The loss of your car keys can be an extremely stressful and scary experience. It's a smart idea to keep an extra key fob and/or battery in your car.
Smart keys activate proximity sensors to unlock the doors and start the engine. They are typically programmable at the dealership.
Dead Key Fob Battery
If the battery is dead, key fobs can be frustrating. Many people will experience this problem at some point. But it shouldn't be a big deal when you are aware of a few tricks.
If your key fob does not flash when you press it then it's likely that the battery needs to be replaced. This is an important aspect that you should be aware of, since if it stops functioning and you are unable to access the key fob, you won't be able unlock the doors and trunk, or start the car without a physical car key.
If car key fob repairs starts to slow down in responding to a button press, it may be in danger of dying. This can be because the battery is old and is no longer able deliver enough power to operate the buttons. Keep a spare battery in your wallet so that you can replace it if this occurs.
There are a few ways to solve the problem when your battery for the key fob is dead and the first step is to open it by hand using the mechanical key stored inside. Some of these mechanical keys are kept in the key fob, and others can be located in the handle cover or dashboard slot. If you're not sure where to start searching, you can refer to your owner's guide or look up online "how to remove the mechanical key from a (year-make-model) fob". You will find lots of useful information and videos.
Once you have the mechanical key, you can then make use of a small screwdriver unlock the key fob and access the battery. Be careful not to scratch anything else. After you have removed the battery from its original location, replace it with a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing upwards.
Locked Out
There are many ways to prevent being locked out of your car. It is essential to know the specifics of your vehicle and to have a plan. If you have a physical key, use it to unlock the car door (or the trunk, depending on the car). Consider signing up to the automaker's application, or subscribing to roadside assistance, or leaving the spare car key with a person you trust.
A dying or dead car battery is among the most common reasons for locking yourself out. If the key fob operates intermittently or requires a lot of pressure to work, it's likely that the battery is failing. A quick check with a simple signal reader should diagnose the issue.
Another reason a key fob may not function is because the buttons are damaged and aren't working properly. It is easy to spot this issue by an inspection of the buttons and it usually only takes only a few minutes to put the terminals for the button into. A few dollars invested in an extra battery could save you the time and cost of having a locksmith come out and replace your key fob.
Other reasons your key fob could stop working include being out of range of the sensor or being "pickpocketed". Whether it's due to an unresponsive battery or someone else taking your key and attempting to use it on their own vehicle, the malfunction that results could be extremely frustrating and, often, difficult to fix if not handled by a professional.
If the key fob is not in sensor range, the majority of modern vehicles come with a feature that allows the driver to unlock the vehicle by pressing the door lock button on the interior dashboard. If the vehicle doesn't have a keyhole inside the door, many manufacturers have hidden keyholes in the trim panels that can be opened using the standard key. To locate these keys, look for a small hole close to the handle or on the outside of the door. If you are still unable to locate the keys, consult your owner's manual for more information or search for a solution online.
Key Fob Issues
The key fob is a complex piece with many delicate parts that are difficult to repair or replace. While they are usually made well, it can happen that they lose their function and require replacement or reprogramming by the manufacturer or a skilled auto locksmith. Having a spare remote on hand can make it easier to avoid the hassle of a key fob that has a sudden issue.
Batteries are the most frequent cause of the key fob that does not function. Replacing the battery is a simple and inexpensive solution. However, the issue may also be a more serious one such as a faulty contact or worn button.
A key fob contains a circuit board with an elastic button cover that has small pads of conductive material and an internal battery. There are many different types of batteries, but the majority contain lithium-ion coins cells. They are sold in pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. It isn't difficult, but you must be cautious not to damage the delicate circuits.
If a new cell isn't able to solve the issue, you can remove the keyfob from the lock and then open it for a thorough examination. Check for evidence of corrosion or damage to the battery's contacts and terminals. You can clean the contacts and battery terminals by using Isopropyl Alcohol or Methylhydrate. The process of re-soldering them in place can bring them back to their original functionality. You can also bend the tiny fingers of metal that touch the battery on the circuit board slightly.
The battery you bought may not be the appropriate one for your key fob. Key fobs have been designed to fit specific sizes, voltages and mAh capacities of batteries. If you use the wrong battery, it will not only fail to charge, but it will also prevent it from sending powerful signals or powering its internal switches. Check the label on the old battery or your owner's manual to see if you can find out what kind of battery is required for the key fob you have.
If your key fob isn't functioning, you'll need to take it to an auto locksmith or dealership to have it reprogrammed to work with your vehicle. key fob repair service will be able to determine whether the issue is related to the fob itself or with the locks of the vehicle or electronic systems.
Key Fob Replacement
A dealership is usually your only option when you require an alternative car key fob. The fob has an electronic transponder that transmits the code that controls the lock and ignition systems. It emits a unique number when pressed, which the immobilizer in your car can recognize. If you lose your car keys or your fob battery dies, it can make your vehicle unstartable.
Dealerships can reprogram most fobs. However, this can be expensive. CR has contacted dealers to find out that the cost to replace a key fob is between $200 and $400. It could be a lot in the event that your insurance company requires you to pay a $500 deductible.
Replacing a car fob can be more straightforward than you think. A dead fob can be fixed by replacing the battery. Keys that are older, typically from the mid-1990s and before are powered by a tiny CR2032 battery that can be found online or at a lot of big-box retailers. They are simple to replace 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 then insert the new one. Be sure to align the battery correctly and make a note of the + and markings on the case. Reassemble the fob shell and test the remote buttons to confirm that they function.
Certain key fobs have the mechanical key slot that lets you unlock your car's doors and start the engine in the event that the electronic key is not working. It all is contingent on the manufacturer 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.
You can also try an locksmith if you don't want to shell out a large sum on a dealer. Some of them will be able to repair the key fob and program it for you, though some may only offer key replacements for your specific model. You can also purchase an online key fob at Batteries Plus. They can do everything for up to 50% cheaper than a dealership.
