Dead Key Fob? Here’s How to Unlock and Start Your Car
Today, cars have advanced equipment that seems to be causing something to go wrong. The keychain is a great innovation and makes it very easy to get into the car, but it really hurts when he dies. A dead keychain is enough to ruin the day.
If you know what to do with a dead key FOB, you can quickly resolve the issue. In some cases, the solution is simple. We will give you some possible actions and answer your number one question.
What if I have a dead keychain?
Get closer to the beginning and try using the keychain again. If this doesn’t work, replace the battery, remove the mechanical key, and remove the door handle cover. You can also remove the ignition lock cover, open it from afar using the app, or ask for help on the road if everything else fails. Start with the most basic options and continue from there.
1. Try using the keychain closer
Is it possible that you won’t get close to enough vehicles to use the keychain? With some FOBs, the key must be within 10 feet to function properly. If the battery dies, the signal is weak and you need to get it a little closer. Get very close to the car before pressing the button and see if it helps.
It is important to note that important supporters are well-known for being famous when they approach the death of the battery. In this case, you must continue with the next step before you die.
2. Replace the most important FOB battery
On average, the most important FOB batteries can take two to five years. As soon as you die, it is almost impossible to get into a car. The only solution is to replace it. Here are some simple steps when it’s time to replace your important FOB battery.
1) Find the right battery type. Use only compatible types and choose a high quality brand. Not all batteries are the same. No matter how similar it is.
2) Locate the seams on the side of the key FOB.
3) There is a key on the flat head screwdriver or seams. Do not apply too much strength. Otherwise you can break the clip.
4) Remove the old battery. Be sure to properly dispose of the battery.
5) The battery has positive and negative signs, but it is flat. Make sure to insert a new one in the relevant direction and replace the battery.
6) Grab the keychain again.
Next, it’s time to test your keychain. If it works, there’s nothing else to do. Otherwise, continue to follow the steps.
3. Remove the machine key from the keychain
What most people don’t recognize is that many key fobs also have keys. If your keychain has any of these designs, you can remove the mechanical key to use the door or start the engine. You may need to press a small button to remove it. You can use paper clips or anything else that does not cause damage.
If you are unsure whether the FOB contains a key, you can check the operator’s manual. There are also many posts and videos online about all the different authors.
4. Remove the door handle cover
You can also assume that a vehicle does not have a traditional lock on the outside, but that is not necessarily true. Even if the handle looks completely smooth, there is probably a door lock under the cover. However, this does not apply to all models, so you should first perform your research.
Look at the driver’s side door to determine if the cover can be easily removed. You may need to park with your car key or driver, but be careful not to cause damage. If there is a lock, you can open the door by opening the key on the FOB.
5. Remove the ignition lock cover
It’s a relief to get to the car, but now we have to think about ways to get started. You may think there are no other options only if you used keyless start beforehand. However, some people have noticed that the manufacturer has placed an ignition lock behind the cover of the steering column. This does not apply to all vehicles, so you should first perform an investigation.
If there is a lock behind the cover, you can physically use the mechanical key to start the engine for the time being. Otherwise, keep the keyless input remote control close to the ignition. Maybe you can get enough signal from the engine.
6. Open the vehicle from afar
Today, many car manufacturers offer remote features that allow you to unlock your car or start the engine. You will need to check what is available for your car brand and you will need to register in advance. Here are a few options:
>> Audi: The myAudi App allows you to remotely unlock your vehicle.
>> Acura: AcuraLink allows you to receive a remote unlock signal if something goes wrong with your key fob.
>> BMW: Connected Drive provides remote unlocking services.
>> Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick: OnStar and Connected Services have a paid-for plan that locks and unlocks the vehicle.
>> Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT, Alfa Romeo: With Uconnect Access, you can sign up for remote unlocking services.
>> Ford, Lincoln: FordPass Connect offers activation for remote unlocking.
>> Honda: The HondaLink app gives you keyless entry features.
>> Hyundai: Bluelink services include remote unlocking features.
>> INFINITI: Use INFINITI InTouch to access your vehicle.
>> Jaguar: The InControl Remote & Protect feature gives you remote unlocking.
>> Kia: Kia Connect offers remote unlocking services.
>> Land Rover: Land Rover offers the same InControl Remote & Protect feature as Jaguar.
>> Lexus: With the Lexus Enform system, you can sign up for remote unlocking.
>> Mazda: The MyMazda app has unlocking and locking features.
>> Mercedes-Benz: With the Mercedes me connect app, you can unlock your luxury vehicle and start the engine.
>> MINI: The MINI app gives you remote services for your vehicle.
>> Mitsubishi: With the My Mitsubishi Connect Mobile app, unlock or lock your vehicle remotely.
>> Nissan: With Nissan Connect, you can get into your car remotely.
>> Porsche: When equipped with Porsche Connect, you can unlock or lock the car with your phone.
>> Subaru: StarLink subscriptions make it easy to lock or unlock the Subaru.
>> Toyota: Use the Remote Connect service to lock or unlock the doors.
>> Volvo: On Call offers the unlocking services.
>> Volkswagen: With Car-Net, you can get into your vehicle even if the key fob stops working.
These technologies are only available on certain model years, as determined by the manufacturer. You may also be responsible for paying for the service.
7. Call Roadside Assistance
If nothing else works, you may need to get roadside assistance involved. If you pay for a membership to AAA or another plan, lockout services may be included. These services ensure you get back into your car when the key doesn’t work or if it has been lost.
Whether you have roadside assistance or not, you are going to need a new key fob. With some vehicles, you can order a key fob online and use the programming procedures in the service manual to pair it with the car. Other times, a locksmith or dealership is needed to get the two working together.
The average cost of a new key fob can be anywhere from $100 to $750 because of how many variables there are. The cost depends on your vehicle type and whether it needs to be professionally programmed. It also makes a difference if you call a locksmith out after hours because you will pay more for this service.
Can you use a dead key fob?
If your key fob has a hidden key in it, you can use that mechanical key in the locks and ignition. However, not all key fobs are equipped with a key. If the battery dies or the fob stops working, you may not be able to get into the car. However, a remote app from the manufacturer works on many newer cars to unlock the doors.
Do you have to reprogram a dead key fob?
You shouldn’t need to reprogram the key fob if the battery dies and you change it. However, if there’s any damage to the key fob or electrical malfunction, it may need to be reprogrammed. The same is true when you replace the key fob. Sometimes, you can program it yourself, while others will need a dealer or locksmith to run the programming.
How do I know if my key fob battery is low?
When your key fob battery starts to die, the signal strength is reduced. You may need to move closer to unlock and lock the doors. It could also require multiple clicks to work and you’ll notice inconsistent operation. The key fob may work fine one day and then fail the next day. To avoid being stranded, replace the battery at the first sign of trouble.
How much does it cost to replace a key fob battery?
It should only cost you $10 to $25 to get a new key fob battery, depending on what vehicle you drive. You can gently pry open the side of the key fob to insert the new battery. Just make sure you put it in the correct direction and you only use a compatible battery. It’s also helpful to buy brand-name batteries if you want them to last longer.
Can I start my car without my key fob?
It’s possible that you don’t need the key fob to start the vehicle. If your car has a place to put the mechanical key, you can crank the engine this way. Otherwise, there are some manufacturer apps that allow remote start on select vehicles, but these programs often require a subscription.
If you have a key fob, you probably won’t need to think about changing the battery or getting a new one often. In fact, you may not think about it at all until you lose it or it dies. Thankfully, it’s not that difficult to change the battery and you shouldn’t need to reprogram it after the battery is replaced.
However, if you need to get a new key fob, you can expect that a reprogramming will be necessary. In some cases, this process is simple to do and the manufacturer offers the instructions for your car. Otherwise, a trip to the dealership or a locksmith is necessary since they have the right tools for the job.
