Ten Fob Key Repairs That Really Make Your Life Better
Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are used often and are often abused. In many cases just a simple repair or replacement is all it takes to bring them back into good working in good condition.
The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries, which are readily available in hardware stores and auto parts stores. But before you call a professional, try a few DIY solutions!
Dead Key Fob Batteries
The battery in the key fob powers the remote feature in your car. It also, in conjunction with push-to start vehicles, permits it to start your engine. It is therefore essential to maintain a functional, healthy battery. A dead key fob is an issue for anyone on-the-go. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement can fix it quickly.
The most obvious sign that a battery on a key fob is depleting is the loss of signal strength and range. You may also notice the buttons on your key fob are not working or require more effort.
A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a big retailer or on the internet. Typically, they are CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. Consult your owner's guide before you decide on the best battery. Certain cars require a certain size or type of battery that is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing.
The battery is usually found at the back of the key fob. It is removed using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade by opening the case. It is likely to look like an ordinary coin and will be labelled with the battery's size. Be sure to note which direction the plus and minus symbols are placed to ensure that the new battery is positioned correctly. Once the battery replacement is placed in the fob, gently snap both pieces of the fob together. Then test all of the buttons to ensure that they work.
If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery, it could be deprogrammed. In this instance it is likely that a locksmith will be required to assist you. This is more expensive than replacing the battery in the key fob.
Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery is dead. Set up an appointment to review the range of services we provide in your local area.
Weak Signals
If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons of the remote, it could be an indication that the signaling is not working properly. Radio signals are used to transmit information between your car and the key fob. Poor or inconsistent radio signals can cause poor performance and a limited range.
The battery level of your fob is a good idea, since it can affect the sensitivity of your signal. It's also worth resetting the fob's settings, 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 source of information here.
Other factors can cause weak fob signals, for example, interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices could interfere with the radio frequency (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob transmits to the vehicle's receiver.
Furthermore, physical damage to your key fob may affect the transmission of signals RF, which may result in poor range and performance. A blown fuse, broken or cracked button or bent fob case can all interfere with the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.
There are some simple steps you can follow to try and solve the issue of weak fob signals, for example, resetting the fob's settings or changing the battery. If, however, your fob is old and damaged, it's time to replace it altogether.
Lastly, don't forget that if you have an extra key fob that is part of your vehicle, it can be used instead of the primary remote if it begins to fail. It's a good idea to try this method to determine if it resolves the issue before you invest in a new one. In this situation, it might be time to call an expert auto-locksmith. They can determine the cause and suggest the best solution.
Physical Damage
Key fobs may have issues from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these problems are not serious or complex and can be fixed by following a few simple steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or another fob in the event that your key ceases to work.
A dead battery is the most frequent cause of a car keyfob not working. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. They are easy to replace and are available at most pharmacies, food stores, and other places which sell electronic items. The fob's case can be opened using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the battery you have. Ensure that it is not damaged or loose, and then simply pop in a new battery. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours may require an alternative kind.
Your fob could also stop responding to buttons after losing its connection to the car. This could be due to various reasons like changing the batteries. However an auto Locksmith or a local dealership will usually be able to solve the issue.
You can try this trick to solve your fob issue if none of the above methods work: remove the battery from both the car and the fob for around ten minutes, then reconnect them in the reverse order. This can force the system to reboot, and in some cases it can fix the issue without additional steps.
When you're playing around with the fob, be sure to keep it out of water and other potential dangers. The fob is quite durable, but it's important to take care with it if you want it to last as long as it can.
If none of the troubleshooting procedures above are helpful you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown around or tripped over, or exposed to other extreme environmental conditions, it may be beyond repair and requires an upgrade. If this is the case, you should be sure to search for a deal before making your final decision.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care it's a fact in the road that car key fobs may occasionally fail to function. If you lose yours it could be very expensive to replace it--especially if you don't have a spare. "You might end up paying between $50 and $100 for a replacement, and getting it programmed by the dealer, and mechanical backups that could cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is among the most common causes for a keyfob's cease to function. If you are familiar with how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual has instructions, Repairs try it yourself. But if that doesn't fix the problem, it's time to contact an expert.
A locksmith can assist you replace or find the lost key fob. A locksmith will probably know the reason your fob stopped working in the first in the first place. And if your vehicle is a model older than the one you own and has no built-in smart technology it is possible to save money by finding the key number plate on your current mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain) and storing it in a safe place--such as in your wallet or Repairs on your phone. This will make it much easier for a locksmith to reprogram a new key fob to your car key repair in the event that you require it.
If your existing key fob is a modern smart key, you'll have to visit an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it before getting a new one made, which can be more expensive than replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes, which prevents thieves from gaining access to your car. That means that the locksmith must have a special programing tool that only the car manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall cost.
In the majority of cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming a new key fob. Depending on the type of vehicle the cost can range from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealership.
