Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Key fobs on modern vehicles perform a lot of work and are subject to a lot of abuse. Many times an easy repair or replacement is all that's required to get them back in good working good working order.
The majority of fobs are powered by a flat watch-style batteries. This can be found in auto parts and hardware stores. Before calling in a professional, do some of the DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The battery in the key fob's remote powers your car's remote, and in push-to-start cars it will start your engine. This is why it is essential to keep an active, healthy battery. When you're out and about, a dead key fob could be a major issue. A simple, low-cost replacement can fix the issue quickly.
The most frequent indication that a battery on a key fob is depleting is the loss of signal strength and range. It is also possible to find that the buttons on your fob don't function or require any effort to turn on.
You can often find a new key fob battery in the auto parts section of a large box retailer or online. They are typically CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you decide on the best battery. G28 Car Keys require a particular size or type that is not always available at big-box stores. Be sure to research before you buy.
The battery is usually found on the back of the key fob. It can be removed using the flat-bladed screwdriver, by removing the case. It is likely to look like a small coin and be marked with the battery's size. Be sure to note down the orientation of the plus and minus signs so that you can 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, and test the buttons.
If your key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might have been deprogrammed. In this situation it is likely that a locksmith will be required to assist. This will cost more than replacing the battery in the key fob.
The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery has died. Make an appointment to look over all the services we offer in your area.
Weak Signals
If you find that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote, it could be an indication of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, and weak or inconsistent signals could cause poor range and performance.
One of the first things to determine is if the battery of your fob is depleted, as this can significantly affect the sensitivity of your signal. It's also worth resetting the fob's settings, which can help to get a more consistent response from the car. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's manual or a call to the manufacturer's support line is your best source of information.
Other factors can contribute to weak fob signals, such as interference from other devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices may interfere with the radio frequency (radio-frequency) signals your key fob transmits to the receiver of your vehicle.
Finally, physical damage to your key fob can also interfere with the transmission of RF signals which may result in poor performance and range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked button or bent fob case can all affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.
There are a few simple steps you can take to try and solve the issue of weak fob signals, for example, 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.
Also, don't forget if you have an extra key fob that is included with your vehicle, it could be used in place of the primary remote if it starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if it can fix the problem before purchasing a new remote. In this instance, it might be the right time to contact an auto-locksmith professional. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best course of actions.
Physical Damage
It's not unusual for key fobs to have issues from time to time. Fortunately, most of these problems are not serious or complex and can be resolved with some simple steps. It's important to have spare batteries or even another fob available in case one of your keys ever ceases to function.
A dead battery is the most frequent reason for a car keyfob not working. These small devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. They can be replaced and can be found in most pharmacies and stores. The fob's case can be opened using an screwdriver that is flat and gently remove your existing battery. Replace the battery, ensuring it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. However, yours may require a different type.
Your fob could not be responding to buttons after losing its connection with your vehicle. 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 strategies above work, try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and the fob for a few minutes and then connect them in the opposite order. This may cause the system to restart and in some instances, this will fix the issue without further steps.
While you're experimenting with the fob, be sure to keep it out of water and other potential sources of damage. A fob is durable however, you must take care with it to ensure it lasts as long as it can.
If all of the suggestions above do not help, it may be time to consider replacing your key fob. If it's been dropped or tripped over, or exposed to other environmental hazards, it could be beyond repair and in need of a replacement. Find the best deal.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care keys for cars, they can fail at times. If you lose yours it could be very expensive to replace it--especially when you don't have a spare. "You may end up paying between $50 and $100 for a replacement and having it programmed by a dealer, and a mechanical backup that will cost you another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.
A weak battery is among the most common reasons for a keyfob's device to cease to function. If you are familiar with how to replace the battery, or if the owner's manual has instructions, try it yourself. If that doesn't work you'll need to contact an expert.
A locksmith can be able to help you find the lost fob or have it replaced. They'll also have an idea of the reason your fob was not functioning in the first place. And if your car 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 secure location, such as in your wallet or on your phone. If you need to reprogram the key fob in your car the locksmith can do it more easily.
If your current 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 created which is more expensive than replacing it. The reason is that modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption to stop thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programming tool that only the car manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall cost.
In most cases, the whole service will be charged at one time. This includes any charges to reprogramme a new keyfob. Based on the car, that can run from a mere $20 at some shops to $200 or more at a car dealership.
