Drivers in Midrand Are Repairing Their Car Key Fobs Instead of Replacing Them — Here’s How?

 

Key Fob Problems Happen More Often Than You Think

Picture this: It’s a cold morning in Midrand. You hop into your car, press the unlock button on your key fob... nothing. No click, no beep, no light. You try again. Still nothing. You even replaced the battery last week, but the remote still fails. You feel stuck.

This happens more than people realise. Key fobs are small devices, but they have parts that wear out, get dirty, or lose their connection with the car. The costly thing is often replacing instead of fixing. Good news? Many times you can fix your key fob yourself—or know exactly when to call the locksmith.

 

This guide will show you:

·         What a key fob is and how it works

·         Most common reasons a fob stops working

·         Step-by-step DIY fixes

·         When professional help is necessary

·         What things cost in Johannesburg/South Africa

·         How to avoid future key fob problems

By the end, you’ll feel confident diagnosing and possibly repairing your own fob—and making better decisions if you need to pay someone else.

 

What Exactly Is a Car Key Fob? (Simple Definition)

Before fixing anything, it's helpful to know what’s inside your fob:

·         Battery: (Usually a coin cell battery lithium). Powers the fob.

·         Circuit board / electronics: The “brain” of the fob. Sends signals to the car locks, trunk, ignition in some cases).

·         Rubber buttons: These are pressed by you. Underneath, there are contacts that complete circuits when buttons are pushed.

·         Metal or spring contacts: Hold the battery in place and connect to the circuit board.

·         Plastic case: Holds everything, protects from dust/water.

These parts are small and delicate. Wear, water, dirt, impact, or loss of battery power can disrupt their function.

 

The Most Common Reasons a Key Fob Stops Working

Here are reasons your fob might be faulty. I list them by how often they happen and how easy they are to check/fix.

1.       Dead or Weak Battery

Battery loses charge over time.

Symptoms: works only when very close to car, sometimes not at all.

 

2.       Dirty or Worn Contacts / Buttons

Under the rubber buttons are small electrical contacts. The film that carries electricity can wear off.

Dirt, oil, moisture cause corrosion or poor connectivity.

 

3.       Loose or Damaged Battery/Spring Contacts

Springs or metal holders that keep battery in place might bend or break.

 

4.       Lost Programming / Sync

After battery change or power loss, fob might lose “link” with car. You may need to reprogram.

 

5.       Physical Damage / Water Damage

Dropping, moisture inside, cracked casing, broken circuit board.

 

6.       Interference or Issues with Car Receiver System

Very rarely, car’s receiver might be at fault but test this using a backup fob helps).

 

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Car Key Fob Yourself

If your fob fails, try these steps in order. Stop when the fob starts working again. Each step gets a bit more technical.

Step 1: Replace the Battery

·         Identify the battery type look at the old battery, (usually marked CR2032 / 3V etc).

·         Open the case: some use screws, some are snap-locks.

·         Remove old battery, insert new one with correct polarity.

·         Test all buttons from different distances.

If it works now, you’re done!

 

Step 2: Clean the Contacts & Springs

·         Open the fob.

·         Use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean: battery springs, contacts under buttons, area around battery.

·         Dry fully.

·         Reassemble and test again.

 

Step 3: Repair Worn-Out Button Contacts (Foil or Metal Tape Trick)

If some buttons are unresponsive even with a good battery, the issue might be worn contact films under buttons. Here’s how to patch:

 

Materials needed:

·         Metallic tape (sticky) or aluminium foil + a little glue

·         Hole punch (to make small dots)

·         Tweezers

·         Rubbing alcohol

 

Process:

1.       Disassemble the fob carefully.

2.       Clean the rubber insert and contact points with rubbing alcohol (remove oils, dirt). Let completely dry.

3.       Use the hole punch to cut tiny dots from metallic tape or foil. One dot for each worn button.

4.       With tweezers, place each dot exactly over the worn contact point. Use minimal glue (if using foil tape is easier). Glue should not seep onto other connectors.

5.       Reassemble. Press buttons to test. Try unlocking/locking from different distances and angles.

Many people report this fix restoring full function, often for 9-12 months before needing touching up.

 

Step 4: Reprogram / Re-sync Key Fob (If Needed)

Sometimes, after battery replacement or when you have multiple fobs, reprogramming is needed. General steps (your car’s manual might differ):

·         Sit in the car, all doors closed.

·         Insert key in ignition (if applicable) and turn to “On” (do not start engine).

·         Use the fob’s lock/unlock or other buttons as per manual instructions. Sometimes you turn ignition off and on several times.

·         There may be cues: lights blink, doors lock/unlock automatically, etc.

·         Once programming mode is confirmed, press the buttons on the fob you want to sync.

·         Exit and test.

Useful sources show these general reprogramming steps for many vehicles.

 

Step 5: Use Backup Key or Spare Fob to Diagnose

·         If you have a spare fob, test it. If spare works, problem is your original fob.

·         If spare also fails, might be a problem with the car’s receiver.

 

Step 6: Inspect for Physical Damage

·         Check casing for cracks, water ingress.

·         Buttons might be broken or stuck.

·         Circuit board signs of burn marks, corrosion.

If too damaged, DIY fixes may not help.

 

When to Try Fixing It Yourself vs. When to Call a Pro

DIY situations	Call a Pro when…
Battery is likely dead or weak	There is water or severe physical damage
Contact buttons are worn but still visible	Buttons are completely missing, melted or electronics are burnt
You have tools and feel comfortable opening device	Fob has advanced chip or transponder / proximity features
You have access to instructions/manual or online guide	You need guarantee or need fast reliable fix

 

Locksmiths in Johannesburg offer services like broken key‐blade extraction, key cutting, programming, complete fob replacement, etc.

 

What Auto Locksmiths in Johannesburg Can Do for You

Here are some services locksmiths in and around Johannesburg offer:

·         Battery replacement for key fobs / remotes.

·         Key fob repair: including buttons, contact repair, cleaning.

·         Key fob programming / reprogramming for different car makes.

·         Replacement case / key shell or remote housing.

·         Emergency services / mobile locksmiths who come to your location.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Car Key Fob?

Knowing cost helps you decide whether to fix or replace. Here are typical cost ranges in Johannesburg / South Africa (2024-2025).

Type of Repair / Replacement	Approximate Cost
Battery replacement & basic cleaning repair	R100–R300 (DIY or low-cost shop)
Patching contacts / foil fix by locksmith	R300–R800 (depending on labour + materials)
Full case / shell replacement + blade if needed	R500–R1,500 + (depending on model)
Programming a remote (no transponder)	R1,500-R2,500
Key replacement with transponder / smart key features	R2,000-R3,500+
Lost key + immobiliser reset / coding + remote	Can go up to R4,500 or more for certain brands or urgency

 

Other cost drivers:

·         Make and model of car (luxury brands cost more)

·         Time of day (after hours / emergency)

·         How far locksmith must travel (“mobile” call-out)

 

Real-Life Examples of Car Key Fob Repairs in Johannesburg

1. The “Monday Morning” Fix

   Thabo didn’t want to pay for dealership replacement. His VW fob’s unlock button stopped working. He replaced the battery. No joy. Then he cleaned the inside and replaced the rubber contact film with foil dots. Full function returned. Cost: under R200 in materials and his time.

 

2. The “Randburg two fobs redo”

   Mary had two remotes for her Hyundai. After about 10 months, both fobs started failing in hot weather. She re-did the metallic tape fix i.e., cleaned rubber pad, reattached foil dots carefully with minimal adhesive. It worked again on both fobs. She repeated about 12 months later. Saved about R1,500 each time vs full replacement.

 

3. Dealer vs Locksmith on transponder key

   A local Range Rover owner lost both keys. Dealer quoted R10,000+ to make new transponders + coding. A locksmith who does transponders quoted R3,500 + parts. He used genuine chip, programmed, delivered in one day. Saved thousands.

 

How to Maintain Your Car Key Fob and Prevent Future Problems

Preventing failure pays off. Here are best practices:

·         Replace battery every 1-2 years even if it still works, especially if signal weakens.

·         Keep the fob clean: wipe casing, avoid letting dirt/oil build up under buttons.

·         Avoid moisture: don’t leave fob in wet pockets; avoid swapping it between very hot & very cold without care.

·         Use protective covers or cases.

·         Don’t drop or crush it. Heavy key chains or rough surfaces cause damage.

·         Have a spare key fob and maybe carry spare battery.

 

FAQs About Car Key Fob Repairs

Q: My key fob battery is new, but still it doesn’t work. What’s likely wrong?

A: The contact springs or the rubber contact film under buttons may be worn out. Dirt or corrosion may be blocking. Try cleaning or patching contact points (foil/tape method).

 

Q: Will opening the fob or doing DIY void any warranty?

A: Usually, cars’ warranties for the surfaces and electronics don’t cover user-made damage. If you damage the circuit board or break sealed parts, yes it might void repair guarantees. But most fobs are out of warranty by the time contact wear shows.

 

Q: Can I buy generic parts like remote shells or battery covers easily in Joburg?

A: Yes. There are automotive parts stores, locksmith suppliers that sell remote shells, blades and buttons.

 

Q: How do I know if my car supports self-programming?

A: Check your owner’s manual. If you find instructions for programming more than one fob, or if there’s a “lock/unlock + ignition on/off sequence” method, then maybe. If not, dealer or locksmith needed. Some models require tools or dealer software.

 

Final Thoughts – Should You Repair or Replace Your Key Fob?

You should try repairing first if:

·         The problem is likely simple battery, worn contacts.

·         You have basic tools.

·         You’re OK spending a little time and effort.

 

Replace (or hire a pro) when:

·         The internal electronics/circuit board are damaged.

·         Key fob has lost programming that you cannot restore.

·         Buttons or casing are severely broken.

·         It’s a high-end vehicle with complex technologies proximity sensing, (smart keys, etc.).

The choice often comes down to cost vs convenience. In Johannesburg, DIY or local locksmith repair can save you a lot compared to dealership prices. But sometimes dealer services are needed for premium models.