15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Fob Key Repair
Key Fob Replacement and Repair
Modern car key fobs are utilized a great deal and are often misused. In many cases an easy replacement or repair is all that's required to restore them to good working order.
Most fobs utilize flat watch-style batteries that are readily available in hardware stores and auto parts retailers. Before you call a professional, try a few DIY solutions!
Dead Key Fob Battery
The battery for the key fob power the remote function in your car. It also, in conjunction with push-to start vehicles, permits it to start your engine. As a result, it is critical to maintain a healthy, working battery. A dead key fob is an issue when you're on-the-go. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement can be made to fix it in a short time.
The most obvious sign that a battery on a key fob is failing is the decrease in signal strength and range. It is also possible to be noticing that the buttons on your fob don't work or require extra 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. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are available in packs of two or more. However, it's a good idea to read the owner's manual prior to purchasing the correct battery for your vehicle. Some cars require a specific size or type that is not always available at big-box stores. Be sure to research before purchasing.
Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. The battery will appear like a small coin and be labeled based on its size. Be sure to note which way the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the battery you are replacing is placed correctly. Once the battery replacement is installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob together and test the buttons to ensure that they work.
It's important to note that in the event that your key fob continues to stop functioning even after a battery replacement, it may be deprogrammed. In this case you'll need to call an expert locksmith, which will cost a bit more than replacing the battery in your key fob.
YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob in the event that it is damaged or if the battery has died. Make sure you check out all of our services in your area and make an appointment now!
Weak Signals
If your key fob does not respond to the buttons of the remote, it could be a sign that the signaling isn't functioning properly. Radio signals are used to transmit information between your car and the key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can result in poor performance and a limited range.
The battery level of your fob is a good idea, because it could have a significant impact on the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob could aid in restoring a more constant response. key car repair differs from vehicle to vehicle, so the owner's manual or 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. 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 inside your vehicle.
Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can also affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in low performance and a limited range. 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 a few easy steps you can try to and fix the problem of weak signals from your fob, for example, resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is worn out, it's probably the time to replace it all over again.
Don't forget to make use of the spare remote that came with your car in the event that your primary remote starts to fail. You should test this option first to determine if you can fix the problem before buying a new remote. In this case, it might be time to call an expert auto-locksmith. They will be able diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Physical Damage
It's not uncommon for key fobs to have issues from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these problems are not serious or complex and can be resolved by following a few simple steps. It's important to keep spare batteries or an additional fob in case one of your keys ever fails to work.
The most frequent cause for a car key fob not working is the battery is dead. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. They can be replaced and are available in most pharmacies and stores. Open the fob's case with a screwdriver with a flat head, and gently pry out the battery you have. Replace the battery, making sure it's not damaged or loose. Most fobs require batteries with CR2032 capacity. However, yours might need a different type.
Your fob might also stop responding to the buttons when it loses its connection with your vehicle. This could be due to a variety of factors like changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or a local dealer can usually repair the issue.
If none of the methods above work, you can try this method: disconnect the battery from the car and the fob for a few minutes and then reconnect them in a reverse order. This can force a restart within the system and, in some instances, this alone will fix the issue without having to do any of the other steps.
Keep the fob out of water or other sources of damage while playing around. The fob is a durable device however, you must take care of it to ensure it lasts for as long as it is possible to.
If the above troubleshooting tips do not help, it may be time to think about replacing your key fob. If it's been dropped, trodden on or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be beyond repair and in need of a replacement. Shop around to find the most competitive price.
Lost Fob
Even with the best care, it's a fact of life that car key fobs can occasionally stop working. It's costly to replace yours when it is lost, especially in the event that you don't have an extra. "You may end up spending $50 or more to purchase an equivalent replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, and an additional 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 to stop working is a basic issue, such as an insufficient battery. If you are aware of how to replace the battery, or if your owner's manual has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't work, you'll have to call an expert.
A locksmith will be in a position to assist you in finding your lost fob, or get it replaced. They'll also have an idea of the reason your fob was not working in the first place. If your car is old and doesn't come with smart technology however, you can save money by recording the number plate on your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind an ornamental keychain. If you're looking to change the programming of the key fob of your car locksmith is able to perform the task more easily.
If your key fob is an older smart key, it'll need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or dealer. This can cost more than replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. That means that the locksmith needs to have a special programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall cost.
In most instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, including any charges to reprogram a new key fob. It can cost anywhere from $20 in certain stores to more than $200 at car dealerships, depending on the car.