Car Key Fob Repairs

Key fobs today do a lot more than unlock and start vehicles. But that extra complexity can result in expensive keyless entry repair costs if one of them breaks.

The good news is that the majority of fobs have flat-watch-style batteries that are easy to replace at home. You may even find that a reset can make your device work again.

Battery Replacement

The most frequent reason a key fob stops working is due to the battery being dead. It's a simple repair and worth a try before you invest in a replacement fob. Simply take your car to a local auto parts store or hardware retailer that stocks button cell batteries and pick up a replacement. You can also refer to your owner's guide (or YouTube for videos explaining how to replace the battery) to get specific instructions on how to remove and replace the battery in your fob.

Most fobs come with two halves that snap togetheryou'll have to gently pry the sides apart to get to the battery. It's usually a screwdriver or some other tool with a thin, flat blade. It may be helpful to look for a groove along the bottom of the fob that you can use to place your tool between. It is also advisable to look for small pieces that may fall off while working.

Install the new battery in the same way you removed the old one. The positive (+) side should face the buttons, while the opposite side is facing (-) the markings on the battery compartment.

You can push a button to test the fob. If it isn't working, there might be a problem with your vehicle that requires to be fixed or replaced by a professional.

Some key fobs require special tools to open and close, and the connections inside could be fragile and susceptible to corroding. In these situations you should consult a specialist in your car or the dealer will likely be the best option. When replacing a battery, be patient and follow your owner's manual. You may be able to find a similar battery at a discounter or big-box retailer however, you'll need to consult your owner's manual to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle.

Replacing the Internal Key

Most key fobs include a physical mechanical key that is hidden within the fob to keep it from being stolen. When the battery in a fob dies it will leave a blank key left behind and can be used to open trunks and doors. In some instances the key could even start certain cars. Many people don't realize this however they could avoid from a trip to the dealer by simply replacing the fob battery. The flat watch-style battery is used in most modern fobs. These batteries are easily found in hardware and auto parts stores. Using the correct type of battery is important however. A bad battery can cause damage to the circuitry and cause the fob to fail much earlier.

If the problem persists after you replace the battery, it could be an indication that something else is wrong with your vehicle. Go through the owner's manual to determine if you have a reset procedure that can restore the fob to factory programming. If this doesn't work you'll have to go to a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in vehicle security systems and fob programming.

If the key fob still isn't working try reprogramming it with fresh batteries. If the problem persists, a visit to your dealer for your car or a locksmith should be considered. A professional locksmith will have the tools and equipment needed to reprogram your car's fob, or create the remote key fob repair near me if required.

Genesky says he's able to program newer fobs ranging from $200 and $250, depending on the vehicle. However, he's had the need to turn down customers who have European models due to the fact that he doesn't have the expensive equipment they require. Fortunately, many aftermarket fobs can be programmed, but it's always best to check with the dealer of your choice first to see what their price is.

Finding a New Fob

If your key fob can't be repaired, you may require a new one. Depending on the brand and model, a dealership or an auto locksmith may be able to help. The dealership will likely be the most expensive option for a fob replacement However, they'll have the necessary tools and software needed to program your vehicle correctly. Many independent locksmiths offer a brand new car key repairs near me fob for a much lower price.

Before you purchase an entirely new device it's recommended to consider resetting your current device. Your owner's manual should outline the correct procedure for reset, which is usually just the pushing of a button which restores it to factory programming.

You should also look over the owner's guide and warranty information to see whether you are eligible for a replacement fob for your key. If your car's warranty in good standing or you have an auto club or insurance policy that covers bumper to bumper you could be eligible for a reimbursement on the cost of a replacement fob.

Getting a fob is easy enough however, finding the right location to do it isn't easy. If you have a relatively new car and would like the assurance with knowing that your keys fobs are in good working condition, you may be better off visiting the dealership for this service. If you are looking for a more affordable alternative, it is possible to find a locksmith who can provide the same service at an affordable cost.

A locksmith professional is a great option for those who aren't comfortable with this type of work. They are skilled and equipped to replace or reprogram all kinds of car key fobs, and often, they can do it quickly. In addition, a locksmith will often visit your office or home to do the job which is useful for certain people. They can also cut and program keys on the spot if you've lost them. This is ideal for those who don't want to leave their vehicle in the garage.