Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are utilized a great deal and are often misused. Many times an easy repair or replacement is all that's required to bring them back into working order.
Most fobs run on a flat watch-style battery, which is readily available in hardware and auto parts stores. But before you call an expert, try a few DIY fixes!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The key fob's battery powers your remote in your car, and in push-to-start cars, it can start your engine. It is therefore essential to keep a functioning healthy and a good battery. A dead key fob can be an issue for anyone traveling. A simple, inexpensive replacement can fix the issue quickly.
The loss of range and signal strength are among the most frequent indications that a battery on a keyfob is failing. You may also notice the buttons on the key fob aren't working or require additional effort.
It is common to find a new key fob battery in the auto parts section of a large box store or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Check out the owner's manual before you purchase the correct battery. Certain cars require a specific size or kind of battery that's not always readily available at big-box retailers, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you buy.
Typically car remote key repair is placed on the back of your key fob. It can be removed by prying open the case with a flat-blade screwdriver. It will usually resemble an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus symbols to ensure that you 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.
It's worth noting that if your key fob continues to stop functioning even after battery replacement, it could be deprogrammed. In this instance you'll need to call an expert locksmith and it will cost you some more than replacing the battery of your key fob.
YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery is dead. Make sure you check out the range of services we offer in your area and make an appointment today!
Weak Signals
If you find that your key fob isn't responding to buttons on the remote, it could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistent signals can result in poor range and performance.
One of the first things to examine is whether your fob's battery is low because this could significantly affect the sensitivity of the signal. It's also worth resetting the settings of your fob that can help restore an even and consistent response from the car. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so the owner's manual or a phone call to the helpline of the manufacturer will likely be your best source of information here.
Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Other key 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.
Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can affect the transmission of an RF signal, leading to low performance and a limited range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob could affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to not to respond.
There are a few easy steps you can try to and solve the issue of weak signals from your fob, such as resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn out, it's probably time to replace it altogether.
Don't forget to make use of the spare remote that came with your car in the event that your primary remote starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if you can resolve the issue before purchasing a new remote. If not, it might be the best moment to call an expert auto locksmith. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best course of action.
Physical Damage
Key fobs can have problems occasionally. Most of the time, these issues aren't complex or severe and can be fixed by following a few easy steps. It's a good idea also to keep spare batteries or an additional fob in case your key ever fails to function.
The most frequent cause for car keys not working is the battery is dead. These small devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. These are easily replaced and can be found in most pharmacies, grocery stores and shops that sell electronic products. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver, and gently pry out your existing battery. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged or loose. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries, but yours might require an alternative kind.
When your fob loses its pairing, it may also stop responding to buttons. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including changing the batteries, but is generally simple to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.
If none of the methods above work, try this trick: unplug the battery from the car and fob for a few minutes and then connect them in the opposite 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 harm while you're playing around. Fobs can be quite robust, but it's crucial to take care with it in order for it to last as long as possible.
If all of the above troubleshooting suggestions don't help, it might be time to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped and trampled or exposed to harsh conditions, it might not be repairable and may require a replacement. Find the most competitive price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care keys for cars, they can fail at times. If yours is lost, it could be very expensive to replace it, particularly in the event that you don't have spare. "You could end up paying between $50 and $100 for a replacement and getting it programmed by the dealer, as well as a mechanical backup that will cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
One of the most common reasons for a key fob's device to not function is a simple issue, like an insufficient battery. If you know how to change the battery, or if your owner's manual has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If this doesn't resolve the problem, it's time to get help from an expert.
A locksmith can help replace or find the lost key fob. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason why your fob stopped working in the first place. If your vehicle is an older model with no built-in smart technology, you can save some cash by locating the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and recording it in a secure location, such as in your wallet or on your phone. This can make it easier for the locksmith to reprogram the new key fob to your car in the event that you need to do it.
If your current key fob is a smart key of the present, you'll have to visit an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it before getting a new one created which is more expensive than replacing it. This is because modern key fobs utilize rolling-code encryption to prevent thieves from accessing the car. This means that locksmiths must be equipped with a specific programing tool that is available only to car manufacturers, which increases the cost.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes 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 dealership for cars.