Key Fob Repair & Replacement London
Key fob not working? We diagnose, repair, or replace and programme fobs for all makes and models across London. From £120 + VAT — mobile, on-site service. Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm.
A faulty key fob makes daily life frustrating — remote locking, unlocking, and for smart keys, even starting the car becomes unreliable or impossible. Before assuming you need an expensive replacement, let us diagnose the cause. Many fob failures are repairable on-site in under an hour. Where a full replacement is needed, we supply and programme new fobs for every make without the dealer wait or dealer markup.
Common Causes of Key Fob Failure
Flat or Failing Battery
Most fobs use a CR2032 or CR2025 coin cell. Range reduces gradually before the fob stops entirely. Replacing the battery restores normal operation in most cases — we check this first.
Worn Button Contacts
The rubber contacts that bridge the circuit under each button degrade with use. Buttons become unresponsive or require hard pressing. We can replace the contact pad or supply a new shell.
Impact Damage
Dropped fobs often crack the PCB (circuit board) internally even if the casing looks intact. Hairline PCB cracks cause intermittent failure. We inspect under magnification on-site.
Water Damage
Water ingress corrodes the PCB and battery contacts. In some cases we can clean and restore the PCB. If corrosion is severe, a replacement fob is required.
Lost Synchronisation
Fobs can lose sync with the car's receiver after a battery change, after multiple button presses outside range, or after a software update. Re-synchronisation usually takes under 10 minutes.
Transmitter Failure
The RF transmitter inside the fob can fail with age. If the fob battery is good and contacts are fine but there's no signal, we test the transmitter and supply a replacement if needed.
Repair vs Replace — How We Decide
All prices exclude VAT. Fixed price confirmed before any work begins.
Key Fob Types We Cover
- ✅ Standard remote fobs (lock / unlock buttons)
- ✅ Flip / folding key fobs (blade integrates into fob body)
- ✅ Smart key / keyless entry fobs (proximity, push-start)
- ✅ Card-style fobs (Renault, some Citroën models)
- ✅ Proximity fobs with emergency blade (most premium brands)
- ✅ OEM and aftermarket fob shells
Makes We Cover
Frequently Asked Questions
My key fob buttons have stopped working — can you repair it?
Often yes. The most common cause is worn rubber button contacts or a cracked PCB (circuit board) from being dropped. We can inspect the fob on-site, replace the internal components if available, or supply and programme a new fob if the existing one is beyond repair.
Can you programme a replacement fob without the original?
Yes. For most vehicles we can supply and programme a new fob using OBD or EEPROM methods, even if the original fob is lost or completely failed. We carry blank fobs and aftermarket shells for a wide range of vehicles.
My car starts with the key but the remote locking doesn't work — is it the fob or the car?
First check: has the fob battery been replaced recently? A flat battery is the single most common cause. If a new battery doesn't resolve it, the fob may need re-synchronising with the car, or the fob transmitter may have failed. In rare cases the receiver in the car can fail. We diagnose on-site and confirm the root cause before any work.
Do you cover smart key fobs that don't have a blade key?
Yes. Keyless entry / push-start proximity fobs are more complex to programme but we carry equipment for all major makes including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo, Porsche, and all mainstream brands. Smart key replacement is typically £180–£350 + VAT.
Can you fix a broken key fob casing without replacing the whole fob?
If the internal electronics are intact, yes — we can fit a new shell/case and transfer the blade and PCB over. This is the most cost-effective option when the fob works but the casing is cracked, buttons are worn, or the flip mechanism is broken.
How much does key fob repair or replacement cost?
Key fob work starts from £120 + VAT. Battery replacement and re-synchronisation is at the lower end. Full fob supply and programme is £120–£350 + VAT depending on vehicle. We quote fixed before we start.