Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse. Buttons can become stuck or break depending on the way they are stored and how often they are jostled.
The majority of key fob issues are easy to fix. However, there are some that are more complicated and will require professional help. Locksmiths can be of great help in these situations.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs have become quite smart however, that doesn't mean they don't occasionally find themselves in the "not responding" zone. It's time to replace your battery when this happens. It's not a solution because there could be a bad connection at one of the terminals on the battery connector.
The car makers are aware of the possibility of a problem, and they often include a mechanical key inside the fob for use in such an emergency. It is accessible by pressing the small release button or latch that is located behind the fob. (Check the user's manual to find out more). By pressing this button, you can open the fob to reveal a key that you can use to unlock the car.
You will also need to be nearer to your vehicle to lock and unlock it. This is because the fob's transmitter weakens when its battery is depleted, limiting its range of operation.
Replacing the battery is easy and relatively inexpensive. You will need to purchase a button-cell battery (which is similar to the size of a small silver coin) and follow the directions in the user's manual to take out the old battery. Replace the battery in the same direction as the original 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 ensure that the new battery was installed correctly.
Some key fobs are a little tricky to open but you should be able to open them by placing the latch, switch or screw at the back of the fob and then prying it open. Be careful not to break the fob, since you'll require it to work with your car! If you're not comfortable doing this on your own then you can take your key fob to a professional. Since it's a routine service that most auto shops will change the battery inside the fob for a small fee. Some dealers will even do it for no cost, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Working
Replace the batteries in your key fob if it does not work. This is the easiest solution and will solve the issue. If your device 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 or exposure to water or a corroded or damaged board. These issues could stop your key from sending a signal to the receiver in your vehicle and prevent your car's doors or ignition from unlocking or even starting. If your fob has been damaged, it's likely that you'll require an expert to replace the component or the entire device.
The buttons on your keychain could have worn out with repeated use. The rubber can wear away and make the buttons less responsive or clicky and may start to fail to register your press accurately. You can try wiping the buttons and adjusting them to see if that fixes the problem 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 precise match to 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 correct fit, it may have issues transmitting strong signals and supplying sufficient power to internal components.
In the rarest of cases, it could be that the problem is not the key fob itself but more with the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. If you have an inductive backup system you can test it 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, have a mechanic inspect the electronic components and receiver of your car to see whether they're functioning properly.
Fob Damaged
A key fob is made up of many parts, and one malfunction can cause other components to fail. If a keyfob doesn't work it's crucial to check for obvious causes like cracks in the casing or a damaged component. It's also important to check other components electronic car key repair of the vehicle like the lights and horn to determine whether those are working normally.
It's better to replace the key fob if it is damaged than to attempt to repair it. It might be necessary to reprogram the fob to the car. This is not something you can do at home and requires specialized equipment.
Over time the contacts on buttons of a key fob could wear out. This is more common when you drop the fob or leave it outside in hot weather.
In time the internal wiring inside the key fob could get worn out. This can result in the button not working when pressed, or works when pressed very strongly. It could also result in the car not being able to start or unlock once the fob is used.
Most key fobs have the cover in plastic, which can be removed and cleaned by using soap and warm water. This is often able to restore a key fob to its original function and it's a good idea to do this often to prevent dirt from harming the insides.
A damaged battery is usually the reason why a key fob will not turn on or work. The majority of mechanics and car dealers are able to replace the batteries in a short time, but if you feel at ease doing it yourself, you can purchase a battery from a hardware store or 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, tiny electronic components not completely attached to the circuit board or corroded or bent battery contact points. If any of these is the situation, it's a good idea to consult with an auto locksmith or the dealer for suggestions on a replacement as well as assistance to program it to your vehicle.
Fob isn't programming.
The car key fob is an easy way to start your engine and unlock the doors of your vehicle. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or seem to work intermittently. In some cases the issue may be as simple as replacing the battery, but in other situations it may require an intricate repair. The first step is to determine the reason why the fob isn't working properly.
The most frequent reason for a fob to malfunction is that it doesn't recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your car is broken. You can sometimes reset the connection without the need for an repair service for your key fob.
If the key fob not sending a clear signal, other problems can be experienced. This could happen if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either case, try to reconnect your key to your car. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came by the key fob. It's also recommended to carry a spare key with you in case you need to utilize it in the case that your primary key isn't working.
The fob might not be receiving an adequate signal from the vehicle. This could be due to weak car batteries or interference from wireless devices or an antenna issue. With a remote tester, you can test the fob to see if it is the problem. If the tester does not light up when one of the buttons is pressed, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob is damaged.
A car's immobilizer could also be preventing a fob from sending a clear signal. This could be the case when your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly or if there's a software issue.
If you're not able to troubleshoot the problem or it's not worth the effort of repairing the fob, then consider buying a new one. There are low-cost options from numerous online retailers, and some of these are even delivered to your door.