Key Fob Replacement and Repair
The key fobs in modern automobiles do a lot of work and are subject to lots of abuse. Sometimes, a simple repair or replacement is all you need to get them working again.
Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries. This can be found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before you call an expert, try a few DIY fixes!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The key fob battery powers the remote function in your car. It also, in conjunction with push-to-start vehicles it allows it to start your engine. Therefore, it is essential to keep an efficient, functioning battery. A dead key fob can be an issue for anyone on-the-go. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can be made to fix it in a short time.
The most frequent sign that a key fob battery is failing is the decrease in signal strength and range. You may also find that the buttons on the fob don't work or require additional effort to activate.
You will often find the latest key fob batteries in the auto parts section of a large box store or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you purchase the correct battery. Some cars require a particular size or type of battery that isn't always in stock at big-box retailers, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you buy.
Typically, the battery is located on the back of your key fob. It is removed by tearing the case open with the flat-blade screwdriver. It is usually shaped like an ordinary coin and will be marked with the battery's size. Be sure to note which direction the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the new battery is properly placed. After the replacement battery is placed in the fob, gently snap both pieces of the fob in place and test all of the buttons to make sure they function.
If your key fob does not work after replacing the battery, it could be deprogrammed. In this scenario, you'll need to contact locksmiths for assistance, which will cost some more than replacing the battery of your key fob.
Whether your fob battery is dying or you're having other issues with your key fob, an experienced mechanic like one from YourMechanic can check and repair it to get you back on the road. Be sure to check out all of our services available in your region and book an appointment now!
Weak Signals
If you find that your key fob isn't responding to the buttons on the remote, this could be a sign of a problem with 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.
One of the first things to check is whether or not the battery of your fob is depleted since this can greatly affect the sensitivity of the signal. It is also recommended to reset the settings of your fob that can help bring back the same response from the car. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. Your owner's guide or a call to the manufacturer's support line is your best guide.
Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, such as interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices could interfere with the RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob sends to connect to the receiver of your vehicle.
Additionally physical damage to your key fob can also interfere with the transmission of RF signals, which may result in poor range and performance. A blown fuse, damaged or cracked button, or a bent case of the fob could all affect the signal transmission and cause the remote not to function properly.
There are a few easy steps you can follow to try and resolve the issue of weak signals from your fob, like resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is worn out, it's probably time to replace it altogether.
Lastly, don't forget that if you have a spare key fob that is part of your vehicle, this can be used instead of the primary remote if it begins to fail. It's worth trying this option to determine if it resolves the issue before you invest in the new one. In this situation, it might be time to call an expert auto-locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best method of action.
Physical Damage
Key fobs can be troublesome occasionally. Most of the time, these issues aren't complex or serious and can be resolved with just a few steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or 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 are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. These batteries are easily replaceable and are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. The fob's case can be opened using a flat-headed screwdriver and gently remove the battery that you have. Check to see if it's damaged or loose and then simply pop in the new battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries, however yours may require a different kind.
If your device loses its pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This can happen due to a number of factors, such as changing the batteries, however it is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to fix.
You can try this method to solve your fob issue when none of the other methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the fob and the car for about ten minutes, then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could trigger a reboot within the system and, in some instances, this alone will fix the problem without doing any of the other steps.
Keep the fob out of water or other sources of damage while you are trying out new techniques. The fob is a durable device however, you must treat it with care to make it last for as long as you can.
If none of the troubleshooting steps above work you, you may have to replace your key fob. If yours has been dropped, trodden on or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be damaged beyond repair and in need of an upgrade. If that's the case, make sure to shop around for a deal prior to making a final decision.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care, it's a fact of life that car key fobs can sometimes stop working. It's expensive to replace yours if you lose it and especially in the event that you don't have an alternative. "You might end up paying between $50 and $100 for a new one and getting it programmed by the dealer, as well as an electronic backup that could cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob to stop working is a simple problem, such as a weak battery. If you are aware of how to change the battery, or if your owner's manual contains instructions, you can try it yourself. If that doesn't work, you'll need to contact an expert.
A locksmith can assist you to find or replace your lost key fob. A locksmith will likely know the reason your fob stopped working in the first initial place. And if your vehicle is an older model that has no built-in smart technology, you can save some 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 safe place--such as your wallet or on your phone. This will make it easier for the locksmith to reprogram a brand new key fob for your car should you require it.
If your current key fob is a modern smart key it will require an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it before getting a new one created, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes which stops thieves from getting access to the car. mobile car key repair near me means that the locksmith has to be equipped with a specific software program that is available only to car manufacturers, which increases the cost.
In most instances, the entire service will be billed at one time. This includes any charges for reprogramming a keyfob. It can cost anywhere from $20 in certain stores to over $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the model of vehicle.