Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are subjected to a lot of abuse. Depending on how they're kept and how often they get knocked around, their buttons may be damaged or stuck.
Fortunately, the majority of key fob issues are relatively simple to fix. But some are more serious and require expert assistance. A locksmith can be of great help in these situations.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs have become pretty smart, 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. This doesn't solve the problem because it could be due to an issue with the connection on one of the terminals on the battery connector.
The car makers are aware of the possibility of a issue, and often include a mechanical key in the fob to be used in such an emergency. You can access it by pressing the small release button or latch behind the fob. (Check the user manual for further details). Pressing this button, you can open the fob to reveal a physical key you can use to unlock your car.
It is also necessary to be close to your vehicle in order to lock and unlock it. The transmitter of the fob loses power when its battery dies. This reduces its range.
The replacement of the battery is simple and relatively inexpensive. You'll need to purchase the button-cell battery (which looks like an elongated silver coin) and then follow the steps in the user guide to remove the old battery. Then, simply replace the new battery in the same way that the previous one was placed (the positive side should face upwards toward the buttons). After reassembling the fob, test its start, lock and unlock functions to make sure that the new battery was placed correctly.
Some key fobs can be difficult to open, but you should be able to open them by locating the latch, switch, or screw on the back of the fob, and then prying it open. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to work with your car! You can also take your fob to an expert if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Since it's a routine service the majority of auto shops will replace the battery inside fobs for a minimal cost. Some dealers might even offer it for free dependent on the make and model of your vehicle.
Fob not working
The first thing to do if your key fob isn't working is to replace the batteries. This is the fastest fix and is the most likely way to fix the issue. If your device is not functioning after a battery change, it may be due to damage or another issue that requires the attention of a professional.
Your car key fob can be damaged for a variety of reasons, such as physical trauma, exposure to water, or a damaged or corroded board. These issues may prevent your key from communicating with the vehicle's receiver which can then stop the doors of your car and/or ignition from unlocking or starting. If your fob is damaged, it's likely that you'll require a professional to repair or replace the component or the entire device.
The buttons on your fob may have worn out over time with repeated use. Rubber can wear out, making the buttons less clicky or springy. They can also stop registering your presses. You can try wiping down the buttons and adjusting them to see if this fixes the problem however, it's best to take the fob to a professional evaluated for more thorough repairs.
It is important to ensure that the new battery you're using is a exact match for the fob you're using. You can find a list on the internet or in many hardware stores. Consult your owner's guide or the engraving on your fob for further details. A battery that is not the perfect match may have issues transmitting strong signals or providing adequate power to the fob's internal components.
In rare instances it could be that the issue is not with your key fob but rather with the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. You can test this by using a physical key to open the door and then trying to start your vehicle using the inductive backup system (if there is). If your physical key does not open or start your car, make sure a mechanic check the receiver and electronic components to ensure that they're working correctly.
Fob Is Damaged
A key fob is composed of many parts and one issue can cause other parts to fail. If key repair near me working, it's important that you examine the cause for obvious reasons such as a cracked casing or a damaged part. It's also important to check other components of the vehicle like the horn and lights to see whether they're working as expected.
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 isn't something you can do at home and requires special equipment.
Over time, the contacts on the buttons of a key fob could wear out. This is more likely if you drop the fob or leave it outside in hot weather.
The internal wiring of a key fob could be worn out over time. It could result in the button not working when pressed, or only is functional when it is pressed extremely hard. It could also result in the vehicle not being able start or unlock when the fob has been used.
Most key fobs come with an outer cover made of plastic that can be removed and cleaned with soap and warm water. This is a great way to help restore a key fob's its original function, and it's a good practice to clean it often to prevent dirt from damaging the insides.
A bad battery is the main reason that the key fob won't start or function. Many mechanics and car dealers can replace the batteries quickly however, if you're at ease doing it yourself, you can buy a battery from the hardware store or a big-box retailer and follow instructions in the owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.
The worst-case scenario is that your key fob is damaged internal damages, such as cracks, tiny electronic components not fully connected to the circuit boards or bent and corroded contact points on the battery. If you observe any of these issues it is recommended to consult an auto locksmith or a dealer to get a replacement key fob as well as assistance in programming it for your vehicle.
Fob Isn't Programming
The car key fob is an easy way to start your engine and open the doors of your car. If they stop working, or fail to function, they can be a hassle. In some cases, the issue can be resolved by replacing the battery. However, in other situations it may require a more complicated repair. The first step is determining why the fob doesn't work properly.
The most frequent reason for a fob malfunctioning is that it does not recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your vehicle is interrupted. This connection can be restored without the need for costly key fob repair.
If the key fob no longer sending a strong signal, other problems can be experienced. This could happen if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either event, try to resync your key with your car. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came by the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key in case you need to make use of it in the event that the primary key isn't working.
The fob may not receive a strong signal from the vehicle. This could be due a weak battery in the car or interference from wireless devices or a problem with the antenna. With a remote tester, you can test the fob and check if it's the issue. If the tester doesn't light up when one of the buttons is pressing, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob could be broken.
The immobilizer in your car could hinder the fob from sending a clear signal. This can happen if your fob's programming isn't correct to your vehicle, or it's a software issue.
If you're not able to solve the issue or it's not worth the hassle of repairing the fob, then look into buying a replacement. You can find low-cost options from many online retailers, and some of these can be delivered directly to your doorstep.