Five Electronic Car Key Repair Near Me Lessons From The Pros Electronic Car Key Repair Near Me

Losing your car key is an extremely stressful and terrifying experience. It's a smart idea to keep a spare key fob and/or battery on hand.

Smart keys use proximity sensors to unlock doors and also start engines. These keys can usually only be programmed by a dealership.

remote key fob repair

If the battery is dead, key fobs can be a pain. This is a common issue that a lot of people encounter at some point, but it doesn't have to be a huge issue with some simple tricks up your sleeve.

If your key fob does not illuminate when you press a button the chances are that the battery needs to be replaced. This is an important feature to pay attention to since if it ceases to function and you don't have the ability to open the doors, lift the trunk, or start the car without a physical key.

Another indication that your key fob is about to fail is if it starts to take a while to respond after pressing one of the buttons. This can be because the battery has gotten old and is unable to provide enough power to run the buttons. Keep a spare battery in your wallet, so you can replace it if this happens.

There are a few ways to solve the problem if your key fob battery is dead and the first thing is to try to open it by hand using the mechanical key inside. Some of these keys are stored inside the key fob, and others can be located in the handle cover or dashboard slot. If you're not sure where to look, consult the owner's manual or search online for "how to remove the mechanical key out of the (year model and make) fob" and you should find plenty of helpful information and videos.

Once you have a mechanical key, you can use an ordinary screwdriver and pull the key fob open to access the battery. Be careful not to damage any other items. After you've removed the old battery, install the new battery CR2032 with the positive side facing upwards.

Locked Out

There are several ways to ensure you're not locked out, but it's vital to know the location of your car and have an idea of what to do. If you have a key in your possession used to open the car door (or the trunk, based on the car). You might want to consider signing up for the automaker's app, subscribing roadside assistance, or leaving an extra car key with someone you trust.

A dying or dead car battery is among the most common reasons for locking yourself out. The battery could be failing if your key fob is only working intermittently or needs a lot pressure to operate. The problem can be diagnosed with a simple signal-reader.

Another reason a key fob might stop working is that the buttons are damaged and aren't working properly. This is easy to diagnose by a visual inspection, and usually only requires soldering the button terminals back to their original position. A few dollars spent on a replacement battery can save you the hassle and expense of getting a locksmith to come out and replace your key fob.

A few other reasons your key fob may stop working include being out of sensor range or being "pickpocketed". It could be due to an unresponsive battery or someone else taking your key and attempting to use it in their vehicle, the malfunction that results can be extremely annoying and can be difficult to fix without a professional.

The majority of modern vehicles come with a feature which allows the driver to unlock the vehicle by using the door lock button located on the interior dashboard even if the key fob not in the range of the sensor. A lot of manufacturers have hidden keyholes beneath panel trims to allow entry into the vehicle, even if it does not have a real keyhole. Look for a small hole near the handle of the vehicle or on the exterior of the door to locate these keys. If they aren't there look in your owner's manual for more details or try searching for a solution on the manufacturer's website.

Key Fob Issues

The key fob is a specialized piece of equipment with many delicate and sensitive parts which can be difficult to replace or repair. While they are usually made well, it can happen that they lose their functionality and require replacement or reprogramming from the manufacturer or a skilled auto locksmith. A spare remote at hand will make it easier to avoid the hassle of a key fob that has a sudden issue.

Batteries are the most frequent reason for the key fob that does not work. The battery can be replaced quickly and easily. However, the problem could also be a more serious one like a damaged contact or worn-out button.

A key fob is made up of an electronic circuit board, an elastic button cover that has tiny pads that conduct electricity and batteries. There are a variety of batteries, but the majority are lithium-ion coin cell batteries. They are sold in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. The process of changing batteries isn't difficult, but you must be cautious not to harm the delicate circuits.

If a new battery doesn't solve the issue it is possible to remove the keyfob from the lock and then open it for a thorough examination. Look for signs of corrosion and other damage on the battery terminals or contact points. Clean the contact points and terminals of the battery using Isopropyl Alcohol or Methylhydrate. Soldering them back to their original position will restore their function. You can also try bending up slightly the little fingers made of metal on the circuit board that make contact with the battery to increase the force they exert.

The battery you bought might not be the correct type for your key fob. Key fobs are designed to accommodate certain sizes, voltages and capacity in mAh. If you use the wrong battery it will not just not charge, but also stop it from sending strong signals or the internal switches. Look over the labels of the old battery, or the owner's guide to determine the type of battery you require.

You'll need to bring your key fob to an auto locksmith in order to have it reset. They can identify if the problem is with your key fob or the car's electronic systems or locks.

Key Fob Replacement

If you're in need of a new car key fob, a dealership is often the only option. That's because the fob typically has a transponder that sends the code that operates the ignition and lock systems. It emits a unique code each time it is it's pressed and the immobilizer in your car recognizes. If you lose your car keys or your fob battery goes out or dies, it can render your vehicle inoperable to start.


Dealerships are equipped to reprogram most fobs though that can cost you quite a bit of money. CR contacted dealers and found that the cost to replace the typical fob for a key ranges from around $200 for a basic model up to over $400 for more sophisticated models. This could quickly add up when your insurance company requires you to pay an amount of $500 for deductible.

It's easier than you think to replace a car key fob. In most cases, a dead fob is just the matter of replacing its battery. Older keys, usually those that were made in the mid-1990s or earlier, use a small battery called CR2032, which can be found online or at a lot of big-box retailers. The battery can be changed using a flat-bladed and thin screwdriver or a fingernail. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, taking care to align it properly and note the + and - marks on the battery case. Reassemble the fob and test the buttons on the remote to confirm they function.

In the event of an electronic key malfunctioning, some key fobs have an electronic slot that can be used to unlock the doors and also start the car. However, that is dependent on the make and model of your car. Some have the key slot located under or behind the door handle; others require you to press a button on the fob to open the trunk and reveal the key slot.

If you don't wish to spend a fortune at the dealership, you can consider the services of a locksmith. Certain locksmiths will be able to replace the key fob for you and program it, while others will only provide replacement keys for your specific model. You can also purchase an online key fob at Batteries Plus. They can do everything for up to 50% less than a dealer.