Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are often abused. In many cases, a simple repair or replacement is all that's required to bring them back into working in good condition.
The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries that can be found in hardware stores and auto parts stores. Before you call in a professional, do some DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The key fob battery powers the remote function in your car. It also, in conjunction with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. This is why it is essential to keep a healthy, working battery. When you're out and about, a dead key fob can cause a lot of trouble. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement can fix it quickly.
The loss of range and signal strength are the most common indicators that a battery in a keyfob is dying. You might also find that the buttons on your fob don't work or require additional effort to be activated.
A new key fob is available in the auto parts section of a major retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. However it's best to check your owner's manual prior to purchasing the correct battery for your device. Certain cars require a specific size or kind of battery that's not always in stock at big-box stores, so be sure to know the specifications prior to you purchase.
Typically the battery is situated in the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open with a flat-blade screwdriver. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be labelled with the battery's size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus marks to ensure that you insert the battery correctly. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together. Then test the buttons.
If your key fob isn't working after replacing the battery, it might have been deprogrammed. In this case, you'll need to contact a locksmith for help, which will cost a little more than simply replacing the battery in your key fob.
The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery is dead. Make sure you check out all of our services 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, this could be a sign of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, and weak or inconsistent signals could result in poor performance and range.
Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea, as it can affect the sensitivity of the signal. Resetting the settings of the fob can also help restore a more consistent response. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's manual or a call to your manufacturer's support line is your best guide.
Other factors, including interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency can also contribute to weak signals. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can interfere with the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob utilizes to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.
g28carkeys.co.uk to your keyfob's physical structure can affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button or a bent case can all affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.
You can resolve the issue by resetting the fob's settings or by replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn, it could be the right time to replace it.
Lastly, don't forget that if you have an extra key fob which comes with your vehicle, it can be used in place of the primary remote in case it starts to fail. It's worth trying this option to determine if it resolves the issue before you invest in the new one. If not, it could be the perfect moment to call an experienced auto locksmith. They will be able to determine the cause and suggest the best method of action.
Physical Damage
Key fobs can have problems at times. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't difficult or complicated and can be fixed with some simple steps. It's important to have spare batteries or another fob available in case one of your keys ever ceases to function.
A dead battery is the most common cause of a car keyfob not working. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries. These are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and other places which sell electronic items. You can open the case of the fob using a screwdriver with a flat head, and gently pry out the battery that you have. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs require CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require a different type.
When your fob loses its pairing, it could stop responding to buttons. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including changing the batteries, but it is usually easy for an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.
If none of the strategies above work, try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and the fob for a few minutes, then reconnect the two in the opposite order. This could trigger a reboot within the system and in some cases it will solve the issue without requiring any of the other steps.
Keep the fob out of water or other sources of harm while you're playing around. A fob can be pretty sturdy, but you need to take care with it when you want it to last as long as possible.
If none of the troubleshooting procedures above work you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped or tripped on, or subjected to other environmental hazards, it could be damaged beyond repair and requires a replacement. Shop around to find the best deal.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care, car key fobs may fail to function. It's expensive to replace yours if you lose it, especially if you do not have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more for an alternative from a dealer and get it programmed, plus a new mechanical backup which will cost at most another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is among the most common reasons for a keyfob to stop working. If you know how to replace the battery, or if your owner's manual has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't solve the problem, you need to contact an expert.
A locksmith can assist you to replace or locate your lost key fob. They'll also probably have a good idea of why your fob was not working in the first place. If your car is older and doesn't come with smart technology however, you can 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 the locksmith to reprogram a brand new key fob for your car should you need to do it.
If your current key fob is a modern smart key it will require an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it and get a new one made, which can be more expensive than replacing it. The reason is that modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that locksmiths must have a special software program that is only available to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost.
In most instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including the cost of programming a new key fob. Based on the car it could cost anywhere from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a car dealership.