If your car key fob is not working, the most common cause is a dead battery inside the fob. A new coin battery costs a few dollars and often fixes it right away. If it does not, there are a few other things to check before you call anyone. Here are six of them, in the order we would check them.
6 Things to Check When Your Car Key Fob Is Not Working
1. The Fob Battery
Fob batteries usually last a few years, and they fade slowly. You may notice you have to stand closer to the car or press the button more than once. Most fobs use a small, flat coin battery, and the size is printed right on it. You can swap it yourself, or we can do a key fob battery change for you.
2. Your Car Battery
If your car battery is weak, the car may not hear the fob at all. Dim dash lights or a slow, clicking start are big clues. Get the car battery checked first. Then try the fob again.
3. Your Spare Fob
Grab your spare fob and try it. If the spare works, the problem is the first fob. If neither one works, the problem is likely the car, not the fob. This one quick test can save you time and money.
4. Other Signals Nearby
Your fob talks to the car with a weak radio signal. Other strong signals nearby can sometimes drown it out for a moment. Try walking a few steps to a new spot. Also keep the fob away from your phone and try again.
5. Damage to the Fob
Drops, rain, and years of button presses wear fobs out. Look for a cracked case, a loose battery, or a button that feels flat. A fob that got wet inside often stops working for good. In that case, it needs to be replaced.
6. Lost Programming
Sometimes a fob loses its link to the car. This can happen after a battery swap, a hard drop, or for no clear reason at all. The fob may light up, but the car does not respond. A locksmith can reprogram the fob so the car knows it again.
How to Get Into and Start Your Car With a Dead Fob
Most fobs hide a small metal key inside. Slide the release button and pull it out to unlock your door. Some cars hide the keyhole under a small cap on the door handle. Many push to start cars will also start if you hold the fob right against the start button. Every carmaker does this a little differently, so check your owner’s manual before you need it.
When to Call a Locksmith
Call a locksmith when a new battery does not help, the fob is broken, or you need a new fob programmed. At No Bull Locksmiths, we program fobs for most makes and models, and we come to you. We tell you the price before we start. If you have lost your only fob to a push to start car, we can help with that too.
Conclusion
When a car key fob is not working, start with the easy stuff. Check the fob battery, your car battery, and your spare fob before anything else. If none of those fix it, the fob may be damaged or may need to be reprogrammed. Only have one fob? It is smart to make a backup before you need it.
Still stuck? Take a look at our key fob services. Then contact No Bull Locksmiths, and we will get your fob working again.
