Key fob not working: what to check first
Most dead fobs are a flat battery. Work through this list before you ring anybody, us included.
Change the battery
If the range has been shrinking for weeks, or the little light on the fob is dim or dead, this is almost certainly it. Most fobs use a CR2032 or CR2025 coin battery. The case opens along the seam with a coin or a small flat screwdriver. Note which way up the old one sits.
Use the hidden blade
Nearly every fob, including keyless ones, has a metal blade inside. Look for a small catch on the back or side. The door lock may be hidden under a cap on the driver's door handle. This gets you into the car.
Start the car with a flat fob
Keyless cars have a backup. Hold the fob against the start button, the steering column or a marked spot in the centre console and press start. The handbook says where for your model.
Try the spare
If the spare works, the fault is in the fob. If neither works, the fault is more likely in the car, such as the receiver or a flat car battery.
Resync after a battery change
Some keys lose touch with the car when the battery is changed. The fix is often simple, such as turning the ignition on and pressing a button, and it is in the handbook.
When to call a locksmith
If a new battery changes nothing, the buttons have worn through, the case is cracked, or the key has been dropped or soaked. Tell us what you have tried and we will tell you what it is likely to need.
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