Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs take a beating. Depending on how they're stored and how often they get knocked around, their buttons may be damaged or stuck.
Luckily, most key fob issues are relatively easy to resolve. Certain issues with key fobs are more severe and require assistance from a professional. This is where locksmiths can come in handy.
Dead Fob Battery
The key fobs for cars are quite smart however that doesn't mean they do not 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 issue, as you could also have a problem with the connection on one of the battery connector's terminals.
The car manufacturers are aware of the possibility of a issue, and often add a second mechanical key in the fob to be used in the event of an emergency. To access this, you can find the small release switch or latch behind the fob (check the user's manual for specifics). Pressing this button, you can open the fob and reveal a physical key that you can use to unlock your car.
Another sign that your fob's batteries are dying is that you need to be closer to the car to unlock and open it than you did before. This is due to the fact that the fob's transmitter loses strength as its battery ages and limits the range of operation.
Replacing the battery is easy and relatively cheap. You'll need the button-cell battery (which looks like the size of a small silver coin) and then follow the steps in the user's manual to remove the old battery. Replace the battery in the same way as the old one (the positive side facing up toward the buttons). After reassembling the fob, test its start, lock and unlock functions to ensure that the new battery was placed correctly.
Some key fobs can be a little tricky to open, but you should be able to do it by finding the latch, switch, or screw on the back of the fob and then tearing it apart. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to work with your vehicle! You can also take the fob to an expert should you feel uncomfortable making it your own. Many auto shops will change batteries for fobs for a nominal fee, since it's such a common repair service. Some dealers might even do it for free depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Working
Replace the batteries in your key fob if it isn't working. This is the quickest fix and will most likely fix the problem. If your device still does not work after changing the battery, it could be caused by damage.
The car key fob could be damaged due to a variety of reasons, including physical injury, exposure to water, or a corroded or damaged board. These issues could stop your key from transmitting the signal to your receiver in your vehicle, which will stop your car's ignition or doors from unlocking. It is possible that you will need to get a professional replacement for your key if it's damaged.
In the same way, the buttons on your device may have worn out over time with repeated use. The rubber may wear out, making the buttons less 'clicky' or springy. They can also cease to register your presses. You can try wiping the buttons and then adjusting them to see if that fixes the issue, but it's usually recommended to send the fob to a professional examined for more comprehensive repairs.
You should also double check that the new battery you're using is a perfect match for your fob. You can find a list on the internet or in most hardware stores. Consult your owner's guide or the engraving on your fob for more information. A battery that isn't an ideal match could have issues transmitting strong signals or providing adequate power to the fob's internal components.
In rare instances, it could be that the issue is not with your key fob, but rather with 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 doors with the physical key and start the car with the inductive backup (if it is available). If the physical key you have isn't able to open or start your car check with a mechanic the electronic components and receiver of your vehicle to determine whether they're functioning properly.
Damaged Fob
A key fob contains numerous components that work together and a single malfunction can cause other parts to fail. If a key fob ceases working it's important to examine whether there's a cause obvious such as a damaged case or a damaged internal component. It's also essential to examine other components of the vehicle like the horn and lights to see whether they're working as expected.
It's better to replace the key fob if it's damaged, rather than try to repair it. The fob could require reprogramming to the vehicle and this isn't something you can do at home and requires specialized equipment to do this.
The buttons on a key fob make use of contacts to transmit signals to the circuit board of the key fob however, they may wear out over time. This is especially common if the device is dropped or left in hot weather.
As time passes the internal wiring of the key fob may become worn down. This could result in a button not working when it's being pressed or only working when press very hard. This can also result in the car not being able to start or unlock once the fob has been used.
Most fobs come with a plastic cover that can be opened up and cleaned using 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 damaging the insides.
A damaged battery is usually the reason why a key fob will not turn on or function. The majority of car dealers and mechanics can replace the battery quickly. If you're comfortable with the installation then you can buy a new one at the big-box or a hardware store, and follow the directions on YouTube or in your owner's guide.
The worst case scenario is that your key fob has internal damage, like cracks, tiny electronic components not fully connected to the circuit boards or corroded and bent contact points on the battery. If you notice any of these issues you should contact an auto locksmith or dealer to obtain a new key fob and help in programming it for your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Programming
The car key fob is a convenient method to start your engine and unlock the doors of your vehicle. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or seem to function intermittently. In some cases, the problem may be as simple as replacing the battery, but in other cases it may require an intricate repair. The first step is determining the reason why the fob isn't working properly.
The most frequent reason for a fob not working is that it does not recognize your vehicle. This can happen if the connection between the remote and your vehicle is interrupted. You can sometimes reset this connection without the need for a key fob repair service.
If the key fob not sending a clear signal, other issues could occur. This could be the result of a key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either case, you should try to reconnect the key to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came with the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key, so that you can use it in the event that the primary key isn't working.
The fob might not receive an adequate signal from the vehicle. This can be due to a weak battery in the car or interference from wireless devices, or an antenna issue. With a remote tester, you can test the fob and see if it is the issue. If the tester doesn't blink when you press one of the buttons, it could be that the battery needs to be replaced or the fob is broken.
car remote key repair in your car could be preventing the fob from sending a clear signal. This could happen if the fob isn't properly programmed to your vehicle or in the event of a software issue.
If you're not able to troubleshoot the problem or it's not worth the effort of repairing the fob, you should consider buying a new one. There are low-cost options from many online retailers and some can be delivered directly to your doorstep.