Your Car Key Fob Not Working? Here’s What to Do
A key fob or car remote is a convenient modern replacement for the traditional key. It allows car owners to unlock their cars faster with just one click. The downside is that, like any other electronic device, your key fob may malfunction at anytime, hindering you from carrying out your plans on time.
While it may seem like a low-maintenance gadget, the key fob can be a hassle to diagnose and fix. In this guide, we help you find out the potential reasons for a car key fob not working, in addition to offering tips on how to make it work properly and get back on your way.
Why Your Car Won’t Unlock with the Remote Key
8 Fixes for When Your Key Fob Doesn’t Work
1- A Dead Key Fob Battery
A low battery is one of the most common reasons why your car key is not working. Your key fob battery runs on lithium in most cases, and like any other battery, it will deplete at some point. You can tell the battery is dead when all the buttons are unresponsive and the small LED light doesn’t work.
Will the Dead Battery in the Key Fob Cause the Car Not to Start?
Yes, if the vehicle can’t detect the correct signal coming from the key fob, the ignition will remain unlocked and you won’t be able to start the car. A dead car battery makes the key fob unable to broadcast the signal that the ignition is looking for.
What to do
Replacing a key fob battery is easy. The battery, usually a CR2032 or CR2025, is cheap and widely available. We recommend always keeping a spare battery, so you don’t have to find a ride to go buy one.
2- Key Fob Needs Reprogramming
For the key fob to work as intended, the car remote needs to be paired with the receiver inside the vehicle. If it’s not paired, it will not work. While low batteries are usually the culprit for loss of pairing, sometimes shock can cause the fob to lose pairing. It also happens sometimes after you’ve changed your car battery.
What to do
If you suspect that your key fob needs programming, you can try resetting it first. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for instructions on how to reset the key fob. If it still doesn’t work, it means you need to reprogram it. A main dealer, manufacturer, or car locksmith service needs to reprogram it; it’s not a DIY task.
3- Damaged Transmitter or Receiver
As we established, the car remote works by exchanging signals with a paired car receiver. If that receiver or the transmitter is damaged, you won’t be able to pair the key fob to the car. The symptoms of a damaged transmitter or receiver are similar to those of a key fob that has lost the pairing and needs reprogramming.
What to do
Like reprogramming, this needs to be done by a car locksmith. You also need to reset the car remote first to see if it works before going to the locksmith.
4- Damaged Components
Although car remotes are usually shockproof, they can still suffer damage from getting dropped or exposed to water. If your key fob stopped working after a form of trauma, that potentially means the components inside the key fob are damaged.
What to do
If the issue is related to the components of the key fob, it’s better to buy a replacement remote. After buying it, pair the replacement key fob with the vehicle’s transmitter.
Read More: Keys Locked in Car? 8 Ways to Get Keys Out (Manual & Auto)
5- How to Confirm that the Issue is the Key Fob
When you click on the key fob’s buttons and they don’t open the car door, your first conclusion is that there’s a problem with the car keys. However, it may not always be the case. Here’s how to troubleshoot and make sure that the problem is related to the key remote.
- Use a spare key fob. If the new key fob works, then the problem lies with the old key fob, not the door locks.
- In many modern cars, the key fob works when you press the start button next to the car, even in case of a weak battery. Try holding the key fob close to the car door locks.
- Test the old battery’s voltage and replace it if it’s below 3v.
- Use the physical key to determine if the car lock is working properly. A physical key is often stored inside the key fob for emergency access when the car remote is not working.
If you can’t unlock your car, worry not, with CDRA’s car unlock service, available 24/7 all over Canada and the U.S.
6- Why the Key Fob Isn’t Working After Replacing the Car Battery
Sometimes the key fob doesn’t work after replacing the battery because the key fob has been deprogrammed. Here are potential reasons why:
- The new battery isn’t compatible with the key fob. Car remotes require specific types of batteries. Using a battery with the wrong size or voltage will result in the key fob malfunctioning.
- You replaced the dead battery with a new one that is also dead. It happens. Sometimes, the battery you buy could be damaged or discharged.
- You placed the battery incorrectly. It also happens. The wrong alignment of the battery’s polarity will cause the key remote to not work.
- The contacts of the battery are not clean. Corrosion or dirt on the battery contacts can prevent proper connection.
What to Do
If the new battery isn’t working, try checking if it’s the right battery type. Then, make sure you have placed it correctly. If it still doesn’t work, try gently cleaning it. If all fails, it might be dead. In that case, return to the auto shop where you bought it to replace it with another battery. Consider trying the newer battery at the shop if you can to make sure it works.
Read More: Car Key Stuck in Ignition? Here Is What to Do
What If My Toyota Key Fob Is Not Working After Battery Change
It’s common in certain Toyota models that the key fob needs to be programmed after a battery change. That happens because the key fob loses synchronization with the vehicle’s system. You can try doing it by referring to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or visiting a car locksmith.
7- Why Is My Key Fob Not Working in Certain Areas?
If the car key remote is not working sometimes, it could be because of signal interference. For example, at times, you will find that the key fob is working intermittently in some locations or only functioning at a close range. To troubleshoot and make sure the key fob is working fine, test it in an open area with no other vehicles or tall buildings. It should work properly there.
8- Professional vs. DIY Key Fob Repair
An important decision to make when your key fob is not working is whether you should fix it yourself or DIY. The truth is, it’s not a black and white situation; it depends on the problem, complexity, costs, and risks involved. Let’s take a look at how hiring a professional locksmith compares to DIY solutions.
DIY
DIY is less expensive than professional key fob repair. It’s also more convenient and less time-consuming. Simple fixes like replacing a battery or cleaning contacts can be done at home in minutes. Moreover, doing it yourself helps you understand your car’s systems better and builds confidence for future repairs.
However, there are some cons to DIYing. The most common reasons why you shouldn’t DIY are that there’s a much higher risk of damage. Moreover, some repairs require reprogramming, which can be complex without proper equipment or instructions. All in all, if the issue is beyond a dead battery or minor button repair, DIY solutions may not suffice.
Professional Help
Getting professional help might not be the most cost-effective option. However, in many cases, it’s the better option. Professionals can handle complex electronic repairs and reprogramming accurately, as they have experience and training for that. They have specialized diagnostic and programming tools that may be unavailable to most consumers. Moreover, they offer warranties on their work in most cases. If you’re not sure how to fix your car key fob, instead of trial-and-error, leave it to the professionals to quickly diagnose and repair the issue correctly.
While professional help may cost more because of labour and material charges, it could be your best option for guaranteeing you get a key fob that is functioning properly.
Have car problems on the road and need the help of professionals? Look no further than the best roadside assistance service in Canada. With CDRA, your car is in safe hands.
How to Open the Car Key Fob
If you’ve decided to DIY it, you will have to open the car key fob. To do that, you need to look for a slot or notch along the seams that separates the two halves of the key remote. Then, push a flathead screwdriver or a coin, whatever is available, into the slot and lift to open the key fob.
How to Maintain Your Car Key Fob
Good maintenance of the car’s remote is the best strategy to avoid visiting the auto shop too often. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your car’s remote.
- Replace the battery as soon as you see signs of reduced performance.
- Keep the car key away from water and moisture. Key fobs aren’t waterproof.
- Avoid damaging it physically by dropping or crushing it. Consider adding a silicone or shock-proof cover.
- Clean it periodically using a soft, dry cloth.
- Keep it away from magnets and electronics that can affect its signal.
FAQs
Why is my remote not working after changing batteries?
In most cases, that means the battery was not installed correctly. Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are placed correctly. If it still doesn’t work, consider cleaning the battery of dust. If all fails, the battery might be dead and need replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a car key fob?
On average, it costs $50 to $100 to replace a key fob with the help of a car locksmith, which is still cheaper than a dealership. If you’re a part of the CDRA program, you can get a replacement for free. Learn more here.
Can you program the key fob without going to the dealership?
You can program it using the instructions in the vehicle’s owner manual. However, professionals are more recommended as there’s less chance of making mistakes. You can also visit a car locksmith and pay less than the average dealership price.
Can you start the car without the key fob?
Yes, you can. If you have a physical key, you can use it instead. If not, there are other methods, like the screwdriver hammer method, hotwiring the engine, or looking for a red coil wire. If there’s a mobile app, you can use it to start the car. Finally, you can try finding the secret switch, which is usually located in the steering column.
What are the signs that a car key fob needs to be programmed?
Common issues include the key fob not unlocking the car key fob, loss of range, or intermittent functionality. If you see these issues, it most probably means your car key fob needs programming.
Can a bad car key fob cause electrical problems?
A damaged key can cause electrical problems, especially if it was damaged from getting submerged in water. It may lead to corrosion and electrical problems.
Do I have to program the car key fob if I replaced the battery?
In most cases, there’s no need to reprogram your car key fob after replacing the battery. However, if it still doesn’t work after replacing the battery, you can try reprogramming it as a sort of troubleshooting.
How many years does a car key fob last?
The typical lifespan of a car key fob should last between three and five years. It’s an estimate, not a fixed number, as there are many factors in play.
How long does it take to get a new key fob?
It usually takes 20-60 minutes to get and program a new key fob.
How do you know your car fob is going bad?
Signs that your car fob is going bad include:
- Reduced range or delayed response
- Unresponsive buttons or intermittent function
- You need to press buttons multiple times.
- The key fob won’t unlock doors or start consistently.
- The battery dies frequently, even after replacement
What should I do if the car key fob is physically damaged?
If the car key fob is physically damaged, it’s best to replace the case or the whole fob if possible.
Why would a key fob need to be programmed?
Common issues that show your key fob needs to be programmed are inability to unlock the car, loss of range, or intermittent functionality. Contact a professional as soon as you see these issues.
What should I do if my key fob isn’t working and I am locked out of my car?
If you’re locked out of your car because the key fob isn’t working, try using the physical key hidden in the fob. If it doesn’t work, contact roadside assistance or a locksmith for help.
Need Roadside Help with Your Key Fob?
If your key fob isn’t working and you’re locked out, CDRA is here 24/7 to help. We serve drivers across Canada, including: