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Damaged Key Fob for a 2024 Hyundai Elantra (US): What to Do and Replacement Options

A damaged key fob on a 2024 Hyundai Elantra can cause intermittent unlocking, weak range, or a no-start condition if the car can’t detect the fob. Physical damage, water exposure, or a broken button can also leave you locked out. The good news: many issues are fixable, and you have several replacement paths in the US market.

Understanding Your Situation

The fob’s housing, buttons, battery contacts, or internal circuit board may be cracked or shorted (common after drops or water exposure). Even if the battery is good, damage can prevent the fob from transmitting or being recognized by the vehicle’s immobilizer system.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Use the hidden mechanical key (inside the fob) to unlock the driver door if the buttons don’t work; then try starting using the vehicle’s emergency start procedure (hold the fob against the start button area per the owner’s manual) if it’s a push-button model.
  2. If the fob got wet: remove the battery immediately, gently dry the exterior, and let the fob air-dry thoroughly before testing (do not apply high heat). If there’s visible corrosion, plan on replacement.
  3. Test with your spare fob (if available) to confirm the issue is the damaged fob and not the vehicle battery, receiver, or a blown fuse; replace the coin-cell battery in the damaged fob only after checking for bent contacts or debris.

Your Options

Replace the battery and/or repair the fob shell (best for cracked case or stuck buttons)

Cost: $5-$40 Time: Same day

Install a new coin-cell battery and/or move the internal board into a new replacement shell. This can solve issues caused by broken button pads, cracked housings, or a battery that won’t stay seated. It will not fix a damaged circuit board.

âś“ Pros:
  • Lowest cost if the electronics are still good
  • No programming needed if you reuse the original circuit board
âś— Cons:
  • Won’t help if the circuit board is water-damaged or cracked
  • Cheap shells may fit poorly or have weak buttons

Dealer replacement and programming (OEM key fob)

Cost: $250-$550 Time: Same day / 1-3 days (if parts must be ordered)

Hyundai dealer supplies an OEM fob and programs it to your Elantra’s immobilizer system. They can also verify whether the issue is the fob, vehicle antenna/receiver, or another module.

âś“ Pros:
  • Correct OEM part and professional programming
  • Best option if you have no working fob or want factory support
âś— Cons:
  • Usually the most expensive route
  • May require an appointment and proof of ownership

Automotive locksmith replacement and programming

Cost: $180-$450 Time: Same day (often within hours)

A mobile locksmith provides a compatible fob (OEM or high-quality aftermarket) and programs it on-site using professional diagnostic tools. Many can also cut/provide the mechanical emergency key blade if needed.

âś“ Pros:
  • Often cheaper and faster than the dealer
  • Convenient mobile service at your location
âś— Cons:
  • Quality varies by provider and fob brand
  • Some situations (certain security/availability constraints) may still require a dealer

Buy a fob online and have it programmed locally (hybrid approach)

Cost: $120-$400 total Time: 1-7 days (shipping + appointment)

You purchase the correct fob (matching FCC ID/part number for your 2024 Elantra US market) and pay a dealer or locksmith to program it. This can reduce parts cost if you source wisely.

âś“ Pros:
  • Potential savings versus buying the fob from the dealer
  • Flexibility to choose OEM vs aftermarket
âś— Cons:
  • Wrong part numbers are common and may be non-returnable once opened
  • Some shops won’t program customer-supplied fobs or won’t warranty them

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t keep pressing buttons repeatedly if the fob is wet or you suspect internal shorting—remove the battery first to reduce the chance of further damage.

✕ Don’t use a microwave, oven, hair dryer on high heat, or direct flame to dry the fob; heat can warp the case and damage the circuit board.

✕ Don’t buy a “universal” or mismatched fob without verifying the exact FCC ID/part number compatibility for a 2024 Elantra (US); many won’t program or won’t support remote start/proximity features.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Throwing away damaged key
  • Not salvaging electronics
  • Buying OEM when aftermarket works
  • Not considering case-only replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still start my 2024 Hyundai Elantra if the key fob is damaged?

Often, yes—if the immobilizer chip still works. If it’s a push-button start model, most Hyundais allow an emergency start by holding the fob against/near the start button area so the car can read it at very close range. If the fob’s electronics are severely damaged, you may need a replacement fob programmed to the car.

Will replacing the battery fix a dropped or cracked key fob?

It might, especially if the drop dislodged the battery or bent the battery contacts. If the circuit board is cracked or a button switch broke off, a new battery won’t help—moving the electronics into a new shell may, but water/corrosion damage usually requires fob replacement.

Do I need to go to the dealer to program a new fob for a 2024 Elantra?

Not always. Many automotive locksmiths can program compatible fobs for late-model Hyundais. However, availability depends on your exact trim/security system and local tool support; in some cases the dealer may be the only option.

What information do I need to make sure I buy the correct replacement fob?

Match the FCC ID and/or Hyundai part number from your original fob (and confirm it’s for the US market). Also confirm whether your Elantra uses a proximity smart key (push-button start) or a standard remote key setup, since the fobs are not interchangeable.

⏱️ Urgency Note: If you only have one working key/fob left, replace or duplicate it soon. Waiting until you have zero working keys can increase cost and downtime (and may require towing or additional security procedures).

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2024 Hyundai Elantra.

View Elantra Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04