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Key Fob Replacement and Repair The key fobs found in modern vehicles are very efficient and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Sometimes just a simple repair or replacement is all it takes to get them back in good working good working order. The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries, which are easy to find in auto parts retailers. Before car key repair near me call in a professional, you can do some DIY fixes. Dead Key Fob Batteries The key fob's battery powers your remote in your car and in push-to start cars, it can start your engine. It is therefore crucial to maintain a functional and healthy battery. When you're out and about, a dead key fob can be a huge problem. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement is able to fix the issue quickly. The loss of range and signal strength are among the most commonly observed indicators that a battery in a keyfob is failing. You might also notice that the buttons on your fob do not function or require any effort to activate. A new key fob can be found in the auto part section of a big retailer or online. Typically, they're CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are available in packs of two or more. Consult your owner's guide before you purchase the correct battery. Certain vehicles require a certain size or kind of battery that's not always in stock at big-box stores, so be sure to know the specifications prior to you buy. Typically the battery is situated on the back of your key fob and can be removed by prying the case open with the flat-blade screwdriver. The battery will appear like a small coin, and it will be identified according to its size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus symbols to ensure that you place the new battery properly. After the battery has been replaced and the fob is closed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together. Then test the buttons. If your key fob isn't working after replacing the battery, it could have been deprogrammed. In this scenario you'll have to contact a locksmith for help which will cost a little more than simply replacing the key fob battery. If your fob's battery is failing or you're experiencing other issues with your fob's key an experienced mechanic such as one from YourMechanic can examine and fix it to get you back on the road. Set up an appointment to review all of the services we offer in your local area. Weak Signals If your key fob does not respond to the buttons on the remote it could be an indication that the signaling isn't functioning properly. Radio signals are used to send messages between your car and key fob. Weak or inconsistent radio signals can result in poor performance and a limited range. Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea as it can significantly affect signal sensitivity. It's also worth resetting the settings of your fob that can help restore an even and consistent response from the car. The process will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's manual or a phone call to your manufacturer's support number is your best source of information. Other factors, such as interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency, can also affect weak signals. Power lines, 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 in your vehicle. The physical damage to your keyfob can also affect the transmission of RF signal, which can result in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked buttons or a bent case can all affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to fail to respond. There are some simple steps you can try to and fix the problem of weak fob signals such as resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If your fob is old and worn, it could be time to replace it. Don't forget to use the spare remote that came with your car if your primary remote begins to fail. It's a good idea to try this method to see if it can solve the issue before investing in the new one. In this situation it could be the right an appropriate time to consult an auto-locksmith professional. They will be able diagnose the issue and recommend the best way to proceed. Physical Damage Key fobs can be troublesome from time to time. Fortunately, most of these problems are not complicated or a major issue and can be resolved with some simple steps. It's important to keep spare batteries or an additional fob in case one of your keys ever stops working. The most frequent cause for a car key fob not working is a dead battery. These small devices depend on tiny lithium-ion coin or button cell batteries to function. They are easily replaced and can be found in most pharmacies and stores. You can remove your fob's case using a flat head screwdriver and gently pull out the battery. Ensure that it is not loose or damaged and then put in an alternative battery. Most fobs require CR2032 batteries. However, yours might require a different kind. If your device loses its pairing, it can stop responding to buttons. This can happen due to a number of factors, such as changing the batteries, but is usually easy to get an auto Locksmith or your local dealership to fix. If none of the solutions above work, you can try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and fob for a few minutes, then reconnect the two in a reverse 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. When you're playing around with the fob, ensure to keep it clear of water and other possible dangers. A fob is durable, but you should take care of it to ensure that it lasts for as long as you can. If the suggestions above don't help, it might be time to consider replacing your key fob. If it has been dropped, trampled on or exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it could not be able to be repaired and may require a replacement. Find key fob repairs . Lost Fob Even with the best of care, car key fobs may fail to function. It's expensive to replace yours when it is lost, especially when you don't have a spare. “You might end up paying between $50 and $100 for a new one and having it programmed by a dealer, and mechanical backups that could cost another $100,” says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports. One of the most frequent reasons for a key fob to stop working is a simple issue, such as an insufficient battery. If you know how to change the battery, or if your owner's manual has instructions, you can attempt it yourself. If that doesn't solve the issue, it's time to contact an expert. A locksmith can be able to help you find your lost fob, or get it replaced. A locksmith can probably tell you why your fob stopped functioning in the first 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 that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain ornament) and recording it in a safe place—such as in your wallet or on your phone. If you're looking to change the programming of your car's key fob the locksmith can do it much more quickly. If your existing 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 remove it from the system and have a new one made, which can be more expensive than replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by encryption using rolling-codes, which prevents thieves from getting access to the car. And that means the locksmith needs to have a special programing tool that only the car manufacturer has, which increases the overall cost. In most cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes any charges to reprogram a new key fob. This could range from around $20 at some shops to more than $200 at car dealerships, based on the vehicle.