Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs in modern vehicles do a lot of work and are subject to lots of abuse. Sometimes, just a simple repair or replacement is all that's needed to make them work again.

Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries. This is easily found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before you call an expert, you can try a few DIY fixes!

Dead Key Fob Battery

The key fob battery powers the remote feature in your car and, with push-to-start vehicles it allows it to start your engine. Therefore, it is critical to maintain an efficient, functioning battery. When you're on the move and your key fob is not working, it could be a major issue. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement can be made to fix it in a short time.

The most obvious sign that a battery on a key fob is failing is the decrease in signal strength and range. You may also notice 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 major retailer or on the internet. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. Check out the owner's manual before you shop for the right battery. Some cars require a particular size or kind of battery that's not always readily available at big-box stores, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you buy.

Typically the battery is placed on 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 similar to a small coin and be identified according to its size. Make sure to note the direction the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the new battery is positioned correctly. After the battery has been replaced and the fob is closed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons.

It's worth noting that, when your key fob is unable to cease functioning even after a battery replacement, it might have been deprogrammed. In this case you'll need to call locksmiths for assistance and it will cost you a little more than simply replacing the key fob battery.

Whether your fob battery is failing or you're experiencing other issues with your fob's battery an experienced mechanic such as one from YourMechanic can inspect and repair it to get you back on the road. Be sure to check out all of our services available in your area and schedule an appointment now!

Weak Signals

If your key fob isn't able to respond to the buttons on the remote it could indicate that the signaling system is not working correctly. Radio signals are used to transmit information between your car and the key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can result in low performance and limited range.

The battery level of your fob is a good idea because it could affect signal sensitivity. Resetting the settings on the fob can also help restore a more constant response. The procedure differs from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a call to the manufacturer's help line will likely be your best guide here.

Other factors can cause weak fob signals, such as 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 cell networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob key repair (www.g28carkeys.co.uk) utilizes to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can also affect the transmission of RF signal, which can result in lower performance and less range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked button or bent fob case could affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.

You can resolve the issue by resetting your fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. However, if your fob is damaged, it's the time to replace it all over again.

Don't forget to make use of the spare remote that came with your car key repairs in the event that your primary remote starts to fail. You should try this solution first to see if it can fix the problem before buying another remote. In this case it may be the right time to contact a professional auto-locksmith. They can identify the problem and recommend the best course of actions.

Physical Damage

Key fobs may have issues at times. Most of the time, these problems aren't complicated or severe and can be fixed by following a few easy steps. It's important to have spare batteries or even an additional fob in case one of your keys stops working.

A dead battery is the main reason for a car keyfob not working. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button batteries to function. They can be replaced and are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. You can remove your fob's shell with a flat head screwdriver and gently pry out the battery that is in there. Make sure it's not damaged or loose and then insert the new battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries, however yours might require an alternative type.

When your fob loses its pairing, it may also stop responding to buttons. This could be due to a number of factors, including changing the batteries, but is typically a simple issue to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to resolve.

If none of the solutions above work, try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and the fob for a few minutes and then connect them in a reverse 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 damage while you are trying out new techniques. A fob is durable, but you should take care with it to make it last for as long as it is possible to.

If none of the troubleshooting steps above are helpful you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped, trampled on or exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it may not be repairable and will need an upgrade. If this is the case, you should be sure to look around for a deal before making your final choice.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care keys to cars may fail to function. If you lose yours it could be a huge expense to replace it--especially if you don't have a 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 an additional mechanical backup which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu who is an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob to not function is a simple issue, like a weak battery. Try changing the battery on your own If you are familiar with the procedure or refer to your owner's manual. If that doesn't solve the problem, you need to call in an expert.

A locksmith can be capable of helping you locate the lost fob or have it replaced. A locksmith will probably know the reason your fob stopped working in the first in the first place. If your car is old and doesn't include smart technology however, you can save money by recording the number plate from your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind a keychain with an ornamental design. If you need to reprogram the key fob in your car, the locksmith can do it much more quickly.

If the key fob you have is a modern smart key, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it before getting an entirely new one and this can be more expensive than replacing it. This is because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption to stop thieves from gaining access to the car. And that means the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall expense.

In most instances, the entire service will be billed at the same time. This includes all costs for reprogramming a keyfob. Based on the car the cost can range from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.