Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You may be enticed in the event that your remote key fob doesn't working to take it to the dealership to have it reprogrammed. Try some quick fixes in your home.

Start by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat-watch-style batteries that are affordable and easy to find. You can then take a look at the fob that you have purchased and look for buttons that are worn out or out of place.

Dead Battery

The key fob, a small electronic device, makes it simple to lock and unlock your vehicle. It is a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver inside your vehicle. Key fob batteries generally last for a long period of time, but they can be wiped out at any point. Look for the LED light or try pressing one of the buttons to see if it's dead. If the key fob does not respond, then the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.

Changing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's usually a matter of opening the fob, pulling out the old battery, then inserting the new one. Fobs use small batteries, like those found in watches or hearing aids, that are available in general stores and home improvement centers. They are usually shaped as a small coin with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. If you're not sure of the kind of battery your fob is using, check the owner's manual, or look on the key fob for an identification label.

After you change the battery the fob's key should perform as expected. If it doesn't work it could be due to an issue with your vehicle or the system which is the reason it isn't functioning properly. If this is the situation, you will need assistance from a roadside service.

You may be able order replacement keys from a dealer or online, based on the make and models of your vehicle. A new key fob is usually the best option, since it will save you time and money as opposed to fixing a broken one on your own.

Buttons are not responding

It could be worn out button sensor if you've driven for a long time and you notice that your keys aren't working. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which may cause them to work properly if they are pushed in a certain manner or with a lot of force. This is a common problem for many fobs, and can be easily fixed with some simple DIY steps.

To unlock the car the fob sends an indication to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it can stop receiving the signal, and stop the key from functioning to open or start the vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to check for damage. This is usually free or costs only an amount that is based on the make of your vehicle.

The key fobs used daily get many uses and are often found in purses and pockets and purses, so it's no surprise that they can sometimes be finicky and function properly when they are press in a certain manner. This is an easy fix for most fobs as the buttons can be strengthened and repaired quickly with some silicone and a bit of work.

To get the buttons working again, press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a chime in your vehicle. This should be done several times to activate the button. Then, you'll need to switch your key into and out of the car's ignition several times more in order to reset the connection between the fob and your car. Once the connection is restored, you can remove the key and will be able to unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the process as necessary to make sure your fob is working again. If you're unable to fix the fob by following this procedure it might require replacement completely. If you have to replace it, be sure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop is damaged it could be separated from your keys and no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. Replacing the loop on your keychain is a simple solution.

Moisture and water damage might also cause key fobs to malfunction, with a variety of symptoms, including shortened range of operation or even no function at all. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in certain cases, repair or replacement by a professional might be required.

Over repair car key near me on key fobs can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It could be necessary to replace the key fob button or the case, but reprogramming can often solve this issue. Signal interference from electronic devices nearby could affect the connection between your key fob and your vehicle, causing problems with unlocking or locking. It may be necessary to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership to resolve the issue. This is typically the case with older electric keys that use infrared signals for operation and require a line-of-sight. Modern microchip keys communicate with your car via the challenge-response method of authorization via radio frequency.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

Over time, keyfob batteries lose power. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote could no longer respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to solve the issue, but you may also have to change the programming of the remote.

Key fobs used in modern vehicles are capable of controlling lots of functions. They can adjust the height of the windows, activate alarms, turn on interior lights, or even start certain vehicles. It is possible for owners to hit the wrong buttons through accident. It is a good idea to keep your owner's manual handy while using your key fob, so that you can refer to the specific sections that cover the different features of your vehicle.

A fob may stop working because the remote signal has been damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs utilize sophisticated technology for encryption of signals to stop thieves from stealing signals and generating unauthorized keys or remotes that unlock cars. You'll likely need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer in order to reprogram your fob and restore its functionality.


Some automakers provide their own instructions available for reprogramming key fobs yourself. These procedures are usually simple enough to perform at home. This process is not recommended for novices who do not have a lot of experience in electronics. It is better to leave this kind of work to professionals.

Key fobs are subject to a lot more wear and tear if they're used and handled regularly. The buttons on a fob can be pushed around and the case could break or crack. It is important to have a spare key fob with at all times because it will save you time and stress if your remote stops working while you're out and about. It is ideal to keep it near your bed at night because it will permit you to activate the panic button if you hear sounds in the house at night.