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Key Fob Replacement and Repair Modern car key fobs are used frequently and are often abused. Often a simple repair or replacement is all you need to get them working again. The majority of fobs are powered by a flat watch-style batteries. This is readily available in hardware and auto parts stores. Before you call in a professional, do a few DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Batteries The battery in the key fob powers the remote function in your car and, with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. It is therefore essential to keep a functioning and healthy battery. When you're out and about and your key fob is not working, it can cause a lot of trouble. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement can be made to fix it in a short time. The loss of range and signal strength are among the most commonly observed indications that a battery on a keyfob is failing. You may also notice the buttons on your key fob aren't working or require more effort. A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a large retailer or on the internet. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are available in packs of two or more. Make sure to consult your owner's manual prior to you decide on the best battery. Certain cars require a certain size or type of battery that isn't always readily available at big-box stores. Make sure to verify before purchasing. Typically broken key repair is situated on the back of your key fob and is removed by tearing the case open with a flat-blade screwdriver. It is usually shaped like the shape of a small coin, and be marked with the battery's size. Be sure to note which direction the plus and minus symbols are placed to ensure that the battery you are replacing is placed correctly. After the battery has been replaced then gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons. If your key fob still isn't working after replacing the battery, it could be deprogrammed. In this case you'll have to contact locksmiths for assistance which will cost a little more than simply replacing the battery of your key fob. The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it's damaged or the battery is dead. Be sure to check out all of our services in your region and book an appointment now! Weak Signals If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons of the remote, it could be a sign that the signaling isn't functioning properly. Your car and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistent signals could result in poor range and performance. Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea, because it could affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob can also aid in restoring a consistent response. The procedure varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or a call to the manufacturer's help line will likely be your best resource here. Other factors can cause weak fob signals, including interference from other devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices can interfere with the RF (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob transmits to connect to the vehicle's receiver. The physical damage to your keyfob can affect the transmission of RF signal, leading to low performance and a limited range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked buttons or a bent case can all affect the transmission of signals, causing the remote to not respond. You can resolve the issue by resetting the settings on your fob or by replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is worn out, it's the time to replace it all over again. Also, don't forget if you have a spare key fob that comes with your vehicle, it can be used instead of the primary remote in the event that it begins to fail. It's worth trying this solution to see if it can solve the issue before investing in the new one. In this situation it may be time to call a professional auto-locksmith. They can determine the cause and suggest the most effective solution. Physical Damage It's not unusual for key fobs to encounter issues from time-to-time. Fortunately, most of these problems are not difficult or complicated and can be solved with a few easy steps. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries or an additional fob in the event that your key fails to function. A dead battery is the main reason why a key fob in a car is not working. These tiny devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. They are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies and stores. The fob's case can be opened using a flat-headed screwdriver and gently remove your existing battery. Check to see if it's loose or damaged and then put in an alternative battery. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours may require a different type. When your fob loses its pairing, it can cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to a variety of factors including changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or local dealership can usually repair the issue. You can try this method to solve your fob issue when none of the other methods work: disconnect the battery from both the car and the fob for around ten minutes, and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could cause the system to reboot, and in some instances, this will fix the issue without further steps. When you're playing around with the fob, be sure to keep it away from water and other possible sources of damage. A fob can be pretty robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care in order for it to last as long as possible. If the above troubleshooting suggestions do not help, it may be time to think about replacing your key fob. If it has been dropped, trampled on or exposed to extreme environmental conditions, it could not be repairable and will require a replacement. If this is the case, you should be sure to look around for a deal before making a final decision. Lost Fob Even with the best of care keys for cars, they will occasionally stop working. It's expensive to replace yours when it is lost, especially if you do not have an alternative. “You could end up paying between $50 and $100 for a replacement and getting it programmed by the dealer, plus mechanical backups that could cost you another $100,” says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports. A weak battery is one of the most common reasons for a keyfob's device to stop working. Try changing the battery on your own If you are familiar with the procedure or consult your owner's manual. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it's time to call in an expert. A locksmith is capable of helping you locate the lost fob or have it replaced. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason why your fob stopped working in the first initial place. If your vehicle is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in You can save money by finding the key number plate on your current mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and storing it in a secure location, such as in your wallet or on your phone. If you're in need of reprogramming the key fob of your car locksmith is able to do it much more quickly. If your current key fob is a modern smart key and you want to change it, you'll need to go to an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it and get a new one made and this can be more expensive than replacing it. That's because modern key fobs use rolling-code encryption to stop thieves from gaining access to the car. This means that the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programing tool that only the vehicle manufacturer has, which adds to the overall cost. In most instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any costs to reprogram a new key fob. It can cost anywhere from $20 in some stores to over $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the model of vehicle.