Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs can be subjected to a lot of abuse. Depending on how they're stored and how often they are knocked around, their buttons may be damaged or stuck.
The majority of key fob issues are fixable. However, some issues are more serious and require assistance from a professional. A locksmith can be a great resource in these cases.
Dead Fob Battery
The car key fobs are pretty intelligent However, that doesn't mean that they don't occasionally become stuck in the "not responding zone". It's time to replace your battery if this happens. However, that's not always the solution to the problem, because there could be a problem with the connection on one of the battery connector terminals.
The car makers are aware of the potential issue, and frequently include a mechanical key inside the fob to be used in an emergency. To access this, find the small release button or latch on the back of the fob (check the user's manual for specifics). By pressing this, you will be able to unlock the fob and access the physical key, which you can use to unlock your vehicle.
It is also necessary to be nearer to your car to lock and unlock it. This is because the fob's transmitter weakens as its battery ages, limiting its range of operation.
Replacing the battery is straightforward and fairly inexpensive. Just be sure to buy the button cell battery (which appears like a tiny silver coin) for your fob, and follow the user's guide or video on how to remove the old battery. Replace the battery in the exact direction as the old one (the positive side facing upwards toward the buttons). After reassembling the fob, test its start and lock functions as well as unlock/lock functions to make sure that the new battery was placed correctly.
key car repair can be a little tricky to open but you should be able to open them by placing the latch, switch, or screw on the back of the fob, and then tearing it apart. Be careful not to break the fob since you'll require it to work with your vehicle! You could also take the key fob to an expert should you feel uncomfortable making the change yourself. Because it's a standard procedure, most auto shops will swap the battery inside a fob for a nominal charge. Some dealers may even be willing to do it for free depending on the model and year of the car.
Fob not working
The first thing you should do in the event that your key fob doesn't seem to be working is replace the batteries. This is the fastest fix and will likely resolve the issue. If your device is not working after a change of battery, it could be due to damage or another issue that requires attention from a professional.
Damage can occur to the car key fob due to a variety of reasons, such as physical trauma, water exposure or a damaged circuit board. These issues may prevent your key from sending a signal to the car's receiver and prevent your car's doors or ignition from unlocking or starting. It is possible that you will need to have a professional replace your key if it's damaged.
The buttons on your fob may have worn away with repeated use. The rubber can wear away, making the buttons less clicky or springy. They can also stop registering your press. You could try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, but it is generally recommended to examine the fob by a professional to make more extensive repairs.
Make sure that the battery you're using is the right one for your fob. You can find a list online or in many hardware stores. Refer to the owner's guide or the engraving on the fob to find out more. If the battery is not the right fit it could be a problem transmitting strong signals and supplying sufficient power to internal components.
In rare cases the issue could be in the vehicle's electronic parts or receiver. You can test this by using an actual key to open the door, and then trying to start your vehicle using the inductive backup system (if there is). If your key's physical counterpart does not open or start your car, make sure a mechanic inspect the receiver and electronic components to ensure that they're working correctly.
Fob is damaged
A key fob contains many parts that function together and a single malfunction can cause other parts to fail. If a key fob stops working it's important to examine whether there's a clear cause such as a damaged case or a damaged internal component. Check the horn, lights and other components of the car to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
It is better to replace the key fob if it is damaged than to try to repair it. The fob may require reprogramming in the car, which is something that can't usually be done at home, and requires specialized equipment to do so.
The buttons on a key fob utilize contacts to send signals to the circuit board of the key fob, but these will wear down over time. This is more likely when you drop the fob or leave it in a hot climate.
Over time the internal wiring of the key fob may wear down. It could result in a button that doesn't work when pressed, or only can be used when pressed extremely strongly. It could also result in the car not starting or unlocking when the fob is pressed.
Most key fobs have a plastic cover which can be removed and cleaned safely with soap and warm water. This can help restore a keyfob to its original function. It's also a good idea to clean it regularly to avoid dirt destroying the inside.
A bad battery is usually the reason for a key fob to not turn on or work. The majority of car dealers and mechanics can replace the battery quickly. If you are confident in installing the battery yourself then you can buy an additional one from a big-box store or hardware store and follow the instructions on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
The worst-case scenario is that your key fob has internal damages, such as cracks small electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit boards, or corroded and bent contact points for batteries. If you find any of these problems you should contact an auto locksmith or a dealer to get a replacement key fob as well as assistance in programming it to your vehicle.
Fob isn't programming.
Car key fobs are a convenient option that lets you unlock your car doors and start the engine. They can also be a source of frustration when they stop working or seem to function intermittently. In some cases the problem is solved by replacing the battery. However, in other situations it may require a more complex repair. The first step is to determine why the fob doesn't work correctly.
One of the main reasons for a malfunctioning remote is that it is no longer able to recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your car is interrupted. The connection can be restored without the need for expensive key fob repair.
If the key fob no longer sending a strong signal, other problems could be experienced. This can occur if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either case, try to reconnect your key to your car. This can be done by following the instructions that came on the key fob. Also, you should carry a spare car key in the event that your primary key fails.
The fob may not be receiving an adequate signal from the vehicle. This could be due to an insufficient battery 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 the remote tester. If the tester doesn't blink when you press one of the buttons, it could be because the battery is in need of replacement or that the fob has broken.
A car's immobilizer could also hinder a fob from sending a strong signal. This can occur if your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly, or if you have a software issue.
If you're not able to resolve the issue, or it's not worth the effort of trying to repair the fob, you should look into buying a replacement. There are low-cost alternatives from a variety of online retailers and some can be delivered directly to your doorstep.