Key Fob Replacement

Most key fob problems are battery-related. The CR2032 or similar coin cell battery in your fob typically lasts 2-4 years. When it dies, remote functions stop working, but (on most vehicles) you can still use the physical key blade and hold the fob directly against the start button to engage the transponder. If your fob's range has been decreasing - having to walk closer to your car to lock it - the battery is probably dying.

Austin's summer heat accelerates battery drain and can damage fob electronics. We see more fob failures in August and September than any other time. The plastic housings also become brittle in UV exposure, cracking and exposing the circuit board to moisture. If your fob spent too much time on a hot dashboard, internal components may be damaged beyond what a new battery can fix.

Physical damage from drops, crushing, or water exposure is another common culprit. Washing machines destroy key fobs regularly - check your pockets before doing laundry. Even if the fob appears to dry out and work, corrosion can cause failure weeks later.

Sometimes the fob is fine but has lost its programming. This can happen after battery replacement on some vehicles, or if the car's battery died and was replaced. The fob needs to be re-synced to the car's receiver. We can do this in minutes with the proper equipment.

For most vehicles, we offer two options: OEM fobs (original equipment manufacturer - identical to what the dealer sells) and quality aftermarket fobs. OEM fobs cost more but guarantee identical function and durability. Aftermarket fobs save money while providing the same basic functions - lock, unlock, trunk release, panic. The buttons might feel slightly different, but they work the same.

Programming is the same regardless of which fob type you choose. We connect to your vehicle's diagnostic port and use professional equipment to add the new fob to your car's memory. Most vehicles allow 4-8 fobs to be programmed; adding a new one doesn't delete your existing working fobs unless you request it.

For proximity fobs, programming is more involved because the fob contains both a radio transmitter (for keyless entry) and a transponder chip (for push-button start). Both components need to be programmed. This is why smart keys cost more than basic remote fobs - there's more to set up.

If you've lost all your fobs, we can still program new ones, but it requires additional security verification and may take longer. We'll need to see ID and registration, and some vehicles require us to perform a full immobilizer reset. This is more expensive than adding a spare when you still have a working fob, so we always recommend getting a spare before you need it.

Replace the battery proactively rather than waiting for it to die. If your fob has worked for 2-3 years on the same battery, swap it out before you're stuck in a parking lot. Most fobs use common coin cells available at any pharmacy - CR2032 is the most common. Online videos show battery replacement for nearly every fob model, though some (particularly European vehicles) have sealed cases that require careful prying.

Protect your fob from Austin's heat. Don't leave it on the dashboard or in a hot car for extended periods. The combination of heat and UV exposure degrades plastic and electronics. A fob kept in your pocket or bag will last years longer than one left in the sun.

Consider a protective case. Silicon sleeves are cheap and prevent damage from drops and pocket wear. They also make fobs easier to grip and less likely to slide out of your pocket onto a restaurant floor or into a storm drain.

If your fob gets wet, remove the battery immediately and let both components dry completely before reassembling. This prevents corrosion from forming on the circuit board. Hair dryers on low heat can speed the process, but don't use high heat - it can damage the electronics further.