Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs take a beating. Depending on how they're kept and how often they are knocked around, their buttons may become stuck or broken.
Luckily, most issues with key fobs are easy to resolve. Certain key fob issues are more serious and require assistance from a professional. This is where a locksmith can help.
Dead Fob Battery
The key fobs for cars are quite intelligent, but that does not mean they won't sometimes get stuck on the "not responding zone". When this happens, it's time to replace the battery. This won't fix the issue because there could be an issue with the connection on one of the terminals on the battery connector.
The car manufacturers are aware of the possibility of a issue, and often include a mechanical key in the fob to be used in such an emergency. To access this, you can find the small release button or latch on the back of the fob (check the user's manual for more details). Pressing this button, you can open the fob and reveal a key that you can use to open the car.
Another indication that your fob's batteries are dying is that you have to be much closer to your car to open and lock it than before. The transmitter of the fob's transmitter loses power when the battery dies. This reduces its range.
It's fairly easy to replace the battery. Make sure you purchase the button cell battery (which appears to be like an incredibly small silver coin) for your fob and follow the user's guideline or video instructions on how to take out the old one. Then, replace the new battery in the same direction that the previous one was inserted (the positive side should be facing upward toward the buttons). After reassembling the 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 at the back and then prying the fob in two. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to work with your car! If you're not confident in doing this on your own, you can also bring your fob to a professional. Since it's a routine service the majority of auto shops will swap the battery inside the fob for a small cost. Some dealers might even be willing to complete the task for free based on the model and brand of your vehicle.
Fob not working
Replace the batteries if the key fob does not work. This is the quickest fix and most likely what can fix the issue. If your device still isn't working after changing the battery it could be caused by damage.
Damage can happen to the car key fob for many reasons including physical trauma, exposure to water or a corroded circuit board. These issues can prevent your key from sending a signal to the vehicle's receiver and prevent your car's doors and/or ignition from locking or even starting. If your fob is damaged it's likely that you'll need an expert to repair or replace the component or the entire device.
The buttons on your device could have become worn out over time with repeated use. The rubber may wear out and make the buttons less 'clicky' or springy. They can also stop registering your press. You can try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, however, it is recommended to have the fob professionally examined to make more extensive repairs.
You should also double check that the new battery you're using is a precise match to your fob. You can find a list of acceptable batteries online or at most hardware stores, and you must always consult the owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine what type of battery it needs. A battery that is not an ideal match could have problems transmitting strong signals or providing adequate power to the fob's internal components.
In the rarest of cases, it could be that the issue is not with your key fob, but more 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 car using the inductive backup system (if available). If your physical key doesn't open or start your car check with a mechanic the electronic components and receiver of your vehicle to determine whether they're working properly.
Fob Damaged
A key fob is made up of a variety of parts, and one malfunction can cause other parts to fail. If a keyfob doesn't work, it's important that you examine the cause for obvious reasons such as cracks in the casing or a broken component. It's also important to check other components of the vehicle, such as the horn and lights to see whether they're functioning normally.
If the fob for your key is damaged, you should find a replacement at your dealer or an auto locksmith instead of trying to repair it. key repair might require reprogramming to the vehicle and this isn't something you can do at home, and requires special equipment to do so.
The buttons on a key fob use contacts that transmit signals to the circuit board on the key fob, but these may wear out over time. key fob repairs near me is particularly true if the fob is dropped or left in hot weather.
As time passes, the internal wiring in the key fob could become worn down. It could result in buttons that don't function when pressed, or only is functional when it is pressed extremely hard. key fob repair near me could also result in the car not opening or locking when the fob is activated.
Most fobs have a plastic cover that can be opened and then cleaned with soap and water. This is often able to bring a fob back to functioning properly and it's a great idea to do it often to prevent dirt from harming the insides.
A damaged 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 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 your owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.
The worst-case scenario is that the key fob has internal damage, such as cracks in the case, teeny electronic components not completely attached to the circuit board, or corroded or bent battery contact points. If you observe 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 vehicle. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or appear to be working intermittently. In some instances the issue may be as simple as replacing the battery, but in other cases it may require an intricate repair. The first step is to figure out why the fob isn't functioning properly.
The most common reason for a fob malfunctioning is that it doesn't recognize your vehicle. This can happen if the connection between the remote and your vehicle is interrupted. This connection can be restored without the need for an expensive key fob repair.
When the key fob is no longer sending a strong signal, other problems could occur. This could be the result of a key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either situation, try to reconnect the key to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came with the key fob. It's also recommended to carry a spare key with you, so that you can utilize it in the event that your primary key isn't working.
The fob might not be receiving a strong signal from the vehicle. This could be due to weak car batteries, interference from wireless devices, or an antenna problem. Using a remote tester, you can test the fob to check if it's the problem. If the tester doesn't light up when any of the buttons are press, the battery might need to be replaced or the fob may be damaged.
An immobilizer on your car may hinder a fob from sending a clear signal. This could happen when your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly or if there's a software issue.
If you're unable to repair the fob or it isn't worth the effort to repair it, you should purchase the new one. Many online retailers offer cheap options, and some can be delivered right to your home.