Resolving Key Fob Issues

Jerry has helped over 40,000 customers access accurate repair prices, and this guide can help you get to root causes of your car’s issues and get back on the road.

This guide covers:

• What’s urgent vs. what can wait
• Common fixes and costs
• DIY steps you can safely try (like key fob battery replacement and re-syncing)
• When to call a pro

If the car won’t start or lock, the biggest risks are security and reliability. Most cars keep running even if the fob leaves range — the real issue is not being able to restart. If you are running into key fob issues, join other Jerry customers who’ve used the app to get their repair done right and for the right price. 

Real customers Jerry helped

While pricing can vary based on individual factors, such as location, exact car, and parts used, Jerry minimizes guesswork through real customer experiences, showing what drivers are paying right now. Here are a few customer examples:.

Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.

At-a-glance: Can I keep driving?

If your key fob is acting up, the next step is to judge the severity of the issue. Jerry customers can use these buckets to categorize the risk:

• 🚨 Urgent — turn it off and get help now.
  • Car won’t start with push-button start (risk of being stranded)
  • Key stuck in ignition or steering won’t unlock (immobilizer fault)
  • Car intermittently won’t recognize key while driving (rare but risky)
  • Doors won’t lock in an unsafe area (theft risk)
• 🕒 Soon — okay to drive, fix this week.
  • Fob range very short (must stand next to car)
  • Lock/unlock works inconsistently
  • One door doesn’t lock/unlock with fob
  • Fob works, but panic/trunk button is dead
• ✅ Monitor — safe to drive.
  • “Key fob battery low” warning but still functional
  • Cracked fob case with working buttons

Symptoms

Different key fob symptoms often point to predictable causes. Match what you’re seeing to the likely issue, expected fix and the prices that Jerry customers are seeing:

Risks if you ignore it

When a key fob problem is left unchecked, the consequences can escalate. Here are the main risks Jerry customers may see:

Can I repair this myself? (DIY vs. pro)

Start with the basics and escalate if the problem persists. Keep the price points for labor and parts in mind; Jerry’s insights on these can help you make clearer decisions. Here’s how to break down DIY vs. professional repair:

• DIY (easy, low risk):
  • Replace fob battery (avoid touching contacts; use alcohol wipe if needed). Make sure to use the right battery for your fob.
  • Re-sync fob (check the owner’s manual; often this involves ignition cycles or button presses).
  • Use the hidden mechanical key for locks. Check your owner’s manual to determine how to access your key. 
  • Check range (>30 feet is normal) and inspect fuses.  
  • The starting security system is separate from the keyless go system. The two systems communicate with each other to allow keyless starting, but if the electronics in the key have failed, you’ll have to use the backup system the manufacturer has provided.
  • Go to the owner’s manual and follow the procedure outlined on how to start the car with a fob that doesn’t communicate. There’s usually an area in the car that the fob needs to be held against while pushing the start button. Some vehicles require that the fob be near the start button, while on other vehicles, the fob needs to be in a specific spot for it to communicate with the car’s system. For example, some GM cars have a fob-sized pocket in the center console that an inoperative key needs to be placed in for it to communicate with the vehicle security system and allow the car to start.
• Pro (recommended):
  • Test/replace 12V battery.
  • Use enhanced scan tools for immobilizer/BCM diagnostics.
  • Program new fobs or cut emergency keys.
  • Replace failed actuators, antennas or modules.
  • Professional cleanup after water damage.

Prevention

Good habits extend the life of your key fob and help avoid costly repairs. Jerry customers keep these tips in mind:

STEVE'S CORNER

Always have a spare key available. Programming a new key to the vehicle requires an active existing key. This means that, if you lose a key, acquire a second spare key right away. Order a key immediately and have it programmed when it arrives from the manufacturer. With no keys, the car is out of service and must be towed to the dealer for programming, so avoid this inconvenience and replace the missing key promptly. Some manufacturers (for instance, SAAB) will require the engine control unit be replaced if you have no existing key to program a new key. This is a security measure and turns a $300 repair into a $1600-$2000 repair. Always have a spare key available. 

Here’s another issue to keep in mind: If your car has a keyless entry and engine start system, it’s possible for a car thief to hijack the signal from the key fob and steal the car. This is known as a relay attack. The solution here is twofold. First, if possible, park the car in a secure area, such as inside a garage. Second, store the fob inside a Faraday pouch. A Faraday pouch shields the key from any electronic signals, thus keeping it secure from electronic hacking. Be sure the pouch is designed to shield the fob electronically. Carry the pouch on your person with the car fob inside when you’re out and about, and  keep the key in the pouch at home when you’re not using the car. I speak from experience: My car was stolen in exactly this manner.

Steve Kaleff

Auto Mechanic and Contributing Author

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Summary

Our goal is clear, trustworthy information.

Our content is created, edited and fact checked by a team of licensed insurance agents, automotive pros and experienced journalists who know the industry inside and out. Facts are thoroughly researched, verified and kept current, and our editorial team is separate from our business partners, so our opinions & tips are unbiased. All insights drawn from Jerry’s proprietary, aggregated customer auto insurance quotes data provide unique, real-world guidance.

Our experts

Steve Kaleff

Steve Kaleff began working on cars at the very young age of nine years old, when his dad actually let him make fixes on the family car. Fast forward to the beginning of a professional career working at independent repair shops and then transitioning to new car dealerships. His experience was with Mercedes-Benz, where Steve was a technician for ten years, four of those years solving problems that no one could or wanted to fix. He moved up to shop foreman and then service manager for 15 years. There have been tremendous changes in automotive technology since Steve started his professional career, so here’s looking forward to an electric future!

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Nick Wilson

Nick Wilson is an editor, writer, and instructor across various subjects. His past experience includes writing and editorial projects in technical, popular, and academic settings, and he has taught humanities courses to countless students in the college classroom. In his free time, he pursues academic research, works on his own writing projects, and enjoys the ordered chaos of life with his wife and kids.

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