Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are frequently abused. In many cases, a simple replacement or repair is all it takes to get them back in working good working order.
Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries. This is easily found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before calling a professional, do some 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, allows it to start your engine. It is therefore important to keep a functioning healthy and a good battery. When you're out and about, a dead key fob can cause a lot of trouble. A simple, low-cost replacement will fix the problem quickly.
The loss of range and signal strength are the most commonly observed signs that a keyfob battery is dying. You might also notice that the buttons on your key fob aren't working or require more effort.
A new key fob is available in the auto part section of a large retailer or online. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. However it's a good idea to consult your owner's manual prior to purchasing the correct battery for your fob. Certain vehicles require a particular size or type of battery that isn't always available at big-box stores. Be sure to research before purchasing.
The battery is typically located in the back of the key fob. It is removed using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade by prying the case open. It is likely to look like an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus signs so that you can put the new battery in the correct place. Once the battery replacement is inserted, gently snap both pieces of the fob together. Then test all of the buttons to make sure they function.
If your key fob does not work after replacing the battery, it might have been deprogrammed. In this case, a locksmith will be required to assist. This is more expensive than replacing the battery in the 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 has failed. Be sure to check out all of our services available in your area and make an appointment today!
Weak Signals
If you find that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote, it could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistent signals could result in poor performance and range.
Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea, because it could significantly affect the sensitivity of your signal. It's also advisable to reset the settings on your fob that can help get a more consistent response from the car. The procedure 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.
car key remote repair near me can cause weak fob signals, including interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. 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 inside your vehicle.
Physical damage to your keyfob can also affect the transmission of RF signal, leading to low performance and a limited range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked button, or a bent fob case could affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.
There are a few easy steps you can take to try and resolve the issue of weak fob signals such as resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn out, it might be time to replace it.
Lastly, don't forget that if you have a spare key fob that comes with your vehicle, this can be used in place of the primary remote in case it begins to fail. You should test this option first to determine if you can fix the problem before purchasing another remote. If not, this might be the best moment to call an experienced auto locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best way to proceed.
Physical Damage
Key fobs may have issues at times. Most of the time, these issues aren't complex or severe and can be fixed with just a few steps. It's recommended to keep spare batteries or another key fob in the event that one of your keys fails to work.
The most frequent cause for the car key fob not working is a dead battery. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries. They are easy to replace and are available at most pharmacies, food stores and places that sell electronics. You can open your fob's casing using an screwdriver that has a flat-head and gently pull out the battery. Check to see if it's loose or damaged and then simply pop in an alternative battery. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. However, yours may require a different type.
Your fob could also stop responding to the buttons after losing its connection with your vehicle. This can happen due to a number of factors, including changing the batteries, however it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.
If none of the solutions above work, you can try this trick: disconnect the battery from the car and fob for a short period of time, then reconnect the two in reverse order. This can force the system to reboot, and in some cases, this will fix the issue without further steps.
While you're experimenting with the fob, ensure to keep it away from water and other possible damage sources. The fob is quite durable, but it's important to take care with it when you want it to last as long as possible.
If the suggestions above don't help, it might be time to consider replacing your key fob. If it's been dropped and trampled or exposed to harsh conditions, it might not be able to be repaired and will require an upgrade. If that's the case, be sure to look around to find a bargain before making your final choice.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care it's a fact in the road that car key fobs may occasionally fail to function. If you lose yours it could be a huge expense to replace it, especially in the event that you don't have spare. "You might end up paying $50 or more to purchase a new replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, as well as an additional mechanical backup which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is among the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to stop working. You can try changing the battery on your own If you are familiar with the procedure or get instructions from your owner's manual. If that doesn't work, you'll have to call an expert.
A locksmith will be able to help you find your lost fob, or get it replaced. They will also likely have an idea of the reason your fob stopped working in the first instance. If your car is an older model that has no smart technology built-in it is possible to save cash by locating the key number plate on your current mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and storing it in a secure place, such as your wallet or on your phone. This will make it much easier for a locksmith to reprogram a brand new key fob to your car should you need to do so.
If your current key fob is a modern smart key, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to remove it from the system and have a new one created which is more expensive than replacing it. That's because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption to prevent thieves from gaining access to the car. And that means locksmiths need an exclusive programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost.
In most cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any costs to reprogram the new key fob. Depending on the type of vehicle, that can run from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a car dealer.