If you’re having trouble with your car key, it could be for any number of reasons. Modern car keys are much more complicated than their older counterparts. In order to fix them when something goes wrong, they require knowing what to look for based on the symptoms you’re experiencing with your particular key. In the most serious cases you may even need to contact a car locksmith to get you back into your vehicle, but here are some things to consider before you do.
The Batteries in Your Key Fob May Be Dead
If replacing the batteries happens to be the solution that solves your issues, you’re in luck! Key fob batteries are readily available at grocery or department stores, making replacement a quick and easy fix. Be sure to check online or in your car’s owner’s manual for the battery size before you head to the store since different key fobs will require different batteries.
What may make this repair difficult is the process of opening up your key fob to get to the battery. Some fobs don’t have an easy release mechanism to access the battery compartment, which means you may need to pry the fob apart with a flathead screwdriver or other tool, and certain other fobs can’t be opened at all without specialized equipment only available at a dealership. If you’re able to open your fob yourself, exercise caution! You don’t want to accidentally break the fob or injure yourself.
Assuming you’re able to open the fob, though, it’s as easy as taking out the old battery and replacing it with a new one. If the fob still isn’t unlocking the doors or starting the car, you may have to try some more in-depth fixes to get it back in working order.
Your Key Fob Could Be Dirty or Damaged
If replacing the battery didn’t work, there’s a chance the button connections inside the fob are worn out or dirty. If they’re worn out the fob will probably need to be replaced, but if they’re dirty you can easily clean them yourself:
- Have a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a few cotton swabs ready
- Open up your key fob to access the circuit board
- Wet the cotton swab with the rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the connections to remove dirt and debris
- Reassemble and test the key fob
This step is just a bit more involved than replacing the battery, but these first two potential fixes are the most common reasons for a fob to be malfunctioning and are very possible to handle independently without needing to spend money and time on a repair service. If the fob still isn’t working, though, there are some more complicated repairs that may need to be attempted.
The Key Itself May Be Damaged
Many key fobs have a removable metal car key slotted inside as an extra layer of security. If this internal key is damaged, or if the connection between it and the fob is compromised, you may need to get the key repaired or even have a new key cut. One potential way to identify whether this could be the issue is to try a backup key fob, if your vehicle came with one. If the fob looks fine, clean, and in good condition but isn’t working as it should be, the problem may be hidden inside.
If the metal key looks fine as well, or if you have a smart key fob without a metal key inside, you may need to get the fob replaced or reprogrammed. Modern keys need to be programmed to match your specific Vehicle Identification Number, and certain engine error codes or wear-and-tear issues could cause this programming to become corrupted. If that’s the case, it may be possible to reprogram the key yourself depending on your vehicle. If not, you may need to head to the dealership or a specialty shop to have the programming done for you.
The Key Itself May Be Damaged
Many key fobs have a removable metal car key slotted inside as an extra layer of security. If this internal key is damaged, or if the connection between it and the fob is compromised, you may need to get the key repaired or even have a new key cut. One potential way to identify whether this could be the issue is to try a backup key fob, if your vehicle came with one. If the fob looks fine, clean, and in good condition but isn’t working as it should be, the problem may be hidden inside.
If the metal key looks fine as well, or if you have a smart key fob without a metal key inside, you may need to get the fob replaced or reprogrammed. Modern keys need to be programmed to match your specific Vehicle Identification Number, and certain engine error codes or wear-and-tear issues could cause this programming to become corrupted. If that’s the case, it may be possible to reprogram the key yourself depending on your vehicle. If not, you may need to head to the dealership or a specialty shop to have the programming done for you.
