Key Fob Not Working – Auto Locksmith Help In East London
If your key fob is not working and you are stuck in East London, we can help you quickly and safely. Our experienced auto locksmiths diagnose and repair faulty car key fobs, remote keys, and smart keys across all E postcodes, getting you back into your vehicle and back on the road.
With 10+ years’ experience, dealer-level diagnostics, and fully equipped mobile vans, we provide fast, professional help whether your key fob has stopped responding, only works sometimes, or has failed completely.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote – Contact our East London team or Call 020 4634 3057.
When Your Key Fob Is Not Working
A key fob that is not working can be more than an irritation – it can leave you locked out, unable to start your car, or worried your vehicle will not secure properly. We regularly help drivers across East London with:
- Key fob not responding at all – no lights, no locking/unlocking, car does not recognise the key
- Intermittent operation – works some of the time, needs multiple presses, or only works very close to the car
- Car key stopped working after a battery change
- Keyless entry not working – doors will not unlock when you touch the handle
- Push‑to‑start not working – “key not detected” or key symbol on the dash
- Remote central locking problems – one or more doors not locking/unlocking correctly
We deal with all types of modern car keys:
- Remote key fobs with buttons
- Flip keys
- Smart keys / proximity keys
- Keyless entry fobs
- High‑security, laser‑cut keys with built‑in transponders
If your issue is more serious – for example a cracked casing or snapped blade – our specialists can also help with broken car key problems or complete car key replacement where needed.
Common Signs Of A Faulty Car Key Fob
You may notice one or several of these symptoms before your key fob stops working completely:
- Reduced range – you have to stand right next to the car for it to respond
- Needs several presses – the lock/unlock works, but only after repeated attempts
- Only some buttons work – for example, unlock works but lock or boot release does not
- Warning lights or messages – “Key not detected”, “No key”, or a red key symbol flashing on the dashboard
- Central locking not working on one door – this can be a lock issue or a signal issue we can diagnose
- Key works in the ignition but not remotely – suggests a remote or programming fault
It is normal to feel stressed if your car will not lock, unlock, or start. Our auto locksmiths in East London handle these issues every day and can quickly confirm whether you need:
- A simple battery replacement
- Key fob repair (buttons, circuit board, casing)
- Car key programming or re‑synchronisation
- A replacement remote or smart key
Why Key Fobs Stop Working
Modern vehicle keys contain electronics, chips, and small batteries. Over time and with everyday use, a number of faults can develop:
1. Dead Or Weak Key Fob Battery
The most common cause is a flat or weak battery inside the key fob.
Typical signs:
- Reduced range over a few days or weeks
- Red key light on the fob stops flashing
- Fob suddenly stops working, but the key blade still manually opens the door
We can supply and fit correct, high‑quality batteries, then re‑sync your fob if needed. Many drivers in areas like Stratford, Canary Wharf, and Walthamstow call us after changing the battery themselves and finding the key still does not work – often it simply needs reprogramming, or the wrong battery type has been used.
2. Faulty Buttons Or Worn Contacts
Over time, buttons can:
- Wear through
- Become stuck or soft
- Lose contact with the circuit board
We offer key fob repair and flip key repair, replacing worn buttons and re‑housing the electronics in a new shell where appropriate.
3. Internal Circuit Board Damage
A drop onto the pavement, water damage, or being sat on can crack the circuit board or damage tiny components inside the fob.
Symptoms include:
- Totally dead key fob
- Fob lights up but the car does not respond
- Works intermittently after being knocked or squeezed
Our technicians use specialist tools and magnification to inspect the circuit board. Where possible we repair broken tracks or components; if not, we can clone and program a new key using dealer‑level equipment and transponder key programming methods.
4. Lost Programming Or Sync
Sometimes the car simply “forgets” the key, or the fob loses its coding to the vehicle due to:
- Low battery during starting
- Jump‑starting
- Electrical work on the vehicle
- Diagnosing/resetting modules
In these cases, we use advanced car key programming techniques to re‑sync or reprogram the key:
- OBD2 key programming via the diagnostic port
- EEPROM key programming for more complex immobiliser systems
- ECU / immobiliser programming where modules have been replaced
You can learn more about our Car Key Programming services, which cover smart key programming and remote key programming for most makes and models.
5. Vehicle Lock Or Module Faults
Not every “key fob not working” problem is actually the key. Sometimes the car’s locks, aerials, or control modules are at fault:
- Central locking not working on one door
- Keyless entry working only on one side of the car
- Remote locking not working, but hazards flash
We carry diagnostic tools to test whether the car is receiving the signal and whether the central locking control unit, door locks, or ignition need attention. If necessary, we also handle car lock and ignition issues.
How We Fix A Non‑Working Key Fob
Our process is designed to be calm, methodical, and transparent. We come to you anywhere in East London, whether you are at home, at work, or by the roadside.
Step 1 – Quick Assessment & Security Checks
- Confirm your identity and vehicle ownership for security
- Listen to what has happened (battery change, drop, water exposure, etc.)
- Visual inspection of the key, casing, and buttons
Step 2 – Test, Diagnose, And Explain
We then:
- Test the key fob’s signal and battery
- Check whether the car is receiving any signal
- Plug into the vehicle’s OBD2 port where necessary to read immobiliser data and fault codes
- Determine if the key itself, the programming, or the vehicle is at fault
We explain your options clearly, including costs and timescales, before any work starts.
Step 3 – Repair, Reprogram, Or Replace
Depending on the diagnosis, we can:
- Replace the key fob battery with the correct type
- Carry out key fob repair – buttons, casing, or solder repairs
- Perform transponder key programming or smart key programming to re‑sync your key
- Cut a new key blade and program a new remote or proximity key if the original is beyond repair
Wherever possible, we use non‑destructive methods, meaning we do not damage the vehicle’s locks or electronics. In the rare case that a lock or barrel needs to be drilled or replaced (for example after a previous poor repair or severe corrosion), we will always explain the reason and obtain your consent before proceeding.
Why East London Drivers Trust Our Auto Locksmiths
Choosing someone to work on your vehicle’s keys and immobiliser system is a serious decision. We aim to make that choice easy.
- Local East London specialists – based in and focused on the E postcode area, from Bethnal Green and Shoreditch to East Ham and Wanstead.
- 10+ years of experience in auto locksmith services, key fob programming, and remote key diagnostics.
- Fully mobile service – we come to you with dealer‑level equipment, saving you the time and hassle of arranging recovery to a main dealer.
- All major brands covered – Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Audi, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Peugeot, Renault, Land Rover, and many more. See all the brands we cover.
- DBS‑checked technicians – for your safety and peace of mind.
- Public liability insurance – we are fully insured to work on your vehicle.
- Non‑destructive entry and repair wherever possible – we preserve your locks, keys, and trim unless there is no safe alternative.
- Guarantees on workmanship and replacement keys – we stand behind the keys and programming we provide.
Many customers tell us they thought they had to go straight to a main dealer for key fob problems. In reality, a skilled mobile auto locksmith can often resolve these issues more quickly and conveniently, and in many cases at a more affordable total cost.
Related Services For Key Fob Problems
Key fob not working issues often overlap with other key and lock problems. We can help with:
- Vehicle Unlocking if you are locked out of your car
- Car Key Replacement in East London for lost, stolen, or irreparable keys
- Car Key Cutting & Duplication for spare keys and backups
- Car Lock And Ignition Issues if your key will not turn or the ignition is faulty
If you are unsure which service fits your situation, simply call us and we will advise you.
FAQs – Key Fob Not Working In East London
Why Has My Car Key Fob Suddenly Stopped Working?
The most common reason is a dead battery inside the fob, but other causes include worn buttons, internal circuit damage, or the key losing its programming. In some cases, the vehicle’s locking or antenna system is at fault. Our mobile auto locksmiths can quickly test and diagnose the issue on‑site.
My Car Says “Key Not Detected” – What Should I Do?
“Key not detected” usually means your car cannot read the transponder chip or cannot see the signal from your smart key. This could be due to:
- Low or dead key fob battery
- Faulty smart key
- Programming issues
- Problems with the car’s antennas or modules
Avoid repeatedly trying to start the vehicle, and contact us for a diagnostic and key programming service. We can often re‑sync or program the key on the spot.
Can You Fix A Key Fob That Got Wet?
Sometimes, yes. If the key fob has been through the wash or dropped in water:
- Do not press the buttons repeatedly.
- Do not try to dry it with direct heat (hairdryers, radiators).
- Call us as soon as possible.
We may be able to clean and rescue the circuit board. If not, we can usually clone and program a replacement fob based on your existing key data.
Do I Need To Go To The Main Dealer For Key Fob Programming?
In most cases, no. Our car key programming service uses dealer‑level diagnostic and programming equipment, including OBD2 and EEPROM methods, allowing us to program keys for most UK and European vehicles at the roadside. This saves you the cost and inconvenience of dealer recovery and waiting times.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Non‑Working Key Fob?
The cost depends on:
- Your vehicle’s make, model, and year
- Whether the fob can be repaired or needs replacement
- The type of key (standard remote, smart key, proximity key)
- Whether any additional programming or ECU work is needed
We do not publish fixed prices because every situation is different, but we are always happy to give a clear, accurate quote once we know the details. For more information about how pricing works, see our page on auto locksmith prices in East London.
Can You Make A New Key If My Only Key Fob Has Stopped Working?
Yes. We specialise in making new car keys without the original, even if your only key is completely dead. We can:
- Gain entry to your vehicle non‑destructively
- Read key data from the locks and immobiliser
- Cut a new key blade
- Program a new remote or smart key
This service is available for most modern vehicles across the E postcode area.
Need help with a key fob not working in East London?
Call 020 4634 3057 or Email us for fast, professional assistance and a free, no‑obligation quote.
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