There are many aspects of vehicles that require regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and checking the brakes and tires. One item that people rarely pay attention to is the key fob — until, of course, it stops working. At Mike White Ford, we love automobile technology and appreciate all the ways modern technology has improved the driving experience and added convenience to our lives. At the same time, we recognize that when electronic devices stop working, it can be very frustrating. So, to make sure you are equipped to deal with a non-functioning or malfunctioning key fob, here is some information that may be useful.
In the old days, keys were simple mechanical tools – just pieces of metal uniquely formed to unlock the doors and start the engine of your vehicle.
Today, keys are highly sophisticated electronic devices. We can use them to unlock and lock the car at the touch of a button, open and close the trunk, remotely start the vehicle, activate an alarm, and other things. But as convenient as these new capabilities are, they come with a price: electronic devices can sometimes stop working.
When your key fob stops working, it can be a significant roadblock to your daily routine. At its best, it is an inconvenience, but at its worst, it can leave you without access to your vehicle. If you face a non-functioning key fob, here are some tips to help you troubleshoot the situation.
Why Doesn’t My Key Fob Work?
Thankfully, many key fob problems are easily solvable because the causes of failure are fundamental. The most prevalent reason for a malfunctioning electric key fob is that the battery has died. Accordingly, keep your second fob in a place you will remember and can easily access, and test it now and then to ensure it is operational. That way, if one fob battery dies, you have a backup ready to go.
If you are a person who likes to be prepared, consider keeping a spare battery for your key fob on hand. These batteries are unusual, so make sure you identify the correct type. However, take note: key fobs have a lot of components in them and can be difficult to open. Even if you have a spare battery, we do not recommend that you tackle the battery replacement yourself. Bring your key fob and battery into Mike White Ford, and we will happily replace the battery for you, if that is the problem.
If changing the battery doesn’t resolve the issue, more complex problems might be at play. The first question is whether the problem lies with the key fob or the vehicle. Checking your car battery is crucial, as a dead car battery can mimic key fob issues. Testing a spare key fob can help identify whether the problem is in the key or the vehicle. In rare cases, problems with car door locks, such as a malfunctioning actuator, can also cause a key fob failure. For those problems, you will need to fix the car, not the fob.
How Do I Repair or Replace a Key Fob?
If a battery replacement doesn’t work and you are sure the fob is your problem, it’s time to take additional steps. Due to the frequent use, constant movement, and the occasional drop on the ground, the buttons on your key fob can become stuck, misaligned, or broken. If so, readjusting and aligning the fob components correctly might be all that’s necessary to restore functionality. As noted above, even if you are the DIY type, we recommend professional assistance in examining and reassembling the fob. Not only do our Ford technicians have the experience to recognize and identify the problems, but we have the right tools to inspect and fix any problems. You don’t want to risk losing or damaging the small parts by doing the work yourself. Further, in some cases, we may need to reprogram the fob.
If the fob is truly damaged, you may have to replace it. The cost of a new fob can vary. If you want a fob from your car’s original manufacturer, expect to pay a fair amount, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars. However, some aftermarket fobs can cost as little as $50. If you opt for the latter, make sure you purchase the right type for your particular vehicle and follow the instructions for programming it. For some people, replacement is preferable to repair despite a higher cost. If the faulty fob has underlying damage, a new fob may be more reliable and give you peace of mind that you won’t be stranded unexpectedly.
What If My Fob Fails When I am Far From Home?
It is one of the features of modern life that we get so used to the conveniences of modern technology that we forget that there are simple ways of doing things. Many key fobs – including recent Ford ones – have hidden manual keys inside them. In slightly older cars with fobs (usually those without start-stop buttons), the fobs were accompanied by an old-fashioned key. Pro-tip: keep the key on the same keyring as your fob. Even if you never plan to use it, you will surely appreciate the fact that your malfunctioning fob is not keeping you locked out of your car or unable to start it. It will be worth the minor inconvenience of a more bulky keychain bundle.
For push-to-start ignitions, getting your dead fob might not be an impediment. If you can get inside your vehicle, your car’s ignition button may be able to sense the fob’s signal even if the fob’s buttons don’t work. Try using the fob itself to press the button – the proximity may enable you to start the car. Alternatively, there may be a key insertion point for the manual key that will enable the start button. Some recent-model cars can be remote-started by contacting your vehicle manufacturer or by using the manufacturer’s phone app.
While key fob issues can disrupt your day, they are typically not severe or complicated to resolve. Gaining a little know-how, monitoring your fob, and having backup options can ensure you’re not stranded due to an electronic glitch.
To learn more about Ford vehicles or about the additional capabilities of your Ford key fob, or if you are interested in purchasing a new or used car, contact Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint.