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Key Fob Replacement and Repair Modern car key fobs are used a great deal and are often abused. In most cases, 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 easy to find in hardware stores and auto parts stores. Before calling a professional, do some DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Batteries The battery of the key fob powers your car's remote and, in push-to-start vehicles, it can start your engine. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an active, 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 simple, affordable replacement can be made to fix it in a short time. The loss of range and signal strength are the most frequent signs that a keyfob battery is dying. It is also possible to find that the buttons on the fob don't work or require additional effort to activate. A new key fob can be found in the auto part section of a big retailer or on the internet. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries and are available in packs of two or more. Check out the owner's manual before you purchase the correct battery. Some cars require a specific size or type of battery that isn't always available at big-box stores. Be sure to research before you buy. Typically the battery is placed in the back of your key fob and is removed by tearing the case open using an abrasive screwdriver with a flat blade. It is likely to look like a small coin and be labeled with the battery size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks so that you can put the new battery in the correct place. After the replacement battery has been inserted, gently snap both pieces of the fob in place and test the buttons to make sure they function. It's worth noting that, when your key fob is unable to stop functioning, even after a battery replacement, it could be deprogrammed. In this situation, a locksmith will be required to assist. This will cost more than replacing the battery in the key fob. Our skilled mechanics at YourMechanic can repair your key fob in the event that it's damaged or the battery has failed. Make sure you check out all of our services in your area and schedule an appointment now! Weak Signals If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons on the remote, it could be a sign that the signaling isn't working properly. Radio signals are used to send messages between your car and the key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can lead to poor performance and a limited range. One of the first things you should check is whether or not the battery of your fob is depleted since this can greatly affect the sensitivity of your signal. It's also advisable to reset the fob's settings that can help restore a more consistent response from the car. The procedure may differ from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's manual or a call to the manufacturer's support number is your best resource. Other factors, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency can also contribute to weak signals. Other key fobs and wireless communication devices can interfere with the RF (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob sends to connect to the receiver of your vehicle. Damage to your keyfob's physical structure can interfere with the transmission of radio signal, which can result in low performance and a limited range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked button or bent fob case could affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to not respond. There are a few easy steps you can take to try and solve the issue of weak fob signals such as resetting the fob's settings or replacing the battery. If your fob is damaged, it's time to replace it altogether. Don't forget to remember that if you have an extra key fob which is part of your vehicle, it could be used as a replacement for the primary remote if it starts to fail. It's worth trying this solution to see if it solves the issue prior to investing in an entirely new one. If not, it might be the best time to consult an expert auto locksmith. They can identify the issue and suggest the most effective solution. Physical Damage It's not unusual for key fobs to have problems from time to time. Luckily, the majority of these issues aren't difficult or complicated and can be fixed by following a few simple steps. It's a good idea also to keep spare batteries or a different fob in the event that your key stops working. The most frequent cause for car keys not working is a dead battery. These tiny devices rely on tiny lithium-ion button or coin batteries to function. These are easily replaced and can be found in most pharmacies, grocery stores, and other places which sell electronic items. Open the fob's case with a flat-headed screwdriver and gently pull out your existing battery. Check to see if it's damaged or loose and then insert an alternative battery. Most fobs require batteries that are CR2032. However, yours may need a different type. When your fob loses its pairing, it may also cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to a number of factors, such as changing the batteries, but it is typically a simple issue to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to resolve. You can try this method to solve your fob issue if none of the above methods work: remove the battery from both the car and the fob for about ten minutes, and then reconnect them in the opposite order. This could trigger a restart within the system and, in some instances it will solve the problem without doing any of the other steps. Keep the fob away from water or other sources of harm while you're trying out new techniques. how to repair car key lock can be pretty sturdy, but you need to treat it with care in order for it to last as long as possible. If none of the troubleshooting procedures above help you, it may be necessary to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped or trampled upon, or exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it could not be able to be repaired and may require an upgrade. If that's the case, make sure to shop around for a deal prior to making your final decision. Lost Fob Even with the best of care, car key fobs can fail at times. It's expensive to replace yours in the event that you lose it and especially if you do not have an extra. “You may end up spending $50 or more to get an alternative 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 one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob's cease to function. Try changing the battery yourself if you know how or get instructions from your owner's manual. But if that doesn't fix the issue, it's time to contact an expert. A locksmith can help you to replace or locate your lost key fob. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason your fob stopped working in the first in the first place. If your car is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in, you can save some money by finding the key number plate on your existing mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and storing it in a secure place, such as your wallet or on your phone. This will make it easier for the locksmith to reprogram the new key fob to your car in the event that you require it. If your key fob is an older smart key, it'll have to be deprogrammed by a locksmith or dealer. This can cost more than just replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by encryption using rolling-codes that prevents thieves from getting access to your car. This means that the locksmith must have a special programming tool that is available only to car manufacturers, which can increase the cost. In most instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming a new key fob. It can cost anywhere from $20 in some stores to over $200 at car dealerships, depending on the car.