Key Fob Replacement and Repair
The key fobs in modern cars are very efficient and are subject to lots of abuse. Many times just a simple repair or replacement is all it takes to restore them to good working good working order.
Most fobs utilize flat watch-style batteries, which are easy to find in hardware stores and auto parts retailers. Before repair car key call an expert, try a few DIY solutions!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The key fob battery powers the remote function of your car. It also, with push-to start vehicles, permits it to start your engine. Therefore, it is critical to maintain an active, healthy battery. A dead key fob is a major problem when you're traveling. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.
The most frequent indication that a key fob's battery is depleting is the decrease in signal strength and range. It is also possible to notice that the buttons on your key fob are not working or require more effort.
A new key fob is available in the auto part section of a big retailer or online. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are sold in packs of two or more. Check out the owner's manual before you purchase the correct battery. Certain vehicles require a certain size or kind of battery that's not always in stock at big-box retailers, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you buy.
Typically the battery is situated in the back of your key fob and is removed by tearing open the case with the flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will look like tiny coins and be labeled according to its size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus symbols so that you can insert the battery correctly. Once the battery replacement is installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob together and test all of the buttons to make sure they function.
If your key fob still does not work after replacing the battery, it might have been deprogrammed. In this situation it is likely that a locksmith will be needed to help you. This will cost more than just replacing the battery of your key fob.
YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery has failed. Make sure you check out all of our services in your area and make an appointment today!
Weak Signals
If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to the buttons on the remote, this could be a sign of a problem with the signaling. Radio signals are used to send messages between your car and key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can result in poor performance and range.
Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea as it can significantly affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob could aid in restoring a more regular response. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so the owner's manual or a phone call to the manufacturer's help line is probably the best resource here.
Other factors, such as interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency, can also affect weak signals. 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 utilizes to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle.
Physical damage to your keyfob can also affect the transmission of RF signal, leading to poor performance and 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.
There are some simple steps you can try to and solve the issue of weak fob signals for example, resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn out, it's the time to replace it all over again.
Don't forget to utilize the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote starts to fail. You should try this solution first to see if you can resolve the issue before purchasing another remote. If not, it could be the right time to consult a professional auto locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best course of actions.
Physical Damage
Key fobs may have issues at times. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't complicated or a major issue and can be fixed with a few easy steps. It's also a good idea to have spare batteries or even another fob available in case one of your keys ever fails to work.
The most common reason for car keys not working is the battery is dead. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. These are easily replaced and can be found at most pharmacies, food stores and shops that sell electronics. You can open your fob's case using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the battery. Ensure that it is not damaged or loose, and then simply pop in a new battery. Most fobs require batteries that are CR2032. However, yours may require a different kind.
Your fob could also stop responding to the buttons if it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can happen due to a variety of factors, such as changing the batteries, however it is typically a simple issue to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.
If none of the solutions above work, try this trick: disconnect the batteries from the car and the fob for a short period of time, then reconnect the two in a reverse order. This could trigger a restart within the system and in some cases, this alone will fix the issue without having to do any of the other steps.
Keep the fob clear of water or other sources of harm while you're experimenting. The fob is quite robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care if you want it to last as long as it can.
If none of the troubleshooting steps above help you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it has been dropped and trampled or exposed to harsh conditions, it might not be repairable and may require an upgrade. If that's the case, make sure to search to find a bargain before making your final decision.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care, car key fobs can fail at times. If you lose yours, it could be very expensive to replace it, particularly in the event that you don't have spare. "You may end up paying $50 to $100 for a replacement and having it programmed by a dealer, and an electronic backup that could cost another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob's to not function is a simple problem, such as a weak battery. If you are familiar with how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual contains instructions, try it yourself. If that doesn't solve the issue, it's time to get help from an expert.
A locksmith is able to help you find your lost fob or get it replaced. They will also likely have an idea of the reason why your fob was not working in the first place. And if key fob repairs is an older model that has no smart technology built-in You can save money by finding the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and recording it in a safe place--such as in your wallet or on your phone. This will make it much easier for the locksmith to reprogram a new key fob for your car in the event that you need to do it.
If your current key fob is a modern smart key, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it before getting a new one made and this can be more expensive than simply replacing it. The reason is that modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption to stop thieves from accessing the car. This means that the locksmith must have an exclusive programming tool that only the vehicle manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall cost.
In the majority of cases, the whole process will be charged the same time. This includes any charges for reprogramming a keyfob. This could range from around $20 in certain stores to more than $200 at car dealerships, depending on the model of vehicle.