Here's A Little Known Fact Regarding Fob Key Repair
Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Key fobs on modern cars perform a lot of work and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. In many cases just a simple repair or replacement is all that's required to bring them back into working order.
The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries, which are readily available in auto parts retailers. But before you call an expert, try a few DIY solutions!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The key fob battery powers the remote feature in your car and, with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. It is therefore important to keep a functioning, healthy battery. When you're out and about and your key fob is not working, it can be a huge problem. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement is able to fix the issue 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 aren't working or require additional effort.
You will often find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a big box retailer or online. They are typically CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. However, it's a good idea to check your owner's manual before shopping for the right battery for your fob. Certain vehicles require a particular size or type that is not always available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before you buy.
The battery is usually found on the back of the key fob. It can be removed with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade by removing the case. It is likely to look like the shape of a small coin, and be labeled with the battery size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus signs in order to place the new battery properly. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons.
If your key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might have been deprogrammed. In this instance you'll need to call locksmiths for assistance and it will cost you some more than replacing the battery of your key fob.
Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery is dead. Make sure you check out all of our services available in your area and schedule an appointment now!
Weak Signals
If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to buttons on the remote, this can be a sign of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, so weak or inconsistent signals can cause poor performance and range.
One of the first things you should examine is whether the battery of your fob is depleted because this could significantly impact signal sensitivity. Resetting the settings on the fob could also help restore a more constant response. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. Your owner's guide or a phone call to your manufacturer's support number is your best guide.
Other factors can cause weak fob signals, including interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines and other key fobs wireless communication devices, and even cellular networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver in your vehicle.
Furthermore, physical damage to your key fob can also interfere with the transmission of signals RF, which may result in poor performance and range. A blown fuses, a broken or cracked button or a bent case of the fob could all affect the signal transmission and cause the remote to function properly.
There are a few simple steps you can try to and resolve the issue of weak signals from your fob, like resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn, it may be the right time to replace it.
Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob that comes with your vehicle, it could be used in place of the primary remote if it starts to fail. It's worth trying this option to determine if it resolves the issue before investing in a new one. In this instance it could be the right time to call an expert auto-locksmith. They can identify the problem and recommend the best way to proceed.
Physical Damage
It's not uncommon for key fobs to experience issues from time-to-time. The majority of these issues are not complex or serious and can be resolved by following a few easy steps. It's important to have spare batteries or even another key fob in the event that one of your keys ever ceases to function.
The most common reason for a car key fob not working is an inactive battery. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries. They are easy to replace and can be found at most pharmacies, food stores and places that sell electronics. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver and gently remove your existing battery. Check to see if it's loose or damaged and then simply pop in an alternative battery. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries, but yours may require an alternative kind.
Your fob might also stop responding to the buttons after losing its connection with your car. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, however it is generally simple 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 fob and the car for about ten minutes, then reconnect them in a reverse order. This could cause the system to reboot, and in some cases it will resolve the issue without further steps.
Keep the fob away from water or other sources of harm while you're experimenting. The fob is tough, but you should take care of it to ensure it lasts as long as it can.
If none of the troubleshooting procedures above are helpful you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown and trampled or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it may not be able to be repaired and will 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 care, it's a fact of life that car key fobs will occasionally stop working. If repair car key is lost, it could be very expensive to replace it--especially when you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 to $100 for a replacement and having it programmed by a dealer, plus mechanical backups that could cost another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
One of the most common reasons for a key fob to not function is a simple problem, such as an insufficient battery. If you know how to change the battery, or if the owner's guide has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't solve the issue, it's time to contact an expert.
A locksmith can assist you replace or find the lost key fob. They'll also probably have an idea of why your fob stopped working in the first instance. If your car is old and does not have smart technology built in it is still possible to save money by recording the key number plate on your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind an ornamental keychain. If you're in need of reprogramming the key fob in your car locksmith is able to do it much more quickly.
If your key fob is an old smart key, it'll have to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or dealer. This could cost more than replacing it. The reason is that modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption to prevent thieves from getting into the car. This means that the locksmith must be equipped with a specific programing tool that is available only to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost.
In the majority of cases, the whole service will be charged at one time. This includes any costs for reprogramming 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.