Ten Fob Key Repair That Will Actually Change Your Life

Key Fob Replacement and Repair

Key fobs on modern automobiles perform a lot of work and are subject to a lot of abuse. Sometimes, an easy repair or replacement is all it takes to make them functional again.

Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which is easily found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before calling in a professional, do some of the DIY fixes.

Dead Key Fob Battery

The battery for the key fob power the remote feature in your car. It also, with push-to start vehicles, permits it to start your engine. It is therefore crucial to keep a functioning healthy and a good battery. A dead key fob can be an issue when you're in the middle of nowhere. A simple, inexpensive replacement will fix the problem quickly.

The loss of range and signal strength are among the most commonly observed signs that a keyfob battery is dying. It is also possible to notice that the buttons on your key fob are not working or require extra effort.

A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a large retailer or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. Consult your owner's guide before you shop for the right battery. Some cars require a specific size or type of battery, which is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.

Typically, the battery is located in the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. The battery will look like an ordinary coin, and it will be labeled according to its size. Make sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks in order to put the new battery in the correct place. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons.

If your key fob isn't working after replacing the battery, it could have been deprogrammed. In this scenario you'll need to call 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 is dead. Make  car key repair cost  to look over all of our services available in your area and make an appointment now!

Weak Signals

If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons on the remote it could be an indication that the signaling is not functioning correctly. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistant signals can cause poor range and performance.

One of the first things to check is whether or not your fob's battery is insufficient, as this can significantly impact signal sensitivity. Resetting the settings on the fob could also aid in restoring a regular response. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's manual or a phone call to your manufacturer's support number is your best resource.

Other factors, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency can also contribute to weak signals. 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 uses to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.

The physical damage to your keyfob can also interfere with the transmission of radio signal, leading to poor performance and range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent fob case can affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to not respond.

You can attempt to resolve the issue by resetting the settings on your fob 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, this can be used instead of the primary remote if it starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if it can fix the problem before purchasing an entirely new remote. If not, it might be the perfect time to contact a professional auto locksmith. They will be able diagnose the problem and recommend the best way to proceed.

Physical Damage

It's not common for key fobs to have problems from time to time. Fortunately, most of these issues aren't serious or complex and can be resolved with some simple steps. It's recommended to have spare batteries or another key fob in the event that one of your keys ceases to function.

A dead battery is the most frequent reason why a key fob in a car is not working. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. They are easily replaced and can be purchased at most pharmacies and stores. Open the fob's case with a flat-headed screwdriver and gently remove the battery you have. Replace the battery, making sure it's not damaged or loose. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. However, yours may require a different kind.

Your fob might also stop responding to buttons when it loses its connection to the car. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including changing the batteries, however it is usually easy for an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.

If none of the strategies above work, you can try this trick: disconnect the battery from the car and fob for a short period of time and then connect them in a reverse order. This could trigger a restart within the system and, in some instances, this alone will fix the issue without having to do any of the other steps.

When you're playing around with the fob, ensure to keep it away from water and other potential sources of damage. Fobs can be quite sturdy, but you need to take care with it in order for it to last as long as it can.

If none of the troubleshooting procedures above are helpful you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it has been dropped, trampled on or exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it could not be repairable and may require a replacement. If that's the case, be sure to search to find a bargain before making your final choice.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care it's a fact of life that car key fobs will sometimes stop working. If you lose yours it can be extremely expensive to replace it, especially if you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 to $100 for a replacement, and having it programmed by the dealer, and a mechanical backup that will cost another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob's device to stop working is a basic problem, such as an insufficient battery. If you know how to replace the battery, or if the owner's manual contains instructions, try it yourself. If this doesn't resolve the problem, it's time to get help from an expert.

A locksmith can assist you to find or replace the lost key fob. They will also likely have an idea of why your fob was not working in the first instance. If your vehicle is an older model that has no smart technology built-in, you can save some cash by locating the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and recording it in a safe place--such as your wallet or on your phone. If you're in need of reprogramming the key fob of your car the locksmith can perform the task more easily.

If the key fob you have is a modern smart key and you want to change it, you'll need to go to a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it before getting a new one made, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. This is because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith has to have a special programming tool that is only available to car manufacturers, which can increase the cost.

In most instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, including any costs to reprogram the new key fob. Based on the car it could cost anywhere from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a car dealership.