15 Things You Didnt Know About Fob Key Repair

Key Fob Replacement and Repair

Key fobs on modern vehicles perform a lot of work and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Often just a simple repair or replacement is all that's needed to make them functional again.

Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries, which is readily available in hardware and auto parts stores. However, before calling a professional, try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Battery

The battery of the key fob powers your car's remote and, in push-to-start vehicles it will start your engine. As a result, it is essential to keep an active, healthy battery. When you're on the go, a dead key fob could be a major issue. A simple, low-cost replacement will fix the problem quickly.

The most obvious sign that a key fob's battery is depleting is the loss of signal strength and range. It is also possible to find that the buttons on your fob do not work or require additional effort to turn on.

A new key fob can be found in the auto part section of a large retailer or on the internet. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are available in packs of two or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you decide on the best battery. key fob repairs near me require a certain size or type of battery that isn't always readily available at big-box stores, so be sure to know the right specs before you purchase.

Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob. It can be removed by prying open the case with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. The battery will appear like an ordinary coin, and it will be identified according to its size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus signs in order to insert the battery correctly. After the battery has been replaced and the fob is closed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together. Then test the buttons.

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

YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob if it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Be sure to check out the range of services we offer in your region and book an appointment today!

Weak Signals

If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to the buttons on the remote, this could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Radio signals are used to communicate between your car and the key fob. Poor or inconsistent radio signals can result in poor performance and a limited range.

Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea, since it can affect the sensitivity of your signal. It is also recommended to reset the settings on your fob, which can help to get the same response from the car. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a call to the help line of the manufacturer is probably the best guide here.

Other factors, such as interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency, can also affect weak signals. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices can interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob transmits to connect to the vehicle's receiver.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can interfere with the transmission of radio signal, resulting in poor performance and range. A blown fuses, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case on the fob may affect signal transmission and cause the remote to respond.

You can attempt to resolve the issue by resetting the fob's settings, or by replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn out, it might be time to replace it.

Don't forget to make use of the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote begins to fail. You should test this option first to see if you can solve the issue prior to purchasing an entirely new remote. In this situation it may be the right time to contact a professional auto-locksmith. They'll be able to identify the issue and suggest the best course of action.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can be troublesome from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't difficult or complicated and can be resolved by following a few simple 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.

A dead battery is the main reason why a key fob in a car is not working. These small devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. They are easily replaced and can be found in most pharmacies and stores. The fob's case can be opened using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the battery you have. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged or loosened. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries, however yours may require an alternative kind.

If your device loses its pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, but is usually easy for an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve.





If none of the methods above work, try this trick: unplug the battery from the car and fob for a short period of time and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could cause the system to restart and in some cases it will resolve the issue without additional steps.

While you're experimenting with the fob, make sure to keep it clear of water and other sources of damage. A fob can be pretty durable, but it's important to take care with it if you want it to last as long as possible.

If the above troubleshooting suggestions don't help, it might be time to think about replacing your key fob. If it's been dropped, trampled on or exposed to harsh conditions, it might not be able to be repaired and will require an upgrade. 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, it's a fact of life that car key fobs can occasionally fail to function. It can be expensive to replace yours if you lose it and especially in the event that you don't have an alternative. "You could end up paying $50 or more to get an alternative from a dealer and get it programmed, as well as a new mechanical backup, which could cost you at least another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is one of the most common causes for a keyfob's device to stop working. If you know how to replace the battery, or if your owner's guide has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't work you'll need to contact an expert.

A locksmith can help you replace or find your lost key fob. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason why your fob stopped working in the first place. And if your car is an older model that has no built-in smart technology, you can save some money by finding the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain) and recording it in a safe place--such as your wallet or on your phone. If you're looking to change the programming of your car's key fob, the locksmith can do it much more quickly.

If your existing key fob is a modern smart key it will require a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it and get an entirely new one and this can be more expensive than replacing it. This is because modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programing tool that only the car manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost.

In the majority of instances, the entire service will be charged at one time. This includes any costs to reprogramme a new keyfob. It can cost anywhere from $20 in some stores to more than $200 at car dealerships, depending on the model of vehicle.