10 Places Where You Can Find Fob Key Repair Key Fob Replacement and Repair

The key fobs in modern vehicles do a lot of work and are subject to an awful amount of abuse. Sometimes just a simple replacement or repair is all it takes to restore them to working in good condition.

The majority of fobs are made with flat watch-style batteries that are easy to find in auto parts stores. Before calling a professional, you can do some DIY fixes.

Dead Key Fob Battery

The battery in the key fob powers the remote feature in your car and, with push-to-start vehicles, allows it to start your engine. It is therefore essential to keep a functioning and healthy battery. A dead key fob can be an issue for anyone on-the-go. The good news is that a simple, affordable replacement can be made to fix it in a short time.

The most obvious indication that a key fob battery is depleting is the loss of signal strength and range. You might also notice that the buttons on the key fob aren't working or require extra effort.

A new key fob can be found in the auto parts section of a major retailer or on the internet. They are typically CR2032 or CR2025 batteries that are available in packs of two or more. However it's best to read the owner's manual before you shop for the correct battery for your vehicle. Certain cars require a certain size or type of battery, which is not always available at big-box stores. Be sure to check before you buy.

The battery is usually located at the back of the key fob. It can be removed using the flat-bladed screwdriver, by opening the case. The battery will appear like tiny coins and will be labeled according to its size. Make sure to note the way the plus and minus symbols are placed to ensure that the new battery is positioned correctly. After the battery has been replaced and the fob is closed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob back together and test the buttons.

It's worth noting that in the event that your key fob continues to cease functioning even after battery replacement, it might have been deprogrammed. In this case you'll need to call an expert locksmith, which will cost a bit more than replacing the battery of your key fob.

Whether your fob battery is failing or you're experiencing other issues with your fob's battery, an experienced mechanic like one from YourMechanic can check and repair it to get you back on the road. Make sure you check out all of our services available in your area and schedule an appointment now!

Weak Signals

If your key fob doesn't respond to the buttons of the remote, it could indicate that the signaling is not working properly. Radio signals are used to communicate between your car and the key fob. Poor or inconsistent radio signals can lead to poor performance and a limited range.


Checking the battery level of your fob is a good idea, because it could affect the sensitivity of the signal. It's also advisable to reset the settings of your fob that can help bring back the same response from the car. The procedure may differ from vehicle to vehicle. The owner's guide or a call to your manufacturer's support number is your best source of information.

Other factors, including interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency can also cause weak signals. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices may interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals your key fob transmits to the receiver of your vehicle.

Physical damage to your keyfob can affect the transmission of RF signal, resulting in poor performance and range. A blown fuse, broken or cracked buttons, or a bent fob case can all interfere with the transmission of signals and cause the remote to fail to respond.

You can try to resolve the issue by resetting your fob's settings or by replacing the battery. If your fob has become old and worn out, it might be time to replace it.

Don't forget to use the spare remote that came with your car in the event that your primary remote starts to fail. You should test this option first to see if it can resolve the issue before purchasing an entirely new remote. If not, it might be the right moment to call an experienced auto locksmith. They'll be able to identify the issue and suggest the best solution.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can be troublesome occasionally. Most of these problems aren't complicated or serious and can be resolved with just a few steps. It's a good idea to keep spare batteries or a different fob in case your key ceases to work.

The most frequent reason for the car key fob not working is a dead battery. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion buttons or coin cell batteries. They are easily replaced and can be purchased at most pharmacies and stores. You can open the case of the fob using a flat-headed screwdriver, and gently pry out the battery you have. Check to see if it's damaged or loose and then insert a new battery. Most fobs use CR2032 batteries. However, yours may require a different type.

Your fob might also stop responding to buttons after losing its connection with your car. This could be due to various reasons like changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or local dealership will usually be able to solve the issue.

If none of the methods above work, you can try this trick: unplug the batteries from the car and the fob for a few minutes and then connect them in a reverse order. This could cause the system to restart and in certain cases it can fix the issue without further steps.

Keep the fob away from water or other sources of damage while you are experimenting. car key fob repair can be pretty robust, but it's crucial to treat it with care when you want it to last as long as it can.

If the above troubleshooting tips do not help, it may be time to replace your key fob. If it's been dropped or tripped on, or subjected to other harsh environmental conditions it could be damaged beyond repair and in need of a replacement. Look around for the best deal.

Lost Fob

Even with the best of care it's a fact of life that car key fobs can occasionally fail to function. If you lose yours it could be a huge expense to replace it, especially if you don't have a spare. "You might end up paying $50 to $100 for a replacement, and having it programmed by a dealer, and a mechanical backup that will cost another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst at Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is among the most common causes for a keyfob's device to stop working. If you know how to replace the battery, or if your owner's manual contains instructions, you can try it yourself. If that doesn't work you'll need to contact an expert.

A locksmith can help replace or find your lost key fob. A locksmith can probably tell you the reason why your fob stopped working in the first in the first place. And if your vehicle is an older model with no built-in smart technology, you can save some cash by locating the key number plate on your current mechanical backup key (it's usually hidden behind a keychain ornament with a decorative design) and storing it in a safe place--such as your wallet or on your phone. This will make it easier for a locksmith to reprogram the new key fob for your car in the event that you need to do so.

If your existing key fob is a modern smart key, you'll have to visit an auto dealer or locksmith to deprogram it before getting a new one made, which can be more expensive than simply replacing it. Modern key fobs are secured by rolling-code encryption that prevents thieves from getting access to your car. That means that the locksmith needs to have an exclusive programing tool that only the car manufacturer has, which adds to the overall expense.

In most cases, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, which includes the cost of programming a new key fob. Depending on the type of vehicle, that can run from $20 at some stores to $200 or more at a dealership for cars.