Car remote not working? The cause is usually one of four things: a weak battery, worn or dirty buttons, water damage or lost programming. A new battery or reprogramming fixes many remotes. A soaked fob or a cracked circuit board usually means a replacement.
If you’re in the Baton Rouge area and need a new fob programmed, Twin Key Locksmith comes to your vehicle.
Dead key fob right now? Three ways to get going
- Use the hidden key. Most smart keys and many fobs hold a small metal key, released by a button or slide on the fob. On some cars the driver’s door keyhole sits behind a small cover on the handle.
- Start a push-to-start car with a dead fob. Many cars still start if you hold the fob against the start button or place it in a marked spot in the console. Your owner’s manual shows where.
- Try your spare fob. If the spare works, the problem is the first fob, not the car.
Signs your car remote needs attention
- It only works when you’re standing close to the car
- You have to press a button several times before it responds
- Some buttons work and others don’t
- The indicator light doesn’t flash when you press a button
- Nothing happens at all
Common car remote problems and how to fix them
Weak or dead battery
This is the most common cause. A fading battery shows up as shorter range and missed presses before the remote stops completely. Fob batteries usually last a few years, depending on how often you use the remote.
FixMost fobs use a flat coin-cell battery, often a CR2032 or CR2025. The size is printed on the old battery, so check it before you buy a new one, and fit it the right way up.
Worn, sticky or dead buttons
Rubber buttons wear thin and crack with daily use, and dirt under a button can stop it touching the circuit board.
FixCleaning the contacts sometimes brings a button back. A worn-through button pad needs a new case or a new remote.
Water damage
Most remotes aren’t waterproof. A fob that went through the wash or into a puddle can work on and off, or not at all.
FixTake the battery out straight away, open the case if you can, and let everything dry at room temperature for a day or two before you put the battery back. Some fobs recover. Many need replacing.
Lost programming
A remote that has a good battery but still does nothing may have lost its pairing with the car. Some remotes need resyncing after a battery change.
FixOn some vehicles you can resync the remote yourself with steps from the owner’s manual. Others need programming equipment that connects to the car.
Cracked case or broken circuit board
A cracked case lets in dirt and moisture, and a hard drop can break the circuit board or knock parts loose.
FixA cracked case on its own can often be swapped. A damaged circuit board usually means a new remote.
What you can fix yourself
- Battery. Open the case carefully, note which way the old battery sits, and fit the same size.
- Sticky buttons. Remove the battery, then clean the contacts gently with a soft cloth and a little isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry before reassembling.
- Cracked case. Replacement shells are sold for many fobs. Move the circuit board across carefully. On some older keys a small transponder chip sits loose in the head; if it’s lost, the car may not start.
When to call a locksmith
Call a professional when the fob needs programming, when you’ve lost every key, when the circuit board is damaged, or when you want a spare before the only one fails.
The buttons and the part that lets the car start are separate. The lock and unlock buttons run on the fob’s battery. A transponder chip inside talks to the car’s immobilizer and usually works without battery power, which is why the backup start method above works. A replacement fob has to be programmed for both, and that takes equipment made for your vehicle.
How much does car remote repair cost?
A replacement coin-cell battery costs a few dollars if you fit it yourself. A new fob with programming costs more, and push-to-start smart keys cost more than basic remotes. The price depends on your vehicle, so call 225-328-7683 with your year, make and model for a quote.
How to make your remote last longer
- Keep it dry, and out of a hot dashboard in summer.
- Don’t carry it loose with sharp keys or tools.
- A silicone cover helps if you drop your keys often.
- Change the battery when the range starts dropping, before it dies.
- Have a spare programmed while your current fob still works. It’s simpler than replacing your only one.
Car remote help in Baton Rouge
Twin Key Locksmith replaces and programs key fobs, remote keys and push-to-start smart keys at your vehicle, for many makes and models. We’re licensed (LA #F2799) and insured, and open every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Prefer to write? Send us a message.
We serve Baton Rouge, Baker, Central, Zachary, Denham Springs, Walker, Gonzales, Prairieville and Port Allen. For more, see car key replacement, key duplication and replacement and our guide on what to do when you lose your car keys.
Car remote FAQs
Why did my key fob stop working after I changed the battery?
The battery may be the wrong size or fitted upside down. Some remotes also need resyncing after a battery change; your owner’s manual shows how, or a locksmith can reprogram it.
Can I start my car if my key fob is dead?
In many push-to-start cars, yes. Hold the fob against the start button or place it in the spot your owner’s manual shows.
What battery does my car remote use?
Most use a coin-cell battery, often a CR2032 or CR2025. The exact size is printed on the old battery.
Can a wet key fob be saved?
Sometimes. Remove the battery right away and let the fob dry fully for a day or two before trying it again.
Who can fix a car remote not working in Baton Rouge?
Twin Key Locksmith replaces and programs key fobs and smart keys at your vehicle, for many makes and models. Call 225-328-7683, every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.