Key Fob Replacement and Repair
The key fobs found in modern vehicles do a lot of work and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Many times an easy replacement or repair is all it takes to bring them back into good working order.
The majority of fobs are made with flat-watch-style batteries that can be found in hardware stores and auto parts retailers. Before calling in car key circuit board repair , you can do some DIY fixes.
Dead Key Fob Battery
The battery of the key fob powers the remote you have in your car, and in push-to-start cars it will start your engine. Therefore, it is critical to maintain an efficient, functioning battery. When you're out and about and your key fob is not working, it could be a major issue. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can be made to fix it in a short time.
The loss of range and signal strength are the most common indicators that a battery in a keyfob is failing. You may also be noticing that the buttons on your fob don't work or require additional effort to activate.
You will often find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a big box store or on the internet. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you decide on the best battery. Some cars require a specific size or type that is not always available at big-box stores. Be sure to check before purchasing.
Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open with a flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will appear like a small coin and will be labeled according to its size. Be sure to note which way the plus and minus symbols are oriented to ensure that the new battery is placed correctly. Once the battery replacement is placed in the fob, gently snap both pieces of the fob in place and test each button to ensure they work.
It's worth noting that, if your key fob continues to not function, even after a battery replacement, it may have been deprogrammed. In this instance, you'll need to contact locksmiths for assistance and it will cost you a bit 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 has died. Schedule an appointment to see all the services we provide in your region.
Weak Signals
If your key fob isn't able to respond to the buttons of the remote, it could be an indication that the signaling isn't working properly. Your car and key fob are dependent on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistent signals can cause poor range and performance.
Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea, as it can significantly affect the sensitivity of the signal. Resetting the settings on the fob can also aid in restoring a constant response. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a phone call to your manufacturer's support line is your best resource.
Other factors, like interference from other devices operating at the same frequency can also affect weak signals. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices can interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob transmits to the receiver of your vehicle.
Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can affect the transmission of RF signal, which can result in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked button or bent fob case could interfere with the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond.
You can attempt to fix the problem by resetting the settings on your fob, or by replacing the battery. If your fob is damaged, it's time to replace it completely.
Lastly, don't forget that if you have a spare key fob that is part of your vehicle, this can be used as a replacement for the primary remote if it starts to fail. It's worth trying this option to see if it can solve the issue before you invest in an entirely new one. If not, it could be the perfect time to consult an expert auto locksmith. They'll be able to identify the issue and suggest the most effective solution.
Physical Damage
It's not uncommon for key fobs to experience problems from time to time. Fortunately, most of these problems are not serious or complex and can be resolved with a few easy steps. It's a good idea to keep spare batteries or another fob on hand in case your key ceases to work.
A dead battery is the most common reason for a car keyfob not working. These small devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. These are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies, food stores and places that sell electronics. You can remove your fob's casing using a flat head screwdriver and gently pull out the battery. Replace the battery, ensuring that it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries, however yours might require an alternative type.
Your fob could not be responding to buttons after losing its pairing with the car. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changing the batteries, but it is generally simple to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to resolve.
If none of the strategies above work, try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and the fob for a short period of time and then connect them in a reverse order. This could trigger a restart within the system and, in some instances, this alone will fix the issue without requiring any of the other steps.
While you're testing the fob, make sure to keep it away from water and other potential damage sources. A fob can be pretty robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care when you want it to last as long as you can.
If the suggestions above do not help, it may be time to think about replacing your key fob. If it's been thrown or trampled upon, or exposed to harsh conditions, it might not be repairable and will need an upgrade. Find the most affordable price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best of care, car key fobs will occasionally stop working. If you lose yours it could be very expensive to replace it, especially if you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to purchase an alternative from the dealer and have it programmed, as well as a new mechanical backup, which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu, an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.
One of the most common reasons for a key fob's device to stop working is a simple issue, like an insufficient battery. You can try replacing the battery yourself when you know how, or consult your owner's manual. If that doesn't solve the problem, you need to get help from an expert.
A locksmith can be able to help you find your lost fob, or get it replaced. A locksmith will likely know why your fob stopped functioning in the first place. If your vehicle is an older model with no built-in smart technology You can save money by finding the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and storing it in a safe place--such as in your wallet or on your phone. This can make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram a new key fob to your car in the event that you need to do so.
If your existing key fob is a modern smart key it will require an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it before getting an entirely new one and this can be more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by encryption using rolling-codes, which prevents thieves from getting access to your car. This means that the locksmith has to use a special programming tool which is only available to car manufacturers, which can increase the cost.
In most cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming the new key fob. Depending on the vehicle the cost can range from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.