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Key Fob Replacement and Repair The key fobs found in modern vehicles perform a lot of work and are subject to a lot of abuse. Often an easy repair or replacement is all you need to make them work again. The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries that are readily available in hardware stores and auto parts stores. Before calling in an expert, try some of the DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Battery The battery in the key fob's remote powers the remote you have in your car and, in push-to-start vehicles, it can start your engine. As a result, 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 simple, affordable replacement can be made to fix it in a short time. The loss of range and signal strength are the most common indications that a battery on a keyfob is dying. It is also possible to notice that the buttons on the fob don't work or require extra effort to turn on. A new key fob is available in the auto parts section of a big retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. However it's best to check your owner's manual before you shop for the correct battery for your vehicle. Some cars require a particular size or type of battery that's not always available at big-box stores, so be sure to be aware of the correct specifications before you purchase. Typically the battery is situated on the back of your key fob. It can be removed by prying open the case with the flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will look like a small coin and be labeled according to its size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus signs so that you can insert the battery correctly. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons. It's important to note that in the event that your key fob continues to cease functioning, even after a battery replacement, it could be deprogrammed. In this case, a locksmith will be required to assist. This is more expensive than replacing the battery of your key fob. The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery has died. Make sure to look over all of our services available in your region and book an appointment today! Weak Signals If you find that your key fob isn't responding to buttons on the remote, this could be an indication of a problem with the signaling. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistant signals can cause poor performance and range. One of the first things you should check is whether or not your fob's battery is insufficient, as this can significantly affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob could also help restore a more regular response. The procedure will differ from vehicle to vehicle. Your owner's guide or a call to the manufacturer's support line is the best source of information. Other factors, like interference from other devices operating on the same frequency can also cause weak signals. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can interfere with the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle. Physical damage to your keyfob can also affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in low performance and a limited range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked buttons or a bent case can affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to fail to respond. There are a few easy steps you can try to and resolve the issue of weak signals from your fob, for example, resetting the fob's settings or changing the battery. If your fob is worn out, it's probably time to replace it altogether. Also, don't forget if you have a spare key fob that is part of your vehicle, it can be used as a replacement for the primary remote in case it begins to fail. Try this method first to determine if you can resolve the issue before purchasing a new remote. If not, this might be the perfect time to contact an experienced auto locksmith. They will be able to determine the cause and suggest the best method of action. Physical Damage It's not unusual for key fobs to experience problems from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't complicated or a major issue and can be fixed by following a few simple steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or another fob available in case one of your keys stops working. The most frequent reason for a car key fob not working is the battery is dead. These tiny devices depend on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. They are easily replaced and can be found in most pharmacies and stores. You can access the fob's casing using a flat head screwdriver and gently pry out the battery that is in there. Make sure it's not damaged or loose, and then simply pop in an alternative battery. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries, but yours might require an alternative kind. Your fob might also stop responding to the buttons when it loses its pairing with the vehicle. This can be caused by various reasons like changing the batteries. However it is possible to fix the issue with an auto Locksmith or a local dealership can usually repair the issue. If none of the methods above work, you can try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and fob for a short period of time and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could trigger a reboot within the system and in some cases, this alone will fix the problem without doing any of the other steps. Keep key repair from water or other sources of harm while you're experimenting. The fob is a durable device but you need to take care with it to make it last as long as it can. If the above troubleshooting tips do not help, it may be time to think about replacing your key fob. If it has been dropped and trampled or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it could not be repairable and will need an upgrade. If this is the case, be sure to look around to find a bargain before making your final decision. Lost Fob Even with the best of care it's a fact in the road that car key fobs can occasionally fail to function. It's expensive to replace yours when it is lost particularly when you don't have an alternative. “You could end up paying $50 to $100 for a replacement, and getting it programmed by the dealer, plus a mechanical backup that will cost you another $100,” says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports. One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob's device to not function is a simple problem, such as a weak battery. Try changing the battery on your own if you know how or consult your owner's manual. But if that doesn't fix the issue, it's time to call in an expert. A locksmith will be able to help you find your lost fob or get it replaced. A locksmith will probably know the reason why your fob stopped working in the first place. And if your car is an older model that has no smart technology built-in, you can save some money by finding the key number plate on your current mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain) and storing it in a secure location, such as your wallet or on your phone. This will make it much easier for the locksmith to reprogram the new key fob to your car should you need to do it. If your key fob is an old smart key, it'll have to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or a car dealer. This can cost more than just replacing it. That's because modern key fobs employ rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith must use a special programing tool that is available only to car manufacturers, which increases the cost. In most cases, the entire process will be charged the same time. This includes all costs for reprogramming a new keyfob. Based on the car it could cost anywhere from around $20 at certain stores to $200 or more at a car dealership.