Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse. Depending on how they're kept and how often they are knocked around, their buttons may get stuck or damaged.
Fortunately, the majority of issues with key fobs are easy to resolve. But some are more serious and will require professional help. Locksmiths can be a huge help in these cases.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs have become pretty intelligent however this doesn't mean that they won't occasionally find themselves in the "not responding" zone. If this happens, it's time to replace the battery. This won't fix the issue because there could be an issue with one of the terminals on the battery connector.
Car manufacturers are aware of this potential issue, so they often include a spare key mechanical inside the fob in case of such an emergency. To access this, you can find the small release switch or latch located behind the fob (check the user manual for specifics). Pressing this button, you'll be able to open the fob and reveal a physical key you can use to open the car.
Another sign that your fob's batteries are dying is the fact that you have to be closer to the car to open and lock it than you did before. The transmitter of the fob's transmitter loses power when the battery dies. This limits its range.
It's fairly easy to replace the battery. Just be sure to buy the button cell battery (which looks like tiny silver coins) for your fob, and follow the user's guide or video on how to remove the old one. After that, replace the new battery in the same direction that the old one was placed (the positive side should face upwards towards 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 placed correctly.
Some key fobs are a little tricky to open, but you should be able to open them by finding the latch, switch, or screw at the back of the fob and then prying it open. You'll need the fob to work with your vehicle, so take care not to cause damage! If you're not confident in doing this yourself it's also possible to take your fob to an expert. Most auto shops will swap the battery of a fob for a nominal fee, since it's such an often-used repair service. Some dealers will 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 does not work. This is the most straightforward solution and will solve the issue. If your device still does not work after changing the battery it could be caused by damage.
The damage to the car key fob for a variety of reasons, including physical trauma, exposure to water, or a damaged circuit board. These issues may prevent your key from sending a signal to the vehicle's receiver, which then prevents the doors of your car and/or ignition from opening or even starting. You may have to hire a professional to replace your fob if it is damaged.
The buttons on your fob may have worn out with repeated use. The rubber can wear away and make the buttons less responsive or clicky and may begin to fail to register your presses reliably. You can try wiping the buttons and then adjusting them to see if that fixes the problem, but it's usually best to take the fob to a professional examined for more comprehensive repairs.
It is also important to confirm that the new battery you're using is a precise match for your fob. You can find a list of acceptable batteries online or at many hardware stores, and you should always consult your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine which type of battery it needs. A battery that is not a perfect match can have problems transmitting powerful signals or providing sufficient power to the internal components of the fob.
In rare cases the issue could be related to the vehicle's electronic components or receiver. If you have an inductive backup system you can test it by opening the door with an actual key and start the car with the inductive backup (if available). If your key isn't working to open or start your vehicle then a mechanic should inspect the electronic components and receiver of your car to see whether they're functioning properly.
Fob that is damaged
A key fob has many parts that are interconnected and a single malfunction can cause other parts to fail. When a key fob stops functioning, it's vital to determine whether there's a clear cause such as a damaged case or a broken internal component. Check the horn, lights and other components of the car to ensure they're working properly.
If the key fob is damaged, it's best to obtain a replacement from your dealer or an auto locksmith instead of trying to fix it. It might be necessary to reset the fob to connect to your car. This isn't something you can do at home and requires specialized equipment.
The buttons on a key fob use contacts to transmit signals to the circuit board of the key fob however, these contacts can wear down over time. This is especially true when you drop the fob or leave it in a hot climate.
The internal wiring of a key fob may also wear out over time. This can result in a button that doesn't work when pressed, or only can be used when pressed extremely strongly. This can also result in the vehicle not being able start or unlock after the fob is pressed.
The majority of key fobs have an outer cover made of plastic that can be removed and cleaned safely with soap and warm water. This can bring a keyfob back to its original purpose. It's recommended to clean it frequently to avoid dirt damaging the inside.
A damaged battery is the most common reason why the key fob will not start or function. Many mechanics and dealers can replace the battery in a short time. If you're comfortable with the installation, you can purchase an additional one from the big-box or a hardware store, and follow the instructions on YouTube or in your owner's guide.
The most likely scenario is that your key fob has internal damage, such as cracks small electronic components that aren't fully attached to the circuit boards or bent and corroded contact points on the battery. If you find any of these issues you should contact an auto locksmith or a dealer to obtain a new key fob as well as assistance in programming it to your vehicle.
Fob is not programming
The car key fob is an easy way to start your engine and unlock the doors of your vehicle. They can also be a source of frustration when they stop working or seem to work intermittently. In some instances the issue may be as simple as replacing the battery, but in other situations it may require a more complicated repair. The first step is to figure out the reason why the fob isn't working correctly.
One of the most frequent reasons for a malfunctioning remote is that it has stopped recognizing your vehicle. This can happen when the connection between your remote and the car is damaged. This connection can be reset without the need for expensive key fob repair.
If the key fob not sending a strong signal, other problems can be experienced. This could be the result of a key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either case, try to reconnect your key with your vehicle. key repair near me can be accomplished by following the directions provided with the key fob. It is also recommended to keep a spare car key in the event that your primary key fails.
The fob may not receive a strong signal from the vehicle. 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 problem by using a remote tester. If the tester does not light up when you press one of the buttons, it may be because the battery has to be replaced or that the fob has been damaged.
The immobilizer in your car could be preventing a fob from sending out a strong signal. This could happen if the fob isn't properly programmed to your vehicle or if there is a software problem.
If you're not able to troubleshoot the problem or it's not worth the hassle of repairing the fob, you should think about buying a new one. Many online retailers offer low-cost options and some are delivered to your residence.