If your remote key fob isn\u2019t working and you\u2019ve already replaced the battery, you may need to reprogram the key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
QUICK LOOK<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n
- Remote car key fobs can be damaged by water or by getting dropped or stepped on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Loose or damaged battery terminals inside the remote could cause it to fail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pressing the key fob buttons too often while out of range or disconnecting your car battery can both deprogram an electric key fob.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The most common reasons your remote key fob isn\u2019t working<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve replaced the batteries in your remote key fob and it\u2019s still not functioning properly, it could be caused by an internal electrical problem, a mechanical failure with your car\u2019s locks, or a simple case of deprogramming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most common causes of this problem include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Damaged key<\/strong>: Did you recently step on your key or drop it in a puddle? Water damage or physical trauma can cause a remote key fob to stop working\u2014in which case you\u2019ll need a replacement from a mechanic or dealer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Loose buttons<\/strong>: Maybe the key isn\u2019t fully damaged; the buttons might just be sticky or loose. Try disassembling the key fob and cleaning out any debris or grime that might be interfering with the buttons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Broken battery connector terminals<\/strong>: While your fob is disassembled, check the battery terminals. Are they loose or damaged? If so, find someone to solder them back into place.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Faulty locks<\/strong>: If all that doesn\u2019t fix your problem, the issue might be with your car\u2019s locks, not the remote. Check to see if the locks work without the fob, and get them repaired if necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Deprogramming<\/strong>: Your key can be deprogrammed if you press the buttons too many times while out of range or if your car battery is disconnected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
YOU\u2019RE MINUTES AWAY FROM SIMPLIFIED CAR MAINTENANCE<\/span><\/div>Get Started for Free<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nReprogramming an electronic key fob<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For a remote key fob to be secure, it must first be paired with your vehicle. If this connection was interrupted, you\u2019ll have to reprogram the fob so that it once again recognizes your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reprogram your key fob, follow this sequence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Get inside your car and close the door.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insert your key into the ignition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turn the key into the \u201crun\u201d position\u2014rather than starting it\u2014and then back to the locked position. Do this several times in a row.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Once you\u2019ve cycled the key enough times, you\u2019ll usually hear a chime or some other sound, after which you can press the lock or unlock button on your key fob, which will result in another chime.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Test the remote to check whether the fob was successfully reprogrammed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some cars have a different program sequence, so If you tried the standard one and it didn\u2019t work, try this alternate one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Enter your car and manually lock the door.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insert the key into the ignition and pull it back out. Do this six times in a maximum of 10 seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your interior and exterior lights will flash if this is the sequence your car uses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the accessory position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Press one of the buttons on your remote key fob.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The hazard lights will flash if the reprogramming was successful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Test the remote to make sure the fob is now working properly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If neither the standard nor alternative reprogramming sequences worked, you\u2019ll need to contact an authorized dealer or an independent car repair<\/a> shop that has experience dealing with the make and model of your vehicle in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why your electric key won\u2019t work if your car battery is dead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your car battery is dead, the electric key clicker will not work. However, most electric keys come with a physical key that either flips up like a switchblade or slides out like a sword when you click the release button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some generalized tips, but be sure to consult your vehicle\u2019s manual for specific instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- If your vehicle has an exposed keyhole<\/strong>: Insert the key and twist like you would any other key, and the door should open.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If your vehicle doesn\u2019t have an exposed keyhole<\/strong>: You will need a slim edge like a screwdriver to remove any plastic covering on the door handle. Then insert the key into the keyhole underneath as normal. Be gentle as you do not want to scratch the paint or break the thinner plastic. Jim the Car Guy<\/a> has a great tutorial video on how to access it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n \n \n What type of batteries does my key fob need? <\/span>\n\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\nAs a general rule of thumb, most remote key fobs use category 4 button cell batteries (the thin, coin-like ones), usually either CR2025 or CR2032, though some models require CR1632 or CR1620.
Always verify which batteries you need before buying\u2014it\u2019s a good idea to bring one of the old batteries with you to the store to ensure you get the right kind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\nExpert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n\n\n