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Key Fob Replacement and Repair Modern car key fobs are utilized a great deal and are often misused. Often an easy repair or replacement is all it takes to make them work again. Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries. This can be found in hardware and auto parts stores. Before calling in a professional, do some 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. It is therefore essential to keep a functioning and healthy battery. When you're out and about, a dead key fob can be a huge problem. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement can be made to fix it in a short time. The most frequent sign that a battery on a key fob is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You might also notice that the buttons on your key fob are not working or require more effort. You can often find an updated key fob battery in the auto parts section of a big box store or on the internet. Typically, these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Consult key repairs before you shop for the right battery. Some cars require a particular 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. The battery is usually located in the back of the key fob. It can be removed using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade by opening the case. It is likely to look like an ordinary coin and will be labeled with the battery size. Make sure to note the direction the plus and minus symbols are positioned to ensure that the new battery is properly placed. 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 doesn't work after replacing the battery, it may have been deprogrammed. In this case, you'll need to contact an expert locksmith which will cost a bit more than replacing the key fob battery. The skilled mechanics at YourMechanic are able to repair your key fob if it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Make sure you check out all of our services in your area and schedule an appointment now! Weak Signals If you find that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote, it could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, therefore weak or inconsistent signals can cause poor performance and range. One of the first things you should examine is whether your fob's battery is insufficient since this can greatly affect the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob can aid in restoring a more consistent response. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so the owner's manual or a phone call to the helpline of the manufacturer is probably the best source of information here. Other factors can cause weak fob signals, such as interference from other devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines as well as other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cellular networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob utilizes to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle. Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can interfere with the transmission of radio signal, leading to lower performance and less range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case on the fob may all affect the signal transmission and cause the remote not to respond. You can fix the problem by resetting the settings on your fob or by replacing the battery. If your fob is damaged, it's time to replace it completely. Don't forget to utilize the spare remote that was included with your vehicle if your primary remote begins to fail. You should test this option first to determine if you can solve the issue prior to buying an entirely new remote. In this case it may be an appropriate time to consult an expert auto-locksmith. They can identify the issue and recommend the best course of action. Physical Damage Key fobs can have problems occasionally. Most of the time, these issues are not complex or difficult to fix and can be solved by following a few easy steps. It's recommended to have spare batteries or even another fob available in case one of your keys fails to work. A dead battery is the main reason why a key fob in a car is not working. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. They can be replaced easily and can be found at most pharmacies, grocery stores and shops which sell electronic items. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver, and gently pry out the battery that you have. Replace the battery, making sure it's not damaged or loosened. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require an alternative kind. Your fob might not be responding to buttons if it loses its connection to the vehicle. This can be caused by a variety of factors including changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or a local dealership is usually able to solve the issue. You can try this method to fix your fob in the event that none of the above methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the fob and the car for around ten minutes, then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could trigger a restart within the system and in some cases this will fix the problem without doing any of the other steps. When you're playing around with the fob, make sure to keep it clear of water and other sources of damage. A fob is durable however, you must take care with it to ensure it lasts as long as it can. If none of the troubleshooting steps above work you, you may have to replace your key fob. If it has been dropped or trampled upon, or exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it may not be able to be repaired and will require an upgrade. If that's the case, make sure to search for a deal prior to making a final decision. Lost Fob Even with the best care keys for cars, they will occasionally stop working. It's costly to replace yours if you lose it, especially if you do not have an extra. “You could end up paying between $50 and $100 for a replacement and getting it programmed by the dealer, as well as an electronic backup that could cost another $100,” says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports. A weak battery is one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to stop working. Try changing the battery on your own if you know how or refer to your owner's manual. If that doesn't work, you'll need to call an expert. A locksmith will be in a position to assist you in finding your lost fob, or get it replaced. A locksmith will likely know the reason why your fob stopped 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 key's number plate from your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind an ornamental keychain. If you need to reprogram the key fob in your car, the locksmith can perform the task more easily. If your key fob is an old smart key, it'll need to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or dealer. This can cost more than just replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by rolling-code encryption, which prevents thieves from getting access to the car. This means that locksmiths must use a special programming tool which is only available to the car manufacturer, which increases the cost. In most instances, you'll have to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any charges to reprogram the new key fob. This could range from around $20 in certain stores to more than $200 at dealerships for cars, based on the vehicle.