When the time comes and your fob no longer functions, you may find yourself in the state of panic. Actually, there is a possibility that you could get away with a dead fob if it’s either repaired through one of the two methods described below. Just do as follows and don’t forget about the order: by far, in most cases, it’s just the dead battery.
Far and away the number one reason your fob fails is that the battery runs out or gets weak enough that it no longer functions properly. A sign that this is happening will be your fob having to be held closer to the vehicle, or pressed a couple times, for some time now. A replacement battery of the right type is inexpensive and easy to replace in a matter of seconds.
If you happen to have a backup fob, try that and see if it works then the problem is probably with your first remote and not with the car, but if neither of them work, then it may be the vehicle's receiver and not the remote, in which case we know that's what we're dealing with. One simple step and we've identified the cause of the problem.
If you have already tried the first two possibilities and the problem remains, don't buy a replacement just yet, simply replacing the battery and running the spare fob test will solve many cases of fob issues. Don't assume your fob is broken and replace it before ruling those two easy fixes out entirely.
Most remotes have a key blade hiding inside, and most push-to-start vehicles have some kind of recess or opening where you can put the fob and activate the ignition, even without power from the remote. Consult your car's manual, this will save you if your fob ever gives up and leaves you without access to your vehicle.
Examine your fob closely, if there are any cracks in the casing, loose battery door, or soft, malfunctioning buttons may interfere with the proper function of the device. Another very common cause is the fob getting wet, especially in the moist Pacific Northwest area. Read our full guide to how weather affects locks and fobs here.
On rare occasions, a remote loses its pairing with the car and needs to be repaired, some manufacturers have specific procedures that can be found in the owner's manual and performed manually. If that's not the case, a locksmith has specialized tools for re-synching a remote.
If the above options didn't resolve your issue, the fob could have failed or need to be re-programmed. That's when you want to contact us. We'll determine if we need to replace the component, or simply program your fob with the vehicle once again.
Most people tend to react disproportionately to a fob failing. However, the solutions listed above solve the vast majority of problems and are simple to execute. You can either take care of it yourself or consult a locksmith. In any case, you're avoiding having to buy an unnecessary fob and replace or reprogram it.
The above steps prevent your needing assistance, but you should take additional measures to prevent these issues from arising in the first place. Replace your fob's battery immediately if you notice it becoming weaker. Store the remote carefully, don't wash it in the laundry and maintain a second fob as well, because it will serve you both as an insurance policy and diagnostic tool next time there's a problem.
Still stuck, our excellent technicians offer mobile fob programming and key replacement across Seattle and all its satellite cities.
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