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Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Key fobs on modern cars perform a lot of work and are subject to a lot of abuse. In most cases, an easy repair or replacement is all you need to make them work again.
Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries. This can be found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before calling a professional, do a few DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The battery in the key fob powers the remote function in your car and, with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. As a result, it is essential to keep an active, healthy battery. A dead key fob is an issue for anyone traveling. A simple, low-cost replacement will fix the problem quickly.
The loss of range and signal strength are the most common signs that a keyfob battery is dying. You may also notice that the buttons on the fob don't work or require additional effort to activate.
It is common to find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a big box store or on the internet. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you purchase the correct battery. Certain vehicles require a particular size or type that is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.
news is usually located at the back of the key fob. It can be removed using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade by prying the case open. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be labeled with the battery size. Make sure to note the direction the plus and minus symbols are oriented to ensure that the battery you are replacing is placed correctly. After the replacement battery has been inserted, gently snap both pieces of the fob together. Then test the buttons to ensure that they work.
If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery, it could be deprogrammed. In this instance, you'll need to contact a locksmith for help which will cost some more than replacing the battery in your key fob.
The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob in the event that it is damaged or if the battery is dead. Set up an appointment to review all of the services we provide in your area.
Weak Signals
If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons of the remote it could be a sign that the signaling is not functioning correctly. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistent signals could cause poor range and performance.
The battery level of your fob is a good idea, as it can affect signal sensitivity. It's also advisable to reset the fob's settings and help bring back a more consistent response from the car. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a call to the manufacturer's support line is the best guide.
Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, for example, interference from other devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines as well as 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 in your vehicle.
Additionally physical damage to your key fob can hinder the transmission of RF signals, which could result in a decrease in performance and range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case of the fob can affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to function properly.
You can try to fix the problem by resetting the fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. If your fob is worn out, it's time to replace it altogether.
Also, don't forget if you have a spare key fob that is included with your vehicle, it could be used as a replacement for the primary remote in the event that it starts to fail. Try this method first to see if you can solve the issue prior to buying an entirely new remote. In this case it may be time to call an expert auto-locksmith. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best course of action.
Physical Damage
It's not uncommon for key fobs to have issues from time to time. The majority of these issues aren't complex or serious and can be resolved with just a few steps. It's important to have spare batteries or even another key fob in the event that one of your keys ever fails to work.
The most frequent reason for the car key fob not working is a dead battery. These little devices rely on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. These are easily replaced and can be found at most pharmacies, grocery stores and places that sell electronic products. You can access the fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pull out the existing battery. Ensure that it is not damaged or loose and then simply pop in the new battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require a different kind.
Your fob might also stop responding to the buttons after losing its connection with your vehicle. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or local dealership will usually be able to solve the issue.
You can try this method to solve your fob issue if none of the above methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the car and the fob for about ten minutes, then reconnect them in the 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.
When you're playing around with the fob, make sure to keep it clear of water and other potential sources of damage. The fob is quite durable, but it's important to take care with it in order for it to last as long as it can.
If none of the troubleshooting steps above are helpful you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped, trodden on or subjected to other harsh environmental conditions it could be damaged beyond repair and may require a replacement. Look around for the best deal.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care it's a fact in life that car key fobs may sometimes stop working. If you lose yours, it could be very expensive to replace it, especially in the event that you don't have spare. "You may end up spending $50 or more to get an equivalent replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, as well as a new mechanical backup which will cost at most another $100," says Mel Yu, an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.
One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob's device to stop working is a simple issue, like an insufficient battery. 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 need to call an expert.
A locksmith can help you to find or replace your lost key fob. They'll also probably have an idea of why your fob stopped working in the first place. If your car is old and doesn't include smart technology, 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. This will make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram the new key fob for your car if you ever need to do so.
If your existing key fob is a modern smart key and you want to change it, you'll need to go to an auto dealer or locksmith to remove it from the system and have a new one created, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. The reason is that modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith must have a special software program that is available only to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost.
In most cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including any costs to reprogram the new key fob. Depending on the vehicle the cost can range from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealer.