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Damaged Key Fob for a 2024 Hyundai Kona (US): What to Do Next

A damaged key fob can leave your 2024 Hyundai Kona unable to lock/unlock remotely or even start (on push-button start models). Physical damage, water exposure, or a cracked case can also cause intermittent issues that get worse over time. The good news: many problems are fixable without replacing everything.

Understanding Your Situation

The key fob’s internal circuit board, battery contacts, buttons, or antenna can be damaged by drops, crushing, or moisture. Even if the fob still works sometimes, cracked solder joints, contaminated electronics, or a broken case can cause unreliable range, stuck buttons, or total failure.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Check if you have a spare fob and use it to confirm the issue is the damaged fob (not the car). If the spare works normally, focus on the fob.
  2. If the fob was exposed to water: remove the mechanical/emergency key (if equipped) and open the fob case if possible; remove the battery immediately and let the fob dry thoroughly before testing again.
  3. Inspect for obvious damage (cracked shell, missing button pad, bent battery contacts) and try a fresh battery of the correct type, ensuring correct polarity and clean contacts.

Your Options

Replace the key fob battery and clean contacts

Cost: $5-$15 Time: Same day

Install a new battery and gently clean the battery terminals/contacts. This addresses many “dead” or intermittent fobs, especially after a drop that loosened contact pressure.

✓ Pros:
  • Lowest cost fix
  • Often resolves intermittent operation
✗ Cons:
  • Won’t fix water-damaged electronics or broken buttons
  • Improper installation can bend contacts or damage the case

Replace the fob shell/case (reuse your original electronics)

Cost: $15-$60 Time: Same day / 1-3 days (if ordering parts)

Move the internal circuit board and button pad into a new outer shell when the plastic is cracked, buttons are torn, or the key ring area broke.

✓ Pros:
  • Keeps original, already-programmed electronics
  • Fixes broken buttons and cracked housings
✗ Cons:
  • Requires careful transfer to avoid damaging the circuit board
  • Doesn’t help if the internal electronics are damaged

Professional key fob repair (electronics-level repair, if available)

Cost: $40-$150 Time: Same day / 1-3 days

A specialist inspects the circuit board for broken solder joints, failed buttons/microswitches, corrosion, or antenna damage and attempts repair.

✓ Pros:
  • Can restore function without full replacement
  • Useful for drop damage and some moisture issues
✗ Cons:
  • Not all shops offer true circuit-board repair
  • Water damage may return later even after cleaning

Replace and program a new OEM Hyundai smart key (dealer)

Cost: $250-$600 Time: Same day / 1-3 days (if fob must be ordered)

Purchase an OEM key fob and have the dealer program it to your 2024 Kona and verify all functions (lock/unlock, remote start if equipped, proximity features).

✓ Pros:
  • Highest compatibility and reliability
  • Dealer can verify programming and vehicle-side issues
✗ Cons:
  • Most expensive option
  • May require appointment and proof of ownership

Replace and program a new fob (automotive locksmith)

Cost: $180-$450 Time: Same day

A qualified mobile locksmith supplies and programs a compatible smart key/fob and can often cut/program the emergency key blade if applicable.

✓ Pros:
  • Often cheaper and faster than dealer
  • Mobile service can come to you
✗ Cons:
  • Quality varies by provider and part source
  • Some situations still require dealer support (availability/vehicle-specific constraints)

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t keep pressing buttons repeatedly on a wet fob—powering a wet circuit board can worsen corrosion or cause a short.

✕ Don’t use high heat (hair dryer on hot, oven, microwave) to dry a fob; heat can warp the case and damage components.

✕ Don’t buy a random used fob online assuming it will program—many are locked, incompatible, or missing required identifiers for your specific Kona.

⚠️ 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 drive my 2024 Hyundai Kona if the key fob is damaged?

Often yes, but it depends on the level of damage and whether you have a working spare. If your Kona uses a push-button start and the fob battery is dead (not the fob itself), many vehicles can start by holding the fob close to the start button—check your owner’s manual for the exact procedure. If the fob electronics are damaged, you may be stranded without a spare.

Will replacing the shell affect programming?

No—programming is stored in the fob’s internal electronics, not the plastic shell. If you transfer the original circuit board into a new case without damaging it, the car should recognize it the same as before.

If my fob got wet, should I replace it immediately?

Not always. If you remove the battery quickly and dry it thoroughly, it may recover. However, water exposure can cause delayed corrosion, so even a “working again” fob may fail later—consider a backup plan (spare fob, repair, or replacement) if reliability matters.

Do I need to tow the car to the dealer for a replacement fob?

Usually not if you can access the vehicle and a locksmith can come to you, or if you have a spare fob. If all keys are lost or the car cannot be started/moved, towing or a mobile locksmith may be necessary.

⏱️ Urgency Note: If you only have one working key fob and it’s damaged or intermittent, address it soon. A total failure can leave you locked out or unable to start the vehicle, and replacing/programming is typically easier (and sometimes cheaper) before you’re fully stranded.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

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Last updated: 2026-01-04