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Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs in modern vehicles perform a lot of work and are subject to a lot of abuse. Sometimes, an easy repair or replacement is all you need to make them work again.

Most fobs utilize flat-watch-style batteries that are easy to find in hardware stores and auto parts retailers. Before you call an expert, try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Battery

The key fob battery powers the remote function in your car. It also, with push-to-start vehicles it allows it to start your engine. It is therefore essential to maintain a working and healthy battery. When you're out and about and your key fob is not working, it can be a huge problem. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement can fix it quickly.

The loss of range and signal strength are among the most commonly observed signs that a keyfob battery is failing. You may also notice the buttons on your key fob aren't working or require extra effort.

It is common to find the latest key fob batteries in the auto parts section of a big box retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available 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 type of battery that isn't always in stock at big-box stores So, make sure you know the specifications prior to you buy.

Typically the battery is situated in the back of your key fob. It is removed by tearing the case open with a flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will look like tiny coins, and it will be labeled based on its size. Be sure to note which way the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the new battery is placed 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.

If your key fob isn't working after replacing the battery, it could be deprogrammed. In this situation, a locksmith will be required to assist. This will cost more than just replacing the battery of your key fob.

Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery has failed. Schedule an appointment to see all of the services we offer in your local area.

Weak Signals

If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons on the remote it could indicate that the signaling is not working properly. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistant signals can result in poor performance and range.

One of the first things you should determine is if your fob's battery is low since this can greatly impact signal sensitivity. It's also advisable to reset the fob's settings and help restore a more consistent response from the car. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or call to the help line of the manufacturer will likely be your best guide here.

Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, such as interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices could interfere with the RF (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, resulting in lower performance and less range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked buttons, or a bent fob case can all interfere with the transmission of signals and cause the remote to fail to respond.

There are remote car key repair near me can try to and solve the issue of weak signals from your fob, like resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If your fob is old and damaged, it's time to replace it altogether.

Don't forget to use the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote starts to fail. It's a good idea to try this method to determine if it resolves the issue before investing in the new one. In this instance it may be an appropriate time to consult an auto-locksmith professional. They will be able to determine the cause and suggest the most effective solution.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can be troublesome from time to time. Fortunately, most of these problems are not serious or complex and can be resolved with some simple steps. It's important to have spare batteries or even another key fob in the event that one of your keys ever ceases to function.

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 in most pharmacies, grocery stores and places that sell electronic products. You can remove your fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the battery. Make sure it's not damaged or loose and then simply pop in an alternative battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require an alternative kind.





If your device loses pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changing the batteries. However it is possible to fix the issue with an auto Locksmith or local dealership can usually repair the issue.

You can try this trick to fix your fob if none of the above methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the car and the fob for about 10 minutes, and then reconnect them in a reverse order. This could trigger a restart within the system and in some cases this will fix the problem without doing any of the other steps.

Keep the fob away from water or other sources of damage while you are trying out new techniques. A fob can be pretty sturdy, but you need to treat it with care when you want it to last as long as you can.

If none of the troubleshooting techniques above are helpful you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it has been dropped or trampled upon, or exposed to extreme conditions, it might not be repairable and may require a replacement. If this is the case, you should be sure to search to find a bargain before making your final decision.

Lost Fob

Even with the best of care, car key fobs will occasionally 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 could end up paying $50 or more to get an alternative from the dealer and have it programmed, plus a new mechanical backup, which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu who is an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is among the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to stop working. Try changing the battery on your own if you know how or get instructions from the owner's manual. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it's time to call in an expert.

A locksmith will be capable of helping you locate the lost fob or have it replaced. A locksmith can probably tell you why your fob stopped functioning in the first initial place. And if your vehicle is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in You can save cash by locating the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and storing it in a secure location, such as in your wallet or on your phone. If you're in need of reprogramming the key fob of your car, the locksmith can do it more easily.

If your key fob is an old smart key, it will need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or car dealer. This could cost more than replacing it. That's because modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from accessing the car. This means that the locksmith must use a special software program that is available only to car manufacturers, which can increase the cost.

In most instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including any charges to reprogram a new key fob. It can cost anywhere from $20 at some shops to more than $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the model of vehicle.