You press the button and nothing happens. Or you press it three times and the car finally unlocks. A car key fob that isn’t working properly is one of the most common key problems drivers have, and the fix is often simpler than people expect.
This guide covers the common signs of a failing fob, what to check first, and when a battery, a new shell or a spare key makes sense. We do both fob battery replacement and broken key shell replacement.
Common signs your key fob is failing
- Shorter range. You need to be right next to the car before it responds.
- Multiple presses. The car only locks or unlocks after a few tries.
- A warning on the dashboard. Many cars show a key battery message.
- Keyless entry stops working. On a smart key car, the doors no longer unlock as you walk up, or push-start hesitates.
- Buttons feel soft or stuck. Worn rubber or a cracked casing can stop a button from pressing properly.
Start with the battery
A weak battery is the most common reason a fob stops working well. Fob batteries don’t last forever, and the first sign is usually reduced range. Your owner’s manual will tell you the battery type for your key.
If you’d rather not open the key yourself, we can replace the battery for you. It’s worth doing before you assume the key itself has failed.
If you have a spare key, try it. If the spare works fine, the problem is likely with the first key rather than the car.
Physical damage and worn buttons
Keys get dropped, sat on and carried around every day. Over time:
- the casing cracks or splits open
- the rubber button pad wears through
- the flip blade on a flip key loosens or stops locking in place
- the key ring loop breaks off
If the casing is the problem but the key still works, a key shell replacement can give it a new outer case. We do shell replacement for broken keys. Send us a photo and we’ll tell you whether it’s suitable for your key.
Water and the fob
Remote and smart keys contain electronics. A trip through the washing machine or a drop in a puddle can stop a key from working. Dry it off and try a new battery, but if it still won’t respond, it may need replacing.
When a spare key makes sense
If your only key is showing its age, now is a good time to get a spare, while the key still works. Copying a working key is simpler than starting from nothing. A typical remote or smart key copy takes 1 to 2 hours.
If the key has already stopped working completely and it’s your only one, don’t worry. We can make a new key even when there’s no working key to copy, with proof of ownership. See our guide to a lost or only car key.
Not sure what kind of key you have?
Remote keys, flip keys and smart keys can look similar. Our guide to smart, remote and transponder keys helps you tell them apart, or just send us a photo.
How much does it cost?
Battery replacement, shell replacement and key copying are all quote on request, because it depends on your car and key. WhatsApp us a photo and we’ll reply with a quote.
What to send us
- Key photos: front and back, with the buttons and any damage visible.
- Car details: make, model and year.
- What’s happening: short range, dead buttons, cracked case, or not working at all.
On the day
- Book a time. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 11.30am to 6.30pm, by appointment only.
- Bring your car and key to Burlington Square, 175 Bencoolen Street, near Rochor MRT. Onsite service is available for an extra fee.
- Bring proof of ownership if you’re getting a new or spare key: your OneMotoring vehicle log card or Singpass vehicle ownership record. See proof of ownership.
Related pages
- Remote, flip and transponder key duplication
- Smart key duplication
- Car key FAQ
- Contact and directions
FAQ
Do you replace key fob batteries?
Yes, we do fob battery replacement. WhatsApp us a photo of your key.
Can you fix a broken key casing?
We do key shell replacement for broken keys. Send a photo and we’ll confirm it suits your key.
My fob is completely dead. Can you still make a key?
Yes. We can make a new key even when there’s no working key, with proof of ownership.
How long does a spare key take?
A typical remote or smart key copy takes 1 to 2 hours.
Key fob playing up? Send us a photo
WhatsApp us photos of your key and your car details and we’ll tell you whether it needs a battery, a new shell or a spare.