The loss of your car key can be an extremely stressful and terrifying experience. This is why it's a good idea to have an extra key fob or spare battery on hand.
Smart keys activate a proximity sensor to unlock the doors and start the engine. They can generally only be programmed by a dealership.
Dead Key Fob Battery
If the battery fails key fobs can be a hassle. This is a common problem that a lot of people encounter at some point but it doesn't need to be a major issue with some simple tricks up your sleeve.
One of the most obvious indicators that your key fob requires a new battery is if it no longer lights up when you press one of the buttons. This is an important feature that you should be aware of, since when it ceases to function and you are unable to access the key fob, you won't be able unlock the doors or open the trunk, or start your vehicle without a key for your car.
If your key fob is beginning to delay responding to a pressing, it could be in danger of dying. This is because the battery is getting worn out and isn't providing enough power to operate all of the buttons. Keep an extra battery in your wallet so you can replace it in the event that this happens.
There are some options to consider if your key fob battery is dead. The first thing is to try to open it by hand using the mechanical key that is stored inside. Some of these keys are stored inside the key fob, and others are located under the cover of the handle or in the inside the dashboard slot. If you're unsure of where to look, you can check your owner's manual or search the internet for "how to remove the mechanical key from a (year model, make) fob" and you should find plenty of helpful videos and information.
Once you have the mechanical key, you'll be able to make use of a small screwdriver pry open the key fob to access the battery. Be cautious when doing this so that you don't hurt any other items in the process. Once you've removed your old battery, you'll be able to insert an CR2032 battery and ensure it is installed with the positive side facing up like the original battery.
Locked Out
There are a variety of ways to prevent being locked out of your car. It is essential to know the specifics of your vehicle and have an idea of what you want to do. If you have a key in your possession that you can use to open the car door (or the trunk, depending on the vehicle). You should also consider enrolling in an automaker app account, subscribing to roadside assistance or leaving a spare key with someone who can help you in a pinch.
A dying or dead vehicle battery is one of the most common reasons to lock yourself out. If the key fob only functions intermittently or requires lots of pressure to function it's likely that the battery is failing. The issue can be identified with a simple signal-reader.
The buttons may also be damaged and do not perform as they should. It is easy to diagnose this issue by an examination of the key fob's visuals and usually takes just a few minutes to connect the button terminals into place. A few dollars spent on a replacement battery can save you the hassle and expense of having a locksmith come out and replace your key fob.
Other reasons your key fob may not function may be due to being "pickpocketed" or being out of the range of the sensor. Whether it's due to an unresponsive battery or someone else picking up your key and attempting to use it on their own vehicle, the resultant malfunction could be extremely frustrating and oftentimes difficult to fix without a professional.
The majority of modern vehicles come with an option that lets the driver unlock the vehicle by pressing the door lock button on the interior dashboard in the event that the key fob is not within sensor range. If the vehicle doesn't have a keyhole inside the door, a lot of manufacturers install hidden keyholes beneath the trim panels that can be opened with the standard key. To locate these keys look for a small hole near the handle or on the outside of the door. If they aren't there, check your owner manual for more details or look for a solution on the manufacturer website.
Key Fob Issues
The key fob is a specialized piece of equipment that has many delicate and sensitive parts that can be difficult to repair or replace. They are generally well-made, but it is possible that they lose their functionality. This could require an upgrade or reprogramming from the manufacturer or an auto locksmith. A spare remote in your possession can make it easier to avoid the hassle of an unexpected key fob issue.
The most common reason for a key fob to stop working is that the batteries have failed. Replacing the battery is a quick and cost-effective solution. The issue could be more serious, for instance the button or contact is defective.
A key fob is composed of a circuit board with the cap of a rubber button with small pads of conductive, and batteries. There are a variety of batteries, but most of them contain lithium-ion coin cells. These batteries are available in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement shops. The process of changing batteries isn't hard but you should be cautious not to damage the delicate circuits.
If a new battery doesn't solve the issue, take the key fob off and then open it for an extensive examination. Check for evidence of corrosion or damage to the battery's terminals and contact points. You can clean them using Methyl Hydrate or Isopropyl Alcohol. Soldering them back to their original position can help restore their functionality. You may also bend the tiny fingers of metal that connect to the battery on the circuit board slightly.
Another possibility is that the new battery you bought was the wrong type for your key fob. Key fobs have been designed to accommodate certain sizes, voltages and mAh capacities of batteries. If you use the wrong battery it will not just fail charge but also prevent it from sending powerful signals or the internal switches. Examine the markings on the battery that you have used before, or the owner's guide to determine the type of battery you require.
You will need to bring your fob to an auto locksmith to have it changed. They can determine if the problem is with your key fob, or the electronic locks or systems in your car.
Key Fob Replacement
A dealership is typically the only option when you require an alternative car key fob. The reason is that the fob usually has a transponder that sends the code that operates your car's lock and ignition systems. It also emits a distinctive signal when it's pressed which the immobilizer in your car recognizes. If you lose your car keys or the fob battery dies and the fob battery is dead, it could make your vehicle unstartable.
Dealerships can reprogram most fobs. However, this can be expensive. CR has contacted dealers to learn that the cost of replacing a key fob is between $200 and $400. If your insurance company has a $500 deductible, the cost could quickly grow.
Replacing a car fob can be much simpler than you think. In most cases it's simply a matter of replacing its battery. Keys that are older, typically that were made in the mid-1990s or earlier make use of a battery called CR2032 that you can purchase online or at most big-box stores. It is easy to change these batteries by using a thin flat-bladed screwdriver, or your fingernail to pry apart the two halves of the fob to access the battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one, taking care to align it correctly. note the + and - marks on the battery case. Reassemble the fob and test the buttons on the remote to confirm they function.
Certain key fobs have the mechanical key slot which allows you to open the doors of your car and start the engine in the event that the electronic key has failed. It is dependent on the car's make and model. Some cars have the slot in the back or under the door handle, whereas others require that you press a button to reveal the slot.
If repair car key fob don't want to spend a lot of money at the dealership, you can look into an locksmith. Some can replace the key fob and also program it for you, however they may only supply replacement keys for your particular model. You can also purchase the replacement key fob from an online retailer like Batteries Plus, where you can purchase everything at a cost of up to 50% less than an auto dealer.
