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The Top Signs You Need Key Fob Battery Replacement

Car key fobs are known to be convenient. However, many car owners take them for granted until something goes wrong. Although you may not realize it, even devices like key fobs need regular maintenance. Key fob batteries usually need to be replaced every three to four years, depending on how often they’re used and the quality of their build. If your key fob suddenly stops working when you’re not at home, you’re going to wish that you had taken proper care of it. Don’t risk getting stranded with a drained key fob. If that’s the case, you’ll have to get your car towed which is never a cheap solution. Call an automotive locksmith San Jose the moment that your key fob starts showing signs of needing a battery replacement. Here are some signs to look out for before it’s too late. 

 

Signs That You Need a Key Fob Battery Replacement

Your car key fob could seem like it’s working normally, but it may be exhibiting small indicators that confirm that the battery is low. Most car owners don’t notice these issues and will have to pay serious consequences down the line. Look out for these signs. 

 

Decreased Signal Range 

An average key fob’s signal range is usually around 30 to 60 feet. But when your key fob battery is drained, the signal range of your fob will decrease significantly. Does your key fob require you to be closer to your vehicle than it did when you first got it? If your key fob is no longer functioning from across the parking lot, it may be time to change your battery. 

 

Inconsistent Clicks

When you push a button on your key fob does your vehicle respond immediately or do you have to push the button a few times before it responds? Your key fob may be erratic because the battery is low and doesn’t have enough power to operate consistently. If this is happening to you, you should get your key fob battery replaced right away. 

 

Delayed Unlocking

Let’s say that your key fob is responsive, but there’s a one or two-second delay before your car unlocks. Your car headlights may even fail to blink when you unlock your car. This is a clear sign that your key fob battery needs to be replaced. 

 

Check Your Key Fob for Other Issues

Even if your key fob is showing all the signs above, it’s still possible that these issues aren’t related to the key fob battery. Here are some other reasons why you may be experiencing these issues. 

 

Your Key Fob Needs to Be Reprogrammed  

If you’ve been pressing buttons on your key fob and aren’t getting a response, there’s a chance that your key fob needs to be reprogrammed. For a key fob to work, it needs to be effectively paired with the receiver unit in your car. You can reprogram your key fob on your own or you can get an automotive locksmith San Jose to do it for you. Although we recommend calling a professional who has the right equipment to reprogram a car key fob of any model or make of car.

 

Broken or Stuck Buttons 

Key fobs aren’t indestructible. Due to constant use, buttons can break or get stuck. You can fix the buttons that are stuck on your own by removing, cleaning, and then resembling the remote. If the buttons still aren’t working, you’ll need to buy a new key fob. Your other option is to take the remote to an automotive locksmith near you, who will determine whether to repair or replace your key fob.

 

Confirm That Your Battery Needs to Be Replaced

To confirm that your key fob battery needs to be replaced and that you’re not experiencing some other key fob issue, here’s what you can do:

 

Use a Backup Remote

If your car came with an extra key fob remote, you can use it to determine that your primary key fob’s battery is low. If your backup key fob was able to unlock the car at a normal range, responded on the first click, and had no response delay, then your primary key fob needs a battery replacement. It’s possible that your backup remote is drained as well since it’s likely as old as the original.

 

Use Your Backup Key

If your vehicle has a push-button ignition, you probably have a physical key inside your key fob. You can find this key by using the fob’s release switch. Vehicles that use key fobs have hidden keyholes by the door handles. The keyholes are small trimmed pieces of metal—around the size of a USB. Remove the pieces of metal to reveal the physical keyholes and test them. Is it difficult to unlock or lock your car? If your locks are working normally, then this confirms that your key fob battery is the issue. 

 

Key Fob Battery Replacement

Do all the signs point towards a drained key fob battery? If so, it’s time to get your key fob battery replaced. A drained key fob battery is a rather easy issue to resolve and you should be thankful that it’s not something more serious. Don’t get your key fob battery replaced at a car dealership since it can cost upwards of $200. Instead, call a local locksmith and have them replace it for you for an affordable price.

 

Real Time Locksmith Can Replace Your Key Fob Batteries 

Looking for an automotive locksmith San Jose to replace your key fob batteries? Real Time Locksmith can replace your key fob batteries for an unbeatable price! Or if you’re worried that your key fob is having a more serious issue, let us know. We can come over to your location and take a look. Together we’ll come up with the best solution. Give us a call today!

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