A Productive Rant About Key Fob Repair Service
Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs take a beating. Depending on how they're kept and how often they are jostled, their buttons can be damaged or stuck.
Most key fob problems are easy to fix. But some are more serious and require expert assistance. Locksmiths can be a great resource in these instances.
Dead Fob Battery
The car key fobs are pretty smart, but that does not mean that they don't occasionally get stuck on the "not responding zone". When this happens, it's usually time to replace the battery. However, key fob repair near me doesn't always fix the issue, as you may also have a bad connection on one of the battery connector terminals.
The car makers are aware of the possibility of a problem, and they often install an extra mechanical key in the fob for use in an emergency. It is accessible by pressing the small release button or latch on the back of the fob. (Check the user manual to find out more). Pressing this button, you can open the fob and reveal a key that you can use to open the car.
You'll also need to be nearer to your car to lock and unlock it. The transmitter of the fob loses power when its battery dies. This limits its range.
It's relatively simple to replace the battery. Just be sure to buy a button cell battery (which looks like a tiny silver coin) 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 orientation that the old one was inserted (the positive side should face upwards towards the buttons). After reassembling your fob, test its start, lock and unlock functions to ensure that the new battery was placed correctly.
You can open some key fobs by looking for the latch, screw, or switch in the back, and then tearing the fob in two. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to operate your vehicle! If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can also send your key fob to an expert. Since it's a routine service the majority of auto shops will replace the battery in a fob for a nominal fee. Some dealers might even do it for free dependent on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob not working
The first thing to do when your key fob isn't working is to replace the batteries. This is the most efficient solution and will likely resolve the issue. If your fob is still not working after a battery change it could be due to damage or another issue that requires attention from a professional.
The key fob in your car can be damaged due to various reasons, including physical injury or exposure to water or a corroded or damaged board. These issues may prevent your key from communicating with the car's receiver which can then stop your car's doors or ignition from locking or turning on. If your fob has been damaged, it's likely you will need a professional to repair or replace the component or the entire device.
Similarly, the buttons on your fob may have become worn out over time with repeated use. The rubber may wear out making the buttons less clicky or springy. They may also cease to register your presses. You can try wiping down the buttons and adjusting them to see if this fixes the issue, but it's usually best to take the fob to have it professionally evaluated for more thorough repairs.
Double check that the battery you're using is the right one for your fob. You can find a list of acceptable batteries online or in most hardware stores, and you should always consult your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine which kind of battery it requires. A battery that isn't a perfect match can be unable to transmit strong signals or providing adequate power to the internal components of the fob.
In some cases it could be a problem related to the vehicle's electronic components or receiver. You can test this by using a physical key to open the door, and then trying to start your car using the inductive backup system (if there is). If the physical key you have not open or start your car, make sure a mechanic inspect the receiver and electronic components to ensure that they're working correctly.
Fob Damaged
A key fob is comprised of many components and a single malfunction could cause other components to fail. If a keyfob stops working, it's important that you check for obvious causes like cracked casings or a damaged part. It's also important to check other components of the vehicle, such as the lights and horn to determine whether they're working as expected.
If the fob for your key is damaged, it's best to obtain a replacement from your dealership or an auto locksmith rather than trying to repair it. It might be necessary to reset the fob to the car. This is not something you can do at home, and requires specialized equipment.
The buttons on a key fob use contacts that transmit signals to the circuit board of the key fob however, these contacts can wear down over time. This is especially common if the fob gets dropped or left in hot weather.
The internal wiring of a key fob may also wear out over time. This could lead to the button not working when it's pressed, or only working when it's pressing very hard. It could also cause the car not opening or locking when the fob is pressed.
The majority of key fobs have the cover in plastic, which can be removed and cleaned safely by using soap and warm water. This is a great way to bring a fob back to functioning properly and it's a good idea to do it often to prevent dirt from damaging the insides.
A bad battery is the main reason why the key fob won't start or function. The majority of mechanics and car dealers are able to replace the batteries in a short time but if you're comfortable doing it yourself, you can purchase a new battery from an hardware store or big-box retailer, and follow the instructions in the owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.
The worst case scenario is that your key fob has internal damages, such as cracks small electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit boards or bent and corroded contact points for batteries. If any of the above is the situation, it's a good idea to talk to an auto locksmith or the dealer for suggestions for a replacement and 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 vehicle. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or appear to function intermittently. In some instances the issue could be as simple as replacing the battery but in other situations it may require an even more complex repair. The first step is determining why the fob doesn't work correctly.
The most common reason for a fob to malfunction is that it doesn't recognize your vehicle. This is because the connection between the remote and your car is interrupted. This connection can be restored without the need for an expensive key fob repair.
Other problems can arise when the key fob no more sends an energizing signal. This can occur if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either situation, attempt to reconnect the key to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came by the key fob. You should also carry a spare car key in the event that your primary key is lost.
It's possible that the fob isn't getting the signal sufficiently strong from the car. This could be caused by a weak car battery or interference from wireless devices or an antenna issue. You can test the fob to see if this is the issue by using the remote tester. If the tester does not light up when you press one of the buttons, it could be because the battery has to be replaced or that the fob is broken.
An immobilizer on your car may hinder a fob from sending out a strong signal. This could be the case when your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly, or if there is a software problem.
If you're unable to repair the fob, or it's not worth the effort to fix it, you should buy a new one. You can find low-cost options from many online retailers, and some of these can even be delivered to your doorstep.