is an inactive battery. These small devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. These are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies, food stores and shops which sell electronic items. You can open the case of the fob using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pull out the battery that you have. Ensure that it is not loose or damaged and then simply pop in an alternative battery. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require a different kind.
Your fob could also stop responding to the buttons when it loses its connection with your car. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including changing the batteries, however it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to fix.
You can try this trick to fix your fob in the event that none of the above methods work: disconnect the battery from both the fob and the car for around ten minutes, then reconnect them in a reverse order. This could trigger a restart within the system and, in some instances, this alone will fix the problem without doing any of the other steps.
Keep the fob clear of water or other sources of damage while playing around. The fob is tough however, you must take care of it to ensure it lasts for as long as you can.
If the suggestions above don't help, it might be time to consider replacing your key fob. If it's been thrown or trampled upon, or exposed to harsh conditions, it might not be repairable and will require a replacement. 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 of care, it's a fact of the road that car key fobs can occasionally stop working. It's expensive to replace yours when it is lost, especially in the event that you don't have an alternative. "You might end up paying $50 or more to purchase an equivalent replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, and 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 common causes for a keyfob's device to stop working. If you are aware of how to change the battery, or if your owner's manual has instructions, try it yourself. But if that doesn't fix the problem, you need to get help from an expert.
A locksmith can assist you to find or replace your lost key fob. They'll also probably have a good idea of the reason why your fob was not working in the first place. If your car is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in it is possible to save cash by locating 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. If you need to reprogram your car's key fob, the locksmith can perform the task more easily.
If how to repair car key lock is a modern smart key it will require an auto dealer or locksmith to remove it from the system and have a new one created and this can be more expensive than replacing it. This is because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from getting into the car. This means that locksmiths must be equipped with a specific software program that is only available to car manufacturers, which can increase the cost.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including any costs to reprogram a new key fob. This can range from $20 at some shops to more than $200 at car dealerships, based on the car.