Why Your Key Fob Stopped Working
Here's a quick way to narrow it down:
| What's happening | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fob does nothing at all | Dead battery or an electrical fault | Try a new battery first. If that doesn't fix it, call us |
| Buttons work some of the time | Worn buttons or damage inside | We'll open it up and check the contacts |
| Case is cracked or falling apart | The housing is broken | A new shell may be all you need |
| Car doesn't recognize the fob | Lost programming or an electronic fault | We'll check whether it needs reprogramming or replacing |
| Fob got wet | Water damage to the circuit board | Stop using it and have it looked at |
Dead battery
This is the most common problem, and the cheapest fix. The first sign is usually that you have to stand closer to the car before the fob works. Fobs use different batteries, so check which one yours takes before buying a replacement.
Worn buttons
Press the same button thousands of times and eventually it wears through or stops making contact. Sometimes the buttons can be repaired. Sometimes it makes more sense to replace the fob.
Cracked case
A broken case lets in dirt and water, which can kill the electronics inside. If the circuit board and chip still work, we can often move them into a new shell.
The car won't recognize it
This can mean the fob has lost its programming, the fob is damaged, or something on the car's side has failed. We figure out which before doing anything else.
Water damage
Dropped it in the pool or sent it through the wash? Take the battery out if you can, don't try to dry it with heat, and stop pressing the buttons. Then call us. Some wet fobs can be saved and some can't. It depends on how much corrosion has set in.
Repair or Replace?
If the fob still works apart from one fault, we'll try to fix it. If it's badly damaged or gone completely, we'll replace it.
Battery replacement
We can swap the battery in your fob. A fresh battery fixes a lot of "dead" fobs.
Shell and button repair
If the electronics are fine, a new case or button pad can make your fob work like new. We'll check the circuit board and chip first so you don't pay for a shell that won't help.
Reprogramming
Sometimes a fob just needs to be paired with your car again. Before we do that, we'll make sure the real problem isn't a dead battery or broken buttons.
A new or spare fob
If you've lost your fob or it can't be repaired, we'll get one that matches your car and program it. Many fobs also have a hidden emergency key blade, and we'll cut that too.
If you've lost every key and fob for the car, see our Car Key Replacement page.
Smart Keys and Push-to-Start Fobs
A smart key stays in your pocket or bag. The car senses it when you walk up and lets you start it with the push of a button. Because it's tied into the car's security system, replacing one takes the right fob and the right programming for your exact car.
Cars we work on
We work on key fobs for most major makes, including American brands like Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Jeep and Tesla, Japanese and Korean brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia, and European brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen. Some newer models and push-to-start systems need dealer-only programming, and we'll tell you if yours is one of them. If you're not sure, call with the year, make and model and we'll tell you.
What to Have Ready
- Year, make and model
- What's going wrong: buttons, remote unlocking, or push-to-start
- Every fob you still have for the car
- Where the car is and how we get to it
- Whether you have another working key or fob
Why bring every fob?
On some cars, programming a new fob resets all the others. If you leave one at home, it might stop working. We'll tell you on the phone whether your car works this way. When in doubt, bring them all.
What Affects the Price
- Type of fob. A basic remote costs less than a push-to-start smart key.
- Original or aftermarket. Original (OEM) fobs are made for your car's manufacturer. Aftermarket fobs are made by other companies and vary in quality. We can supply either, and you can choose. Either way, we'll tell you which one is in your quote.
- Programming. Some fobs need more time or special equipment to pair with the car.
- Repair or replace. A new battery or shell costs much less than a new programmed fob.
- When and where. Lake Worth Beach and nearby areas like Lantana, Palm Springs and Greenacres are short runs for us. A travel charge may apply for longer drives, such as Delray Beach or Boca Raton. We're open 7 AM to 10 PM, every day. We'll include any travel charge in the price we quote.
You'll get a price for your car before we head out.
Key Fob FAQs
Can a water-damaged fob be fixed?
Sometimes. It depends on how much corrosion has built up on the circuit board. Take the battery out, don't use heat to dry it, and stop pressing the buttons. Then call us and we'll check it.
Can I buy a fob online and have you program it?
[State your policy here.] Many cheap online fobs don't work with every car, even when the listing says they do. Before you buy, call us with the part number and we'll tell you whether it's likely to work.
Do I need to bring every fob I have?
It's a good idea. On some cars, programming a new fob means reprogramming all of them, and any fob that isn't there can stop working. We'll tell you what your car needs.
Should I repair my fob or replace it?
Repair makes sense when it's the battery, the case or the buttons. Replace it when the electronics are badly damaged or the fob is lost. We'll check it and tell you which makes sense before you spend anything.
Fix Your Key Fob
Call or text us with your car's year, make and model, and tell us what the fob is doing. We'll tell you whether it's a quick fix or a new fob, and what it'll cost.
Call: (728) 235-4027
Text: [text number]
Based in: Lake Worth Beach, FL
Serving: Palm Beach County
Other car services
- Car key replacement: if you've lost every key
- Automotive locksmith services: other car key and lock problems