Issues With Your Auto Key Fob

Most of today’s vehicles have very effective anti-theft features installed when purchased from the dealer. Most have battery-powered fobs that perform many security functions and convenient door access features, like opening and closing the vehicle’s lift gate. But those features come at a cost when the fob is lost or malfunctions.

In the past 25 years or so, a new, highly specialized segment of the locksmith industry has emerged: the automotive/vehicle locksmith.

ALOA locksmiths who specialize in servicing vehicles are highly trained and have committed resources to obtain the most up-to-date equipment to provide automotive security services. 

If you’re having an issue with your fob, check out our tips below to try to resolve your issue before contacting one of our members. It could be an easy fix!

• Dead Battery. This is the most frequent issue affecting fob performance. Open the key fob with a small screwdriver and replace the battery. In most cases, the fob will take a CR2025 or CR2032 button/coin cell battery. Be careful when opening the fob case so you don’t damage the cover. Fobs tend to crack more easily as they age.

• Signal Interference. Electronic devices, metal objects or crowded areas can interfere with the signal. Try moving closer to your car or away from potential sources of interference.

• Dirty or Worn Contacts. Dirt or wear on the contacts inside the key fob can prevent it from working. Use rubbing alcohol on a small, soft brush or cloth to clean the contacts inside the key fob. Avoid using harsh chemicals.

• Damaged Circuit Board. Dropping the key fob or exposing it to moisture can damage the circuit board. Inspect the key fob for any visible damage or for loose buttons. If damaged, consider getting a replacement.

  Loose Battery Contacts. The metal contacts that hold the battery in place can become loose. You might need to solder them back in place.

Other Possible Issues and Solutions

• Beware of Extreme Temperatures. Avoid leaving your fob in very cold or very hot environments, as this can affect performance.

• Try Another Fob. Occasionally, the issue is not with your fob; it could be an issue with the vehicle's receiver. Try another fob you know to be functional. If any of your spare fobs don’t work, the receiver may be the problem. The immobilizer indicator light is the key to knowing if there is a problem with the immobilizer system. The immobilizer indicator light differs from vehicle to vehicle. Try to identify the indicator light next time you start your vehicle. Check your car’s manual for help in locating it. 

• Check the Display Screen. In newer vehicles, the car has a display screen. If there is a problem with the key, this will be your first indication. If it is a push-to-start vehicle, the display screen will say “no key detected.” This is the indicator you should look for to know if you should try the emergency start procedure, often simply touching the start button with the tip of your key. This issue is most often caused by a bad battery in the key fob. 

• Bad Key. If your car has a twist-to-start ignition switch, the indicators of a bad key in newer vehicles will be the display screen saying, “Bad Key,” “No Key” or “Wrong Key.” In twist-to-start ignition systems, there is no emergency start procedure. If you get this message while using a key you have used to start the vehicle before, you should call a locksmith.

  Broken-Off Key. If you break your key off in a lock on your vehicle, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Doing so may damage the lock mechanism, rendering it inoperable. If this happens, the most common solution is replacing the lock mechanism.

  On-Board Programming. Many manufacturers include some on-board programming for key fobs and immobilizers. This can save money if your car is equipped with this option. Because programming varies from vehicle to vehicle, check the internet to see if there are instructions for your vehicle.

  Do NOT Use WD-40. If your key is not turning in a mechanical lock like it is supposed to, a penetrating oil like WD-40 is not the answer. Automotive locks very seldom need lubrication. Most of the time, they just need to be cleaned. Use a cleaning solution like carburetor cleaner to clean the lock, and then check the key a few more times. 

Also Worth Considering

Even if you normally use the button to unlock your car, there is often a physical key stored inside the fob. You should be able to use this to get into your vehicle, even if it won’t start your car.

If you have a vehicle that uses a push-to-start button ignition rather than a turn-key ignition, a key that is not necessarily dead but has a low battery may not be recognized by the vehicle from a distance. You may want to try holding the key right up to the button — or another location as outlined in the owner’s manual —  and try starting the car again. Some push-button ignition systems may also have a place to insert the physical key and allow you to start the vehicle. This is generally located between the steering wheel and the infotainment system.

If you drive a Honda or Acura vehicle with a metal ignition key, you should get a new key made every three to five years. If you see lines down the side of the key blade, have a new key made immediately. This is a common failure point on these vehicles and is completely preventable by replacing a worn-out key.

If you drive a GM vehicle with a flip key and any of the buttons are missing, you should have a new key made immediately. If water gets onto the circuit board in the key fob, it will completely disable the key and will not start the vehicle. 

If the keys are locked in the trunk of your vehicle, check for a trunk release. In some vehicles, it is a manual release. In others, it is electronic. If there is no trunk release, check to see if the back seats fold down. Most of the time, there will be some sort of release mechanism.

When Is It Time to Call a Locksmith?

• If you have lost all the keys to your car or you would like additional keys to prevent an “all-keys lost” situation.

• If your key is not turning the ignition of the car and you have already tried to clean the lock using a cleaner (not a lubricant).

• If you are getting a key error message and the key you are using has been used to start the vehicle previously.

• If you are locked out of your vehicle and you have verified all the doors are locked.

• If your vehicle’s keys are locked in the trunk and another service has already set off your vehicle's alarm, we have ways to disable the alarm and open the trunk.

• If your key is broken.

• If you have a question not covered here, a locksmith is a valuable resource and can easily identify if you need a locksmith or a mechanic.

When Is It Time to Go to the Dealer for Key Issues?

• In some cases, the dealership will be the only option for key issues. This is most prevalent in European cars but can happen with all manufacturers.

If the problem persists, contact an ALOA locksmith for assistance.