A lost or broken key fob can seem like the last thing you need. But there’s no need to panic. Whether you’re locked out of your car because the fob stopped working, or you can’t start the engine because the key fob is broken, solutions are available. From replacing your broken key fob to having it repaired, you don’t have to let this inconvenience ruin your day. Read on for everything to know about broken key fob replacement, including how to start your car if your key fob is broken.
What Causes a Broken Key Fob?
The most common cause of a broken key fob is a dead battery. If this is the reason you can’t get into your car, there’s excellent news. You can bring the fob into a reputable mechanic to have them test and/or replace the battery. If you’re feeling confident, you may try opening the case yourself to see if you can remove the battery yourself.
Many makes and models use a lithium-ion coin or button cell battery that you easily pop out and replace yourself. You can purchase replacement at pharmacies, supermarkets, home improvement stores, and anywhere else you’d buy a battery.
Other makes and models may have the battery soldered to the key fob case; in which case you may need an automotive tech who is trained in fixing broken key fobs to help. It may be in your best interest to have an auto technician swap the battery if the fob needs to be reprogrammed after swapping out the battery.
A second reason your key fob is not working, may not be a problem with the fob at all. It’s possible that your car battery is dead. A dead car battery can render your key fob useless. In that case, you’ll need to replace the car battery.
A broken key fob case is also a frequent problem. Although it won’t always leave you locked out, you will need to replace the case, to protect the battery inside. If the key fob loop has broken from overuse, the case generally just needs to be replaced. You can do this yourself with an online kit, but it’s probably faster to take it to an auto repair shop and inquire if they have a tech who can transfer the battery to a new case and reprogram the fob.
What to Do When Your Car Key Fob Won’t Work
If your key fob won’t open your car door, look to see if a traditional key is housed inside the fob. If there is a key there, there will often be a small button that you may have never noticed on the key fob case. If that key is there, and there is a lock on your door, you can gain entry to your car.
If you have a traditional key, but don’t see a lock to insert it, look closely at the handle of your door. There may be a small strip of trim covering the lock. Pull this back and insert the key to gain entry.
Once you’re in your car, there are a few things you can try to get your car started. Try pushing the start/stop button with the fob or holding the fob right next to the start/stop engine button. It’s possible that your battery is low, but not entirely dead. If that doesn’t work, you’re still not out of options.
You may not know that your car likely has a key fob slot inside. Do an online search or retrieve your vehicle manual to locate this slot. It may be in your glovebox, underneath a cup holder, near the start/stop button or elsewhere in your car. Once you locate it, insert the key fob, and try staring the engine. If the car starts, head to your local auto repair shop for help repairing the broken key fob.
Broken Car Key Fob Repair in Bound Brook, NJ
Broken key fobs are irritating, but quite common. At Nerger’s Auto Express in Bound Brook, NJ our ASE Certified auto techs can repair broken key fobs for most makes and models with same day service. And it won’t cost a fortune.
If you’re able to get your car running, drop by any time between 7:00 am- 6:00 pm Monday- Friday. On Saturday, we’re open from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. If you are able to use your key fob by inserting it into the slot inside your vehicle, feel free to book an appointment for key fob repair at a convenient time. If you can’t gain access to your vehicle, or your vehicle won’t start, contact us at 732-507-9603 to schedule towing.