Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse. Depending on how they're kept and how often they get moved around, their buttons could get stuck or damaged.
Luckily, most key fob issues are relatively easy to resolve. However, some issues are more serious and require assistance from a professional. Locksmiths can be a huge help in these situations.
Dead Fob Battery
The car key fobs are pretty intelligent, but that does not mean that they don't occasionally become stuck in the "not responding zone". It's time to replace your battery if this happens. But that doesn't always solve the issue, as you may also have an issue with one of the battery connector terminals.
The car makers are aware of the potential issue, and often install an extra mechanical key inside the fob for use in the event of an emergency. To access this, find the small release button or latch behind the fob (check the user manual for details). When you press this button, you can open the fob to reveal a key that you can use to unlock the car.
Another sign that your fob's battery is dying is that you have to be a lot closer to the car to unlock and open it than you did before. The transmitter of the fob loses power when its battery dies. This reduces its range.
It is relatively easy to replace the battery. Make sure you purchase the button cell battery (which looks like tiny silver coins) for your fob, and follow the user guide or video on how to remove the old battery. Then, replace the new battery in the same orientation that the previous one was inserted (the positive side should face upwards toward the buttons). Test the lock/unlock and begin the functions of the fob after reassembling it. This will ensure that the new battery is installed correctly.
You can access key fobs by looking for the latch, screw, or switch on the back, and then tearing the fob off. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to work with your car! If you're not confident in making this change yourself it's also possible to send your key fob to an expert. Since it's a routine service that most auto shops will change the battery on the fob for a small fee. Some dealers will even be willing to perform the swap for free, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob Isn't Working
Replace the batteries in your key fob if it isn't working. This is the most straightforward solution and can fix the issue. If your device still doesn't work after replacing the battery it could be caused by damage.
The damage to your car key fob for many reasons, including physical trauma, water exposure, or a damaged circuit board. These issues can stop your key from transmitting the signal to the receiver inside your car, which will then prevent your car's ignition or doors from unlocking. You may have to hire a professional to replace your fob if it is damaged.
The buttons on your keychain may have worn away with repeated use. The rubber can wear away and cause the buttons to become less responsive or clicky and may start to fail to register your pressing accurately. You can try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, but it is recommended to have the fob professionally examined for more extensive repairs.
It is also important to confirm that the battery you're using is a precise match to your fob. You can find a list of acceptable batteries online or at many hardware stores. You should always consult your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of the fob to determine the kind of battery it requires. A battery that isn't the perfect match may have issues transmitting strong signals or providing adequate power to the fob's internal components.
In some cases the issue could be in the vehicle's electronic parts or receiver. You can test this by using a physical key to open the door and then trying to start your car with the inductive backup system (if available). 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 are working properly.
Fobs that are damaged
A key fob contains many components that are interconnected, and one failure can cause others to fail. If a keyfob doesn't work, it's important that you check for obvious causes like a cracked casing or a damaged part. It's also important to check other parts of the vehicle such as the lights and horn to determine whether those are working normally.
It's better to replace the key fob if it's damaged rather than attempt to repair it. The fob may require reprogramming in the car, which is something that cannot be done at home, and it requires special equipment to do this.
Over time, the contacts on the buttons of a key fob could wear out. This is especially common if the fob gets dropped or left in hot temperatures.
The internal wiring of a key fob could also wear out over time. It could result in the button not working when pressed, or is functional when it is pressed extremely hard. This could also lead to the vehicle not being able to start or unlock once the fob has been used.
The majority of fobs have the cover of plastic that can be opened and safely cleaned with water and soap. This is a great way to help restore a key fob's proper function and it's a good idea to do this often to prevent dirt from harming the insides.
key repair for car is usually the reason for a key fob to not work or turn on. The majority of 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 the hardware store or a big-box retailer, and follow the instructions in the 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 that aren't fully attached to the circuit board, or bent or corroded battery contact points. If you find any of these problems you should contact an auto locksmith or dealer to get a replacement key fob as well as assistance in programming it to your vehicle.
Fob is not programming
The car key fob is a convenient way to start your engine and unlock the doors of your car. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or appear to function intermittently. In some cases the problem is solved by replacing the battery. In other situations it may require a more intricate repair. The first step is determining why the fob doesn't work correctly.
The most common reason for a fob malfunctioning is that it does not recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your car is cut off. This connection can be reset without the need for an expensive key fob repair.
Other issues could arise when the key fob no longer sends a strong signal. This could be the result of a key has been damaged or if the battery is dead. In any case, try to resync the key to your vehicle. This can be done by following the instructions provided on the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key, so that you can make use of it in the case that your primary key isn't working.
It's possible that the fob isn't getting the signal sufficiently strong from the car. This can be due to weak batteries in the car, interference from wireless devices, or an antenna issue. You can test the fob to determine whether this is the cause by using an external tester. If the tester does not light up when any of the buttons are pressed, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob could be damaged.
An immobilizer on your car may hinder the fob from sending out a strong signal. This can happen if the fob's programming isn't correct to your vehicle or it's a software problem.
If you're unable to resolve the issue, or it's not worth the effort of trying to repair the fob, then consider buying a new one. You can find affordable alternatives from a variety of online retailers and some can be delivered directly to your doorstep.