Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs in modern cars are very efficient and are subject to lots of abuse. Often a simple repair or replacement is all you need to get them working again.

Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries. This is readily available in auto parts and hardware stores. But before you call a professional, try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Batteries

The key fob's battery powers the remote you have in your car, and in push-to-start cars it will start your engine. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy, working battery. When you're on the move and your key fob is not working, it could be a major issue. The good news is that a simple, inexpensive replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.

The most obvious indication that a key fob battery is depleting is the loss of signal strength and range. You may also notice the buttons on your key fob are not working or require additional effort.

A new key fob is available in the auto part section of a big retailer or online. The majority of these batteries are CR2032 and CR2025 and are available in packs of 2 or more. Check out the owner's manual before you decide on the best battery. Certain cars require a specific size or kind of battery that's not always readily available at big-box retailers So, make sure you know the right specs before you purchase.

Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob. remote key fob repair can be removed by prying open the case with a flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will look similar to a small coin and will be labeled according to its size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks in order to insert the battery correctly. After the replacement battery is inserted, gently snap both pieces of the fob together and test all of the buttons to make sure they function.

It's worth noting that if your key fob continues to not function even after a battery replacement, it might be deprogrammed. In this instance, you'll need to contact a locksmith for help, 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 in the event that it is damaged or if the battery has failed. Be sure to check out all of our services available in your area and schedule an appointment now!

Weak Signals


If you notice that your key fob isn't responding to the buttons on the remote, this can be a sign of a problem with signaling. Your car and key fob depend on radio signals to communicate, and weak or inconsistent signals could cause poor range and performance.

Examining the battery level of your fob is a good idea, since it can have a significant impact on the sensitivity of your signal. It is also recommended to reset the settings of your fob, which can help to get the same response from the car. The process varies from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or call to the manufacturer's help line will likely be your best guide here.

Other factors can cause weak fob signals, such as interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. Power lines, other key fobs, wireless communication devices, and even cell networks can disrupt the RF (radio frequency) signals that your key fob uses to connect to the receiver inside your vehicle.

Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can also interfere with the transmission of radio signal, resulting in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, a damaged or cracked button, or a bent case on the fob could affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote not to respond.

There are some simple steps you can follow to try and solve the issue of weak signals from your fob, for example, resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn out, it might be the right time to replace it.

Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob which comes with your vehicle, it can be used in place of the primary remote in case it begins to fail. You should try this solution first to determine if you can solve the issue prior to purchasing a new remote. In this case it may be the right time to contact an expert auto-locksmith. They'll be able to diagnose the problem and suggest the best method of action.

Physical Damage

It's not unusual for key fobs to experience issues from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't complicated or a major issue and can be solved with a few easy steps. It's also a good idea to have spare batteries or even another key fob in the event that one of your keys stops working.

A dead battery is the most frequent reason why a key fob in a car is not working. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. These are easily replaced and are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores and shops that sell electronic products. You can remove your fob's shell with a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pull out the battery. Check to see if it's loose or damaged and then insert the new battery. Most fobs utilize CR2032 batteries, however yours might require a different kind.

Your fob might also stop responding to the buttons when it loses its connection to the vehicle. This could be due to various reasons like changing the batteries. However it is possible to fix the issue with an auto Locksmith or local dealership is usually able to solve the issue.

You can try this trick to solve your fob issue if none of the above methods work: Disconnect the battery from both the fob and the car for around ten minutes, and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This may cause the system to restart and in some cases it will resolve the issue without further steps.

When you're playing around with the fob, be sure to keep it clear of water and other possible sources of damage. A fob is durable but you need to treat it with care to ensure that it lasts as long as it can.

If the above troubleshooting tips don't help, it might be time to consider replacing your key fob. If it's been dropped or tripped over, or exposed to other harsh environmental conditions it could be beyond repair and requires a replacement. Shop around to find the most affordable price.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care, car key fobs may fail to function. It's expensive to replace yours if you lose it, especially in the event that you don't have an extra. "You could end up paying $50 or more to get an equivalent replacement from a dealer and get it programmed, and a new mechanical backup, which will cost at least another $100," says Mel Yu, an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is among the most common causes for a keyfob's stop working. If you know how to change the battery, or if the owner's manual contains instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't work you'll have to call an expert.

A locksmith can help to find or replace the lost key fob. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason why your fob stopped working in the first place. If your car is old and doesn't include smart technology, you can still save money by recording the number plate on your mechanical backup key. It's typically hidden behind an ornamental keychain. If you need to reprogram the key fob of your car, the locksmith can do it much more quickly.

If the key fob you have is a modern smart key, you'll have to visit a locksmith or a dealership to deprogram it and get a new one created and this can be more expensive than replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes, which prevents thieves from gaining access to your car. This means that locksmiths must use a special programing tool that is only available to car manufacturers, which can increase the cost.

In the majority of cases, the whole process will be charged one time. This includes all costs to reprogramme a new keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could cost anywhere from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a car dealership.