Car Key Fob Repairs Key fobs of today can do more than unlock and start vehicles However, that added complexity can cause expensive repair costs in the event that one of them malfunctions The good news is that the majority of fobs are equipped with flat-watch-style batteries that are easy to replace at home And you may find that a reset will get yours working again Battery Replacement A dead battery is the most common reason for a key fob that isn't working This is easy to fix, and it's worth a try before you decide to spend money on a new fob Simply take your car to an auto parts store or a hardware retailer that carries button cells and choose an alternative You can also consult your owner's manual or in the event that you don't have one, YouTube is full of videos of people who explain how to do it for specific instructions on opening and replacing the battery in the particular type of fob Most fobs have two halves that snap together -- you'll need to gently pull the sides apart to get to the battery You'll need a small, flat-bladed screwdriver, or a different tool with a small blade You can wedge your tool into a notch at the bottom of the key fob It is also advisable to look for tiny pieces that may come loose as you work Once you have your new battery, you can insert it in the same way that you removed the previous one Make sure that the positive + side is facing up towards the buttons, and that the negative - side of the battery is aligned with the markings inside the battery compartment of your fob You can push a button to test the fob If it doesn't work, there may be a problem with your vehicle that needs to be repaired or replaced by a professional Certain key fobs require special tools to open, and the contacts inside may be delicate and susceptible to corroding In these situations the best solution is to consult a car expert or a dealer If you need to replace the battery, make sure to be gentle and follow the instructions specifically in the owner's manual You may be able to locate the same battery at a big-box retailer or discounter, but be sure you read the owner's manual to make sure it's compatible with your car Replace the internal key The majority of key fobs have an actual mechanical key however, it's hidden within the fob to stop thieves from getting If the battery inside the fob fails it will leave a blank key left behind, which can be used to unlock doors and trunks In some cases the key could even start certain vehicles A majority of people don't realize that they can avoid a trip to a dealership by recharging the fob batteries Most modern fobs have flat watches-style batteries that are readily available at auto parts stores and hardware shops Choosing the right type of battery is essential however A bad battery can damage the electronic circuitry, which can cause the fob to fail much faster If you replace the battery, and the issue is still there it could be a sign something else is wrong in your vehicle Review the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if you have a reset procedure that can restore the fob to factory-setup If this doesn't work, you'll have go to a dealer or independent shop that specializes vehicle-security systems and key fob programming Fobs could also fail due to malfunctioning transmitter receivers These are usually located close to the steering wheel, or in the dashboard They transmit signals to allow you to unlock your car and begin it using the fob If you're required to move closer and closer to your vehicle to be able to make it work, there's a high chance that the transmitter isn't working It may be required for a professional to remove the case of the fob to replace the transmitter A simple screwdriver is enough to accomplish the task, but some fobs have complicated release mechanisms that require a special tool or equipment that is available only through a dealer It's best to have a certified mechanic do this job so that you don't accidentally break the fob or cause injury to yourself Reprogramming the Key Often a non-functional key fob simply needs a fresh battery They are easily available in both pharmacy and home improvement stores and are inexpensive This is a good option to begin before purchasing a new key fob You can also change the programming of your key fob yourself by following a few basic steps This process can vary between automobiles, so read the owner's manual and research the model you have For instance, one key fob may require that the ignition be switched on while reprogramming the key Another may require the key to be removed and inserted multiple times The process is straightforward Make sure https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/car-key-repairs-near-me/ is securely in place Close all doors except the driver's door This will ensure that the new key fob is communicating with the vehicle in a proper manner Put the old key in the ignition and turn it on, but don't start the engine Press the lock button while aiming the fob towards the receiver for transmission It is usually located on the front above the mirror The key will notify the vehicle within a short period of time that it is being programmed This can be done by cycling the door locks or emitting an audible chime This process can be tricky so it's essential to pay attention to the timing and to not over-press the key button If the key fob isn't working, try reprogramming it again with fresh batteries If the problem persists then a visit to the dealer of your vehicle or a locksmith should be considered A professional will have all the tools and equipment to reprogram your car's fob or create a new one if needed Genesky says he can usually program newer fobs for around 200 to 250, based on the model of vehicle He's been denied European models rejected because there isn't the equipment required Luckily, the majority of aftermarket fobs can be programmed however it's best to talk to an auto dealer first to determine what the cost is Getting a New Fob If your key fob is simply damaged beyond repair, you could need to purchase a new one Depending on your vehicle's model and make, an auto locksmith or dealership might be able to assist The dealership is likely to be the most expensive choice to replace your fob, but it will also have the tools and software required to program your car properly If you're looking for a cheaper option, a number of independent locksmiths will be able to provide you with an entirely new car key fob for a more affordable price It's a good idea to attempt to reset your current device before you rush out to buy an entirely new one The owner's manual will outline the proper reset procedure which is typically pushing a few buttons that restores the factory settings You should also check the owner's manual and warranty information to determine whether you can obtain a replacement key fob 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 eligible for reimbursement for the cost of an entirely new fob Finding the right location to purchase a fob can be a challenge You might want to visit the dealer for this service if have a newer car and are looking to feel secure knowing that your key fobs are functioning correctly However, if you want an affordable alternative it is usually possible to find a locksmith who is independent who can provide the same services at a much lower cost A locksmith who is professional is a great choice for those who aren't comfortable with this type of work They are trained and equipped to replace or reprogram the majority of car key fobs and they can often complete the task quickly A locksmith can also visit your house or office which is convenient for many people They can even cut and program keys on-site in case you've lost them, which is ideal for those who do not want to leave their vehicles unattended