Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs take a beating. Buttons can become stuck or break depending on how they are stored and how much they are tossed around.
Fortunately, the majority of issues with key fobs are simple to solve. Certain key fob issues are more severe and require professional assistance. A locksmith can be of great help in these situations.
Dead Fob Battery
The car key fobs are pretty smart However, that doesn't mean they won't sometimes become stuck in the "not responding zone". When this happens, it's time to replace the battery. But that doesn't always solve the problem, because you may also have a problem with the connection on one of the battery connector terminals.
Car manufacturers are aware of this issue, and they frequently put a spare mechanical key inside the fob in case of such an emergency. To access this, locate the small release switch or latch on the back of the fob (check the user manual for details). When you press this button, you'll be able to open the fob and reveal a physical key you can use to unlock the car.
Another sign that your fob's battery is dying is that you need to be a lot closer to your car in order to open and lock it than before. The transmitter of the fob's transmitter loses power when its battery dies. This limits its range.
Replacing the battery is easy and fairly inexpensive. You'll need a button-cell battery (which is similar to an elongated silver coin) and follow the directions in the user's manual to remove the old battery. Replace the battery in the exact direction as the original one (the positive side facing upwards towards the buttons). Test the lock/unlock and begin the functions of the fob after reassembling it. This will ensure that the battery has been installed correctly.
Certain key fobs may be difficult to open but you should be able to do it by placing the latch, switch, or screw on the back of the fob and prying it apart. You'll need the fob in order to work with your vehicle, so take care not to cause damage! If you're not confident in making this change yourself it's also possible to bring your key fob to an expert. Because it's a standard procedure, most auto shops will replace the battery on fobs for a minimal fee. Some dealers will even perform the swap for free, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Working
The first thing you need to do if your key fob isn't working is replace the batteries. This is the quickest fix and most likely what can fix the issue. If your fob still does not work after changing the battery, it could be due to damage.
The car key fob could be damaged for various reasons, such as physical trauma, exposure to water, or a corroded or damaged board. These issues may prevent your key from sending a signal to the vehicle's receiver and prevent your car's doors or ignition from locking or even starting. If your fob has been damaged, it's likely that you'll require an expert to repair the part or the entire device.
The buttons on your fob could have worn out with repeated use. Rubber can wear out, making the buttons less 'clicky' or springy. They also may stop registering your press. Try wiping the buttons and then adjusting them to see if that fixes the issue However, it's generally recommended to send the fob to have it professionally evaluated for more thorough repairs.
It is important to ensure that the new battery you're using is a perfect match to your fob. You can find a list on the internet or in many hardware stores. Check the owner's manual or the engraving on the fob to find out more. A battery that isn't the perfect match may have issues transmitting strong signals or supplying enough power to the internal components of the fob.
In click through the following document of cases, it could be that the issue is not with your key fob but rather the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. If you have an inductive backup system and you want to test it, you can do so by opening the door using an actual key and beginning the car using the inductive backup (if available). If your key's physical counterpart does not work or open your car, you should have a mechanic check the receiver and electronic components to ensure they're working correctly.
Fobs that are damaged
A key fob is composed of many parts and one issue can cause other components to fail. If a key fob ceases functioning, it is important to determine whether there's a clear cause like a damaged or cracked case, or a malfunctioning internal component. It's also crucial to examine other parts of the vehicle like the horn and lights to see whether they're working as expected.
It is better to replace the key fob if it is damaged than to try to repair it. It could be necessary to reprogramme the fob for the car. This isn't something you can do at home and requires specialized equipment.
The buttons on a key fob utilize contacts to send signals to the circuit board of the key fob, but these can wear down over time. This is particularly true if the device is dropped or left in hot weather.
The internal wiring of a key fob could also become worn out over time. This could result in a button not working when it's being pressed or only working when press extremely hard. It could also result in the car not being able to start or unlock after the fob has been used.
The majority of fobs have the cover of plastic which can be loosened and then cleaned with water and soap. This can often help restore a key fob's its original function and it's a great idea to do it regularly to prevent dirt from harming the insides.
A damaged battery is the most common reason why the key fob won't start or function. The majority of mechanics and car dealers can replace the batteries quickly however, if you're comfortable doing it yourself, you can purchase a new battery from the hardware store or a big-box retailer and follow the instructions in your owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.
The worst-case scenario is that the key fob is damaged internal damage, for example cracks in the case, teeny electronic components not completely attached to the circuit board or bent or corroded contact points for batteries. If any of the above is the situation, it's a good idea to talk to an auto locksmith or dealer for a recommendation for a replacement and assistance to program it to your vehicle.
Fob isn't programming.
The car key fob is a convenient way to start your engine and unlock the doors of your car. If they stop working, or work intermittently, they can be frustrating. In some instances the issue could be as simple as replacing the battery but in other cases it could require an intricate repair. The first step is to identify the reason why the fob isn't working properly.
The most frequent reason for a fob malfunctioning is that it does not recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your car is cut off. This connection can be reset without the need for costly key fob repair.
Other issues could arise when the key fob no longer sends a strong signal. This could happen if the key is damaged or the battery is not functioning properly. In either event, try to resync your key with your vehicle. You can do this by following the directions that come with the key fob. It's also recommended to carry an additional key to use it in the event that your primary key isn't working.
It's possible that the fob isn't getting a strong enough signal from the car. This can be due to weak batteries in the car or interference from wireless devices or an antenna issue. You can test the fob to determine whether this is the problem by using a remote tester. If the tester doesn't light up when you press any of the buttons, it could be a sign that the battery has to be replaced or that the fob has broken.
Another possible reason for a fob not sending a strong enough signal is that the car's immobilizer system may be preventing it from sending a strong signal. This can happen if your key fob isn't programmed correctly to your vehicle or it's a software problem.
If you are unable to fix the fob or it's not worth the effort to fix it, you need to purchase an entirely new one. Many online retailers offer low-cost options and some can be delivered right to your home.