Car Key Fob Repairs Key fobs today do a lot more than simply unlock and start vehicles However, that added complexity can result in high repair bills when one of them fails It's important to know that most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries, that can be replaced at home And you may find that a reset will make your device work again Battery Replacement A dead battery is the most frequent cause of a key fob not working This is easy to repair, and is worth trying before you decide to spend money on a new key fob You can purchase the new button cell at your local auto part retailer or hardware store in the event that you already have one You can also refer to the owner's manual or YouTube for videos explaining how to replace the battery for specific instructions on how to open and replace the battery in your fob Most fobs come with two halves that snap togetherYou'll need to pull the sides apart to access the battery You'll usually need a small screwdriver or a different tool equipped with a thin, flat blade You can wedge your tool into a notch on the bottom of the key fob It is also advisable to watch out for tiny pieces that could break loose while working Once you have your new battery, insert it the same way that you removed the old one The positive + side should be facing the buttons and the reverse - the marks on the compartment for the battery Press a button to test the fob If it doesn't, you may have a problem with your car that requires a specialist to fix or replace Some key fobs are difficult to open and the contacts could be fragile and easily damaged In https//telegraph/Need-Inspiration-Look-Up-Car-Key-Button-Repair-01-18 in the field 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 a big-box retailer, but you'll need to consult your owner's manual to be sure that it's compatible with your vehicle Replace the internal key The majority of key fobs have an actual mechanical key, but it's hidden inside the fob to prevent thieves If the battery inside a fob dies, a blank key is left behind that can be used to open trunks and doors In some instances, this key can even start certain cars Most people don't know this however, they can save themselves a trip to the dealership by simply replacing the fob battery The majority of modern fobs utilize flat-watch-style batteries which are readily available at hardware stores and auto parts shops The right kind of battery is essential, however A bad battery can damage the electronic circuitry, causing the fob to fail sooner If the problem persists even after you have replaced the battery, it may be an indication that something else is going on with your vehicle If you have an owner's manual, check to see if you can use a reset procedure to restore the fob's original programming If this doesn't work, you'll have go to a dealer or a shop independent that specializes in vehicle-security systems and key fob programming Fobs may also malfunction because of faulty transmitter receivers They are usually found near the steering wheel or on the dashboard They transmit signals to enable you to unlock your car and start it with the fob If you're having to get closer and closer to your car to be able to make it work, there's a great possibility that the transmitter is not working A professional may need to open the fob's case to replace the transmitter A simple screwdriver will usually get the job done however, some fobs have complicated release mechanisms that require a specialized tool or specialized equipment available only through a dealer It is a good idea to have a certified mechanic handle this job to ensure you don't break the fob or injure yourself Reprogramming the Key A key fob that is not working may simply need a new battery Because these batteries are cheap and readily available in pharmacies and home improvement stores, this is a good first step before investing in an entirely new car key fob You can also re-program your key fob yourself by following a few basic steps This process varies between vehicle makes, so it's important to refer to the owner's manual and study the specifics of your particular model A key fob may require the ignition to be switched on when reprogramming A key fob might require the key to be inserted multiple times The process is straightforward Make sure that the battery is securely in place Then, get in the driver's seat, and close all doors, excluding the driver's side door This will ensure that the new fob is communicating with the vehicle correctly Put the old key in the ignition and turn it on however, do not start the engine Press the lock button while aiming the fob at the receiver of the transmission This is usually located on the front, above the mirror Within a brief time, the key will indicate to the vehicle that it's programmed by turning off the doors locks or emitting the sound of a chime This is a challenging procedure, so pay attention to timing and don't over-press the button If the key fob doesn't work, try reprogramming it again with fresh batteries If the issue is still there, you might want to visit your local locksmith or dealer A professional will have all the tools and equipment to reprogram your car's fob or design a new one if needed Genesky says he can usually program newer fobs for around 200 to 250, based on the car He's been denied European models turned away because there isn't the equipment needed The majority of aftermarket fobs can be programmed, but always inquire with your local car dealer to determine the price Finding a New Fob If the key fob you have cannot be fixed, you could require a new one Based on the make and model, the dealership or an auto locksmith may be able to help The dealership is likely to be the most expensive option for a replacement fob However, they'll have all the required tools and software needed to programme your vehicle properly If you are looking for a less expensive solution, many independent locksmiths can provide you with an entirely new car key fob for a more affordable price It is a good thing to try to reset the fob you have before you make the decision to purchase an entirely new one The owner's manual should explain the proper reset procedure that is typically pushing a few buttons which restores it to factory programming It's also a good idea to review your owner's manual and warranty information before you decide where to go for a key fob replacement If your vehicle is under warranty, or you have a car insurance policy or auto club membership that provides bumper-to-bumper insurance, you might be able to receive some reimbursement for the cost of a new fob The process of getting a fob can be simple enough however, finding the right location to get it done isn't easy You may want to visit the dealer to get this service if you have a newer vehicle and you want peace of mind knowing that your key fobs work correctly However, if you want a more affordable option, it is often possible to find a locksmith independent who can provide the same service at a much lower cost A professional locksmith is a great choice if you're not comfortable doing this kind of work They are skilled and equipped to replace or reprogram most types of car key fobs, and they can often do it quickly In addition, a locksmith can often come to your workplace or home to complete the task, which can be very practical for some They can also cut and program keys on the spot in case you've lost them This is great for those who do not want to leave their vehicle in the garage