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Key Fob Replacement and Repair The key fobs found in modern cars are very efficient and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Often a simple repair or replacement is all you need to make them work again. Most fobs use flat watch-style batteries, which can be found in auto parts retailers. Before calling a professional, you can do a few DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Batteries The battery of the key fob powers your car's remote, and in push-to-start cars, it can start your engine. Therefore, it is essential to keep an active, healthy battery. A dead key fob is a major problem when you're on-the-go. A simple, affordable replacement will solve the issue quickly. The loss of range and signal strength are the most frequent indicators that a battery in a keyfob is dying. You may also notice that the buttons on your fob don't work or require additional effort to be activated. A new key fob is available in the auto parts section of a major retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. However it's a good idea to consult your owner's manual before you shop for the right battery for your vehicle. Certain cars require a specific size or type of battery that isn't always in stock at big-box retailers So, make sure you know the right specs before you buy. Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob. It is removed by tearing open the case with an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. The battery will appear like tiny coins and will be labeled based on its size. Make sure to note the way the plus and minus symbols are oriented to ensure that the new battery is positioned correctly. After the replacement battery has been installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob in place and test all of the buttons to ensure that they work. nearby key repair shop to note that when your key fob is unable to stop functioning even after a battery replacement, it could be deprogrammed. In this instance you'll have to contact an expert locksmith which will cost some more than replacing the key fob battery. The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob in the event that it is damaged or if the battery is dead. Make sure to look over all of our services in your area and schedule an appointment now! Weak Signals If your key fob does not respond to the buttons of the remote it could indicate that the signaling is not functioning properly. Radio signals are used to communicate between your car and key fob. Inconsistent or weak radio signals can cause poor performance and a limited range. Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea as it can significantly affect signal sensitivity. It is also recommended to reset the settings on your fob that can help restore the same response from the car. The procedure differs from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a call to the help line of the manufacturer is likely to be the best source of information here. Other factors, including interference from other devices operating on the same frequency, can also contribute to weak signals. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices could interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob sends to connect to the receiver of your vehicle. Additionally, physical damage to your key fob can hinder the transmission of RF signals which could result in a decrease in performance and range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent fob case can affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond. There are a few easy steps you can take to try and fix the problem of weak fob signals, for example, resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If 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 which comes with your vehicle, it can be used instead of the primary remote in case it begins to fail. It's worth trying this option to see if it can solve the issue prior to investing in the new one. If not, this might be the best time to consult an experienced auto locksmith. They will be able to identify the problem and recommend the best course of action. Physical Damage Key fobs can be troublesome occasionally. Fortunately, most of these issues aren't serious or complex and can be resolved with 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 fails to work. The most frequent reason for the car key fob not working is an inactive battery. These tiny devices rely on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. They can be replaced easily and are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores and shops that sell electronics. The fob's case can be opened using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently remove the battery that you have. Make sure it's not loose or damaged and then put in a new battery. Most fobs require CR2032 batteries. However, yours might need a different type. Your fob could not be responding to buttons if it loses its connection with your car. This could be due to a variety of factors like changing the batteries. However an auto Locksmith or a local dealer is usually able to fix it. If none of the strategies above work, try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and fob for a short period of time and then connect them in the opposite order. This can force a restart within the system and, in some instances, this alone will fix the problem without doing any of the other steps. Keep the fob out of water or other sources of harm while you're experimenting. The fob is quite robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care if you want it to last as long as possible. If none of the troubleshooting techniques above work you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it has been dropped, trampled on or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it may not be able to be repaired and will need a replacement. If that's the case, be sure to search for a deal before making a final decision. Lost Fob Even with the best care, it's a fact of life that car key fobs can sometimes fail to function. It's costly to replace yours when it is lost, especially if you do not have a spare. “You may end up paying $50 – $100 for a new one and getting it programmed by the dealer, as well as 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 reasons for a keyfob to stop working. You can try replacing the battery on your own if you know how or consult the owner's manual. If that doesn't work, you'll need to call an expert. A locksmith can assist you to replace or locate your lost key fob. They will also likely have a good idea of the reason why your fob stopped functioning in the first place. If your car is an older model that has no smart technology built-in, you can save some cash by locating 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 your wallet or on your phone. This will make it much easier for the locksmith to reprogram a new key fob to your car should you need to do it. If the key fob you have is a smart key of the present and you want to change it, you'll need to go to an auto dealer or locksmith to remove it from the system and have a new one created and this can be more expensive than replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to your car. This means that the locksmith must use a special programing tool that is available only to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost. In most cases, the entire process will be charged one time. This includes any costs for reprogramming a keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could cost anywhere from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a car dealer.