Ten Fob Key Repairs That Really Make Your Life Better

Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs in modern automobiles perform a lot of work and are subject to lots of abuse. Sometimes, an easy repair or replacement is all it takes to make them functional again.

Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries, which is readily available in hardware and auto parts stores. Before you call in an expert, try some DIY fixes.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The key fob's battery powers the remote you have in your car and in push-to start cars it will start your engine. Therefore, it is essential to keep an efficient, functioning battery. A dead key fob is an issue for anyone in the middle of nowhere. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement can fix it quickly.

The loss of range and signal strength are the most commonly observed indicators that a battery in a keyfob is dying. You may also be noticing that the buttons on the fob don't work or require additional effort to activate.

A new key fob can be found in the auto part section of a big retailer or online. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. However it's best to consult your owner's manual before shopping for the correct battery for your fob. Certain cars require a specific size or type of battery that's not always available at big-box retailers, so be sure to know the specifications prior to you buy.

The battery is usually found in the back of the key fob. It is removed using a flat-bladed screwdriver by removing the case. The battery will appear like tiny coins and will be identified according to its size. Make sure to note the way the plus and minus symbols are placed to ensure that the new battery is properly placed. After the replacement battery has been installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob in place and test the buttons to ensure they work.

It's important to note that when your key fob is unable to stop functioning even after a battery replacement, it may have been deprogrammed. In this instance you'll have to contact a locksmith for help and it will cost you some more than replacing the key fob battery.

Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery is dead. Make an appointment to look over the range of services we provide in your region.

Weak Signals

If your key fob does not respond to the buttons on the remote, it could indicate that the signaling is not working correctly. Your car and key fob are dependent on radio signals to communicate, and weak or inconsistent signals can result in poor performance and range.

One of the first things to examine is whether the battery of your fob is depleted, as this can significantly impact signal sensitivity. It is also recommended to reset the settings of your fob that can help bring back the same response from the car. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or call to the manufacturer's help line is probably the best guide here.

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

Additionally, physical damage to your key fob could hinder the transmission of RF signals, which can result in poor range and performance. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case of the fob could affect signal transmission and cause the remote to not to respond.

You can try to fix the problem by resetting your fob's settings or by replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn out, it might be the right time to replace it.

Lastly, don't forget that if you have an extra key fob that is part of your vehicle, this can be used as a replacement for the primary remote if it begins to fail. You should try this solution first to see if it can fix the problem before buying a new remote. If not, this might be the best time to consult an experienced auto locksmith. They can identify the problem and recommend the best way to proceed.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can have problems at times. Most of these problems aren't complicated or difficult to fix and can be solved with a few simple steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or a different fob on hand in case your key ever fails to function.

The most common reason for car keys not working is the battery is dead. These small devices rely on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. These are easily replaced and can be found at most pharmacies, grocery stores and shops that sell electronics. The fob's case can be opened using a screwdriver with a flat head, and gently pry out the battery you have. Check to see if it's damaged or loose, and then put in an alternative battery. Most fobs require batteries that are CR2032. However, yours may need a different type.

If your device loses its pairing, it could cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, but it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to resolve.

Try this trick to solve your fob issue if none of the above methods work: disconnect the battery from both the car and the fob for about ten minutes, then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could cause the system to restart and in some instances it will resolve the issue without further steps.

When you're playing around with the fob, make sure to keep it away from water and other dangers. Fobs can be quite robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care in order for it to last as long as you can.

If all of the suggestions above aren't working, it could be time to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown around, trodden on or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be damaged beyond repair and in need of an upgrade. Look around for the best deal.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care, it's a fact of the road that car key fobs will sometimes cease to function. It's costly to replace yours if you lose it particularly when you don't have a spare. "You might end up paying $50 or more for a new replacement from the dealer and have it programmed, as well as a new 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's to not function is a simple problem, such as an insufficient battery. If you are aware of how to replace the battery, or if your owner's manual contains instructions, try it yourself. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you need to call in an expert.

A locksmith can assist you to find or replace your lost key fob. They'll also probably have a good idea of the reason your fob was not working in the first place. If your car is old and does not come with smart technology, you can still save money by recording the key's number plate from your mechanical backup Key Repairs. It's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain. This can make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram a new key fob for your car in the event that you need to do it.

If your existing key fob is a modern smart key fob repairs and you want to change it, you'll need to go to a car dealership or locksmith to remove it from the system and have a new one created, which can be more expensive than replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by rolling-code encryption which stops thieves from gaining access to your car. That means that the locksmith must have a special programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which adds to the overall cost.

In most cases, the whole process will be charged one time. This includes any costs for reprogramming a new keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle the cost can range from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a car dealership.