Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs take a beating. Buttons can get stuck or break depending on the way they are stored and how much they are jostled.
Luckily, most problems with the key fob are easy to resolve. However, there are some that are more complicated and require expert assistance. Locksmiths can be of great help in these cases.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs have gotten pretty intelligent, but that doesn't mean they don't occasionally find themselves in the "not responding" zone. It's time to replace your battery when this occurs. It's not a solution because it could be due to a bad connection at one of the terminals on the battery connector.
Car manufacturers are aware of this issue, so they often include a spare key mechanical inside the fob in case of the case of an emergency. To access this, find the small release switch or latch on the back of the fob (check the user manual for details). By pressing this, you will be able to open the fob and gain access to an actual key that you can use to unlock your vehicle.
You'll also need to be nearer to your vehicle to lock and unlock it. The transmitter of the fob loses energy when its battery is depleted. This reduces its range.
The replacement of the battery is simple and fairly inexpensive. You will need to purchase a button-cell battery (which is similar to a small silver coin) and then follow the instructions in the user's guide to remove the old battery. After that, replace the new battery in the same direction that the previous one was placed (the positive side should be facing upwards toward the buttons). After reassembling your fob, test its start, lock and unlock functions to be certain the battery was installed correctly.
You can unlock some key fobs by locating the latch, screw, or switch at the back and prying the fob apart. You'll need the fob in order to work with your vehicle, so make sure not to damage it! If you're not confident in doing this yourself, you can also bring your key fob to a professional. Most auto shops will swap batteries for fobs at a minimal cost, since it's such an often-used repair service. Some dealers might even do it for free dependent on the model and brand of your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Working
Replace the batteries if the key fob does not work. This is the easiest solution and can fix the issue. If your fob is still not working after a battery change it could be due to damage or another issue that requires the attention of a professional.
Your car key fob can be damaged due to a variety of reasons, including physical injury or exposure to water or a corroded or damaged board. These problems can prevent your key from transmitting the signal to the receiver inside your car, which will then prevent your car's ignition or doors from locking. You may have to get a professional replacement for your fob if it is damaged.
The buttons on your device might have worn out due to repeated use. The rubber can wear away and make the buttons less clicky or springy. They may also stop registering your press. You can try wiping the buttons and adjusting them to see if this resolves the issue however, it's recommended to send the fob to be professionally examined for more comprehensive repairs.
Check that the battery you're using is exactly right for your fob. You can find a list of acceptable batteries online or at most hardware stores, and you must always refer to your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine what kind of battery it requires. A battery that is not an ideal match could be unable to transmit strong signals or supplying enough power to the fob's internal components.
In the rarest of cases, it could be that the issue isn't the key fob itself but rather with the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. If you have an inductive backup system, you can test it by opening the door with the physical key and starting the car using the inductive backup (if there is). If your physical key does not open or start your car, make sure a mechanic inspect the receiver and electronic components to ensure that they're functioning properly.
Fob Is Damaged
A key fob contains many components that work together and a single malfunction can cause other parts to fail. When a key fob stops working it's important to examine whether there's a clear cause like a cracked case or a broken internal component. It's also essential to examine other parts of the vehicle like the lights and horn to determine whether they're working as expected.
It is better to replace the key fob in case it's damaged rather than attempt to repair it. It may 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 use contacts to send signals to the key fob's circuit board however, these contacts will wear down over time. This is most common when the fob is dropped or left in hot weather.
In time the internal wiring inside a key fob can also get worn out. This could result in the button not working when it's pressed, or only working when pressing extremely hard. It can also lead to the car not opening or locking when the fob is activated.
Most key fobs come with a plastic cover which can be removed and cleaned with soap and warm water. This can restore a keyfob to its original function. It's an excellent idea to clean it regularly to prevent dirt from damaging the inside.
A bad battery is the primary reason why a key fob won't turn on or work. Many mechanics and car dealers can replace the batteries quickly however, if you're at ease doing it yourself, you can purchase a new battery from an 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 has internal damage, for example cracks in the case, tiny electronic components that are not fully connected to the circuit board or corroded or bent battery contact points. If you find any of these problems you should contact an auto locksmith or a dealer to obtain a replacement key fob and assistance in programming it for your vehicle.
Fob isn't programming.
The car key fob is a convenient method to start your engine and unlock the doors of your car. When they stop working or fail to function, they can be a hassle. In some instances, the issue is solved by replacing the battery. However, in other situations it may require a more complex repair. The first step is to determine the reason for the fob not functioning correctly.
The most frequent reason for a fob not working is that it doesn't recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your car is interrupted. car key fob repair is possible to reset this connection without having to call a key fob repair service.
When the key fob is not sending a strong signal, other problems can occur. This could be the result of a key has been damaged or the battery is not functioning properly. In either case, you should try to resync your key with your car. This can be done by following the instructions included with the key fob. It's also a good idea to carry an additional key, so that you can make use of it in the case that your primary key isn't working.
It's also possible that the fob isn't receiving the signal sufficiently strong from the car. This can be caused by an insufficient car battery, interference from wireless devices, or an antenna issue. By using a remote tester you can test the fob and see if it is the problem. If the tester doesn't light up when you press any of the buttons, it may be a sign that the battery is in need of replacement or the fob is been damaged.
Another possible reason for the fob not sending an adequate signal is that the immobilizer system in your car is hindering it from sending a strong signal. This can happen if the fob isn't properly programmed to your vehicle or in the event of an issue with the software.
If remote key fob repair to solve the issue or it's not worth the hassle of repairing the fob, then consider buying a new one. You can find low-cost options from numerous online retailers, and some of these can be delivered directly to your door.