Key Fob Not Working? Check These First
Before you pay for a new fob, a few things are worth checking:
- The battery. A weak battery is the most common reason buttons stop working or the car says “key not detected.” The range getting shorter is an early warning.
- The case. Cracked cases and worn buttons stop the circuit board making contact.
- Interference. Rarely, a parking spot near strong radio transmitters stops fobs working for a moment.
If a new battery doesn’t fix it, the fob may have lost its programming or the board is damaged. That’s where we come in.
Push-to-Start Car Won’t Start?
Most smart key fobs have a backup. Hold the fob right against the start button (or in the slot some cars have) and press the button. The car can read the chip even when the battery is dead. If that doesn’t work, call us. A lot of “dead fob” calls turn out to be a fob that needs reprogramming.
How Fob Replacement and Programming Work
- We test your fob, check the battery and look for damage.
- If it can be saved, we reprogram it to the car or fit a new shell.
- If it can’t, we supply a new fob that matches your car’s frequency and chip.
- We program it with our tool and, if a fob was lost, erase it from the car’s memory.
- We test every button, plus starting the car.
Fobs We Replace and Program
- Lock and unlock remotes, with or without a separate key
- Remote head keys and flip keys with built-in buttons
- Smart keys and proximity fobs for push-to-start
- Remote start fobs on many models
Vehicle Makes and Models Covered
We replace and program fobs for Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and more. Recent fob jobs include a Jeep Grand Cherokee fob, a Jeep Wrangler fob, a Kia Soul, a Mercedes-Benz fob and a Jaguar XJR remote.
What a Key Fob Costs
Price depends on the fob type (a basic remote costs less than a push-to-start smart key) and on how the car’s system is programmed. Fob batteries are a normal wear item and aren’t covered by warranty unless your invoice says so. See typical programming prices on our pricing page.
Why Choose Hub Key Services for Key Fobs
- Tested first. If a battery or a reprogram fixes it, that’s what we recommend.
- Programmed at your car, at home, at work or in a parking lot.
- Weekend help. One customer needed fob work on a weekend after other shops couldn’t help. We did it the same day.
- Licensed and insured, California locksmith license LCO-8291.
Need a full key, not just a remote? See car key programming or car key replacement. Want a backup fob? See car key duplication.
Key Fob FAQs
Can you program a fob I bought online?
Sometimes. Online fobs are often the wrong frequency or chip, or locked to another car. Send us the part number before you buy, or let us supply one we know works.
Do you replace just the fob case?
Yes, if the electronics are fine and only the shell or buttons are worn, a new case can be cheaper than a new fob.
My fob works sometimes. What’s wrong?
Usually a weak battery or worn contacts. Try a new battery first. If it still cuts out, we can test it.
Can you remove a lost fob from my car?
Yes, on most cars we can erase a lost fob while programming the new one, so the old one can’t unlock or start the car.
