Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs take a beating. Buttons can become stuck or break based on the way they are stored and how much they are thrown around.
Fortunately, the majority of key fob issues are relatively simple to solve. But some are more serious and require assistance from a professional. Locksmiths can be a great resource in these situations.
Dead Fob Battery
The car key fobs are pretty intelligent However, that doesn't mean they do not sometimes get stuck on the "not responding zone". It's time to replace your battery if this happens. This won't fix the issue since there may be an issue with one of the terminals on the battery connector.
The car makers are aware of the potential problem, and they often install an extra mechanical key inside the fob for use in an emergency. To access this, you can locate the small release switch or latch on the back of the fob (check the user's manual for more details). Pressing this can allow you to open the fob and gain access to the physical key, which you can use to unlock your car.
Another sign that your fob's battery is dying is the fact that you have to be closer to your car to open and lock it than before. The transmitter of the fob is depleted in power when the battery dies. This reduces its range.
Replacing the battery is straightforward and relatively cheap. You'll need the button-cell battery (which is similar to the size of a small silver coin) and then follow the instructions in the user 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). Test the lock/unlock and start functions of the fob after reassembling it. This will ensure that the new battery is installed correctly.
Some key fobs are a little tricky to open however, you should be able to open them by placing the latch, switch, or screw at the back of the fob, and prying it apart. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to work with your vehicle! You could also take the fob to a professional if you are not comfortable 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 no cost, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Fob not working
Replace the batteries in your key fob if it isn't working. This is the quickest fix and will likely resolve the issue. If your device still isn't working after changing the battery it could be caused by damage.
The key fob in your car can be damaged due to various reasons, such as physical trauma or exposure to water or a damaged or corroded board. These issues can prevent your key from sending a signal to the vehicle's receiver and prevent the doors of your car and/or ignition from opening or even starting. You may have to get a professional replacement for the fob if it's damaged.
Similarly, the buttons on your device may have worn out with repeated use. The rubber may wear out and make the buttons less 'clicky' or springy. They may also stop registering your presses. Try wiping the buttons and adjusting them to see if this fixes the issue However, it's generally best to take the fob to have it professionally evaluated for more thorough repairs.
Check that the battery you're using is exactly right for your fob. You can find a list on the internet or in many hardware stores. Check the owner's manual or the engraving on your fob for further details. A battery that isn't a perfect match can have problems transmitting strong signals or supplying enough power to the fob's internal components.
In rare cases it could be a problem in the vehicle's electronic parts or receiver. You can test this by using the physical key to open the door and then trying to start your car using the inductive backup system (if available). If your key's physical counterpart does not work or open your car, you should have a mechanic check the electronic components and the receiver to make sure they are working properly.
Damaged Fob
A key fob is comprised of many parts and one issue can cause other parts to fail. When a key fob stops functioning, it's vital to determine whether there's a cause obvious like a damaged or cracked case, or a damaged internal component. It's also important to check other areas of the vehicle such as the horn and lights to see whether those are working normally.
If the fob for your key is damaged, you should get a replacement from your dealer or an auto locksmith instead of trying to repair it. It may be necessary to reset the fob to connect to your car. This isn't something you can do at home and requires special equipment.
The buttons on a key fob make use of contacts that transmit signals to the circuit board of the key fob, but these will wear down over time. This is more common if you drop the fob or leave it in hot weather.
The internal wiring of a key fob could also wear out over time. This can result in the button not working when it's pressed or only functioning when it's pressed very hard. This could also lead to the vehicle not being able start or unlock once the fob is used.
Most fobs have the cover of plastic that can be opened up and cleaned using soap and water. This is a great way to bring a fob back to proper function and it's a great idea to do this regularly to prevent dirt from damaging the insides.
A bad battery is the main reason why the key fob won't turn on or work. Many mechanics and dealers can replace the battery in a short time. If you're confident in installing the battery yourself 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 manual.
The worst case scenario is that your key fob has internal damage, such as cracks, tiny electronic components not completely connected to the circuit boards or bent and corroded contact points for batteries. If any of these are the scenario, it's a great idea to consult with an auto locksmith or the dealer for a recommendation for a replacement and assistance in programming it to your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Programming
The car key fob is an easy way to start your engine and open the doors of your car. They can also be a source of frustration when they stop working or seem to be working intermittently. In some instances, the problem may be as simple as replacing the battery however, in other instances it may require a more complicated repair. car key fob repair is to determine the reason for the fob not functioning properly.
The most common reason for a fob not working is that it doesn't recognize your vehicle. This can happen if the connection between the remote and your car is cut off. You can sometimes reset the connection without the need for an repair service for your key fob.
Other problems can arise when the key fob no more sends a strong signal. 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 done by following the instructions that came with the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key to make use of it in the event that your primary key isn't working.
It's possible that the fob doesn't receive an adequate signal from the car. This could be due to weak batteries in the car, interference from wireless devices or a problem with the antenna. You can test the fob and determine whether this is the cause by using an external tester. If the tester doesn't illuminate when any of the buttons are pressing, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob is broken.
Another reason that the fob not transmitting an adequate signal is that the immobilizer system in your car is blocking it. This could happen if the fob's programming isn't correct to your vehicle, or if there is a software issue.
If you are unable to fix the fob or it isn't worth the effort to repair it, you need to purchase the new one. Many online retailers offer low-cost options and some are delivered right to your home.