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15 Things You Don't Know About Fob Key Repair
Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs found in modern cars are very efficient and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. In most cases, an easy repair or replacement is all it takes to make them functional again.

Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries, which can be found in auto parts and hardware stores. However, before calling a professional, try a few DIY fixes!

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The key fob battery powers the remote feature in your car and, with push-to start vehicles, permits it to start your engine. Therefore, it is essential to keep an active, healthy battery. A dead key fob can be a major problem when you're on-the-go. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.

The loss of range and signal strength are the most commonly observed signs that a keyfob battery is dying. You might also notice that the buttons on the key fob aren't working or require more effort.

A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a major retailer or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. Check out the owner's manual before you purchase the correct battery. Certain vehicles require a certain size or type of battery that's not always in stock at big-box retailers So, make sure you be aware of the correct specifications before you purchase.

Typically, the battery is located on the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. The battery will look like tiny coins, and it will be labeled based on its size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus symbols to ensure that you insert the battery correctly. After the replacement battery has been inserted, gently snap both pieces of the fob together. Then test all of the buttons to make sure they function.

If your key fob doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might have been deprogrammed. In this instance you'll have to contact an expert locksmith which will cost a bit more than replacing the key fob battery.

Whether your fob battery is failing or you're experiencing other issues with your fob's key An experienced mechanic like one from YourMechanic can check and repair it to get you back on the road. Set up an appointment to review all the services we provide in your local area.

Weak Signals

If you notice that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote, this can be a sign of a problem with the signaling. Radio signals are used to transmit information between your car and the key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can lead to poor performance and range.

One of the first things you should check is whether or not your fob's battery is insufficient since this can greatly affect the sensitivity of the signal. Resetting the settings on the fob can also help restore a more consistent response. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a call to the manufacturer's support line is your best resource.

Other factors, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency can also cause weak signals. Power lines, 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.

Additionally physical damage to your key fob can affect the transmission of RF signals, which can result in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, a broken or cracked button or a bent case on the fob could affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to respond.

You can try to solve the issue by resetting your fob's settings or by replacing the battery. If your fob is worn out, it's the time to replace it all over again.

Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob which is part of your vehicle, it could be used in place of the primary remote in the event that it starts to fail. You should try this solution first to see if it can resolve the issue before buying another remote. In this case, it might be an appropriate time to consult a professional auto-locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can be troublesome occasionally. Fortunately, most of these problems are not difficult or complicated and can be resolved by following a few simple steps. It's recommended to keep spare batteries or an additional fob in case one of your keys ever stops working.

A dead battery is the most common cause of a car keyfob not working. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries. They are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies and stores. The fob's case can be opened using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pull out the battery you have. Check to see if it's damaged or loose and then insert a new battery. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require an alternative kind.

If car key fob repair loses pairing, it may also cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to a number of factors, including changing the batteries, but it is generally simple for an auto Locksmith or your local dealer to fix.

If none of the solutions above work, you can try this method: disconnect the battery from the car and the fob for a short period of time, then reconnect the two in the opposite order. This could trigger a reboot within the system, and in some cases it will solve the issue without requiring any of the other steps.

While you're experimenting with the fob, ensure to keep it out of water and other possible damage sources. A fob is durable but you need to treat it with care to ensure that it lasts for as long as you can.


If none of the troubleshooting procedures above work, you may need to replace your key fob. If it's been thrown, trampled on or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it could not be able to be repaired and may require a replacement. If that's the case, make sure to search to find a bargain before making your final decision.

Lost Fob

Even with the best of care keys to cars will occasionally stop working. It can be expensive to replace yours in the event that you lose it and especially if you do not have an alternative. "You may end up paying $50 - $100 for a new one and having it programmed by a dealer, as well as a mechanical backup that will 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 issue, like a weak battery. If you are aware of how to replace the battery, or if your owner's manual has instructions, you can try it yourself. If that doesn't work you'll have to call an expert.

A locksmith can be capable of helping you locate the lost fob or have it replaced. They'll also have a good idea of why your fob was not working in the first place. And if your car is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in it is possible to save money by finding the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain) and recording it in a secure location, such as in your wallet or on your phone. This can make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram a new key fob for your car in the event that you need to do it.

If your existing key fob is a smart key of the present, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to remove it from the system and have an entirely new one which is more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes, which prevents thieves from getting access to the car. This means that the locksmith must be equipped with a specific programming tool which is only available to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost.

In the majority of cases, the entire process will be charged the same time. This includes any costs to reprogramme a new keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, that can run from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealership.

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