I’m almost embarrassed to tell you that when my car key remote stopped working, my way of troubleshooting was to 1// not do anything about it for a year and then 2// call the car dealership to see what they could do. Their answer? Replace the remote for $200. Yes, $200!!!!!
Well guess what? The very smart man I married suggested there was probably a dead battery inside the remote, so I pulled it apart and lo and behold, that’s all that was the problem, fixed with a $6 battery. (I couldn’t find this particular battery at my local grocery store or Walgreens, but Radio Shack had them.)
I think I’m resourceful but I never once considered how the little remote operated.
It’s kind of a no-brainer – just open up the remote and replace the battery as you would the TV remote or anything else that takes a battery. Jeesh! Why didn’t I think of this before?
And now, because I know you’ve been missing my pretty countertops, a visual tutorial.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
eh, what's a couple hundred dollars? 😉 kidding- that is outrageous when you can change the battery!!!
Vel Criste says
Yes totally! $200?????!!!! Highway robbery! Thanks Lisa!
pam {simple details} says
Love this! 🙂 I think you're on your way to a QTT book!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
I try to avoid the dealership at all costs, just for this reason. Smart girl!
Simply LKJ says
Yes, the remotes are outrageous! But, they are more than just a battery unfortunately…they are linked to everything in your car including the ignition switch if you have a keyless ignition. But, they should know to tell you to check the battery inside first!
Sam @ The Junk House says
I've had to change the battery in my garage door opener a couple times. You can also find those batteries at Wal-Mart in the jewelry department, by the watches.
Calypso In The Country says
What a simple fix! I have two key/remotes for my car and one is dead so I switched to the extra one. I am so glad I have a solution when that one dies!
Thanks Lisa!
-Shelley
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
So glad I'm not the only one – I did the same exact thing with both my car remote and the garage door keypad. Couldn't you have posted this tip about a year earlier 🙂 And I agree with Pam – you should start an ebook my clever friend!