Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs can be damaged. remote car key repair can get stuck or break depending on how they are stored and how much they are thrown around.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with the key fob are easy to resolve. But some are more serious and require assistance from a professional. A locksmith can be a huge help in these situations.
Dead Fob Battery
The key fobs for cars are quite intelligent, but that does not mean they won't sometimes get stuck in the "not responding zone". If this happens, it's time to replace the battery. However, this doesn't always fix the issue, since you could also have an issue with one of the battery connector's terminals.
The car manufacturers are aware of this issue, and they frequently install a spare mechanical key inside the fob in case of the case of an emergency. To access this, you can find the small release switch or latch on the back of the fob (check the user manual for specifics). Pressing this can allow you to unlock the fob and gain access to a physical key, which you can use to unlock your vehicle.
Another sign that your fob's battery is dying is that you have to be a lot closer to your car to open and lock it than you did before. This is due to the fact that the fob's transmitter loses strength as its battery ages, limiting its range of operation.
It's fairly easy to replace the battery. You'll need a button-cell battery (which is similar to an elongated silver coin) and follow the directions in the user manual to take out the old battery. Replace the battery in the same way as the old one (the positive side facing upwards toward the buttons). Test the lock/unlock and start functions of the fob after reassembling it to ensure the new battery is placed correctly.
You can unlock some key fobs by locating the latch, screw, or switch on the back and then prying the fob in two. Be careful not to break the fob, because you'll need it to connect to your car! If you're not comfortable making this change yourself it's also possible to take your key fob to a professional. Many auto shops will change the battery of a fob at a minimal cost as it's an everyday repair service. Some dealers might even do it for free dependent on the make and model of your vehicle.
Fob not working
The first thing you need to do when your key fob isn't working is to replace the batteries. This is the easiest solution and will fix the problem. If your fob still does not work after changing the battery, it could be due to damage.
The key fob in your car can be damaged due to various reasons, including physical injury or exposure to water or a damaged or corroded board. These issues can 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 turning on. If your fob has been damaged, it's likely you will need an expert to repair or replace the component or the entire device.
The buttons on your device may have worn away with repeated use. The rubber may wear out and make the buttons less springy or 'clicky' and eventually, they'll start to fail to register your press accurately. You can try wiping down the buttons and adjusting them to see if that fixes the problem However, it's generally best to take the fob to be professionally evaluated for more thorough repairs.
Make sure that the battery you're using is the right one for your fob. 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 isn't a perfect match can be unable to transmit powerful signals or providing sufficient power to the internal components of the fob.
In rare instances it could be a problem with the vehicle's electronic components or receiver. You can test this by using an actual key to open the door, and then trying to start your car using the inductive backup system (if available). If your physical key does not allow you to start your car, have a mechanic check the electronic components and the receiver to make sure they are working properly.
Fob Is Damaged
A key fob has many parts that function together and a single failure could cause other parts to fail. If a key fob ceases to function it is important to check for obvious causes like cracks in the casing or a broken component. Check the horn, lights and other components of the vehicle to make sure they are working properly.
If the fob for your key is damaged, you should obtain a replacement from your dealer or an auto locksmith instead of attempting to repair it. It may be necessary to reprogram the fob for 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 particularly true if the fob gets dropped or left in hot temperatures.
As time passes, the internal wiring in the key fob may get worn out. It could result in buttons that don't function when pressed, or only is functional when it is pressed extremely hard. It can also lead to the car not opening or locking when the fob is used.
Most key fobs come with a plastic cover which can be removed and cleaned with soap and warm water. This can bring a keyfob back to its original function. It's an excellent idea for you to do it frequently to prevent dirt from damaging the inside.
A bad battery is usually the reason the key fob will not turn on or work. Most car dealers and mechanics can change the batteries quickly, but if you feel at ease doing it yourself you can buy a 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 within the case, tiny electronic components not completely attached to the circuit board or bent or corroded battery contact points. If any of these are the case, it's a good idea to consult with an auto locksmith or dealer for suggestions for a replacement and assistance getting it programmed for your vehicle.
Fob is not programming
The car key fob is a convenient way to start your engine and open the doors of your vehicle. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or appear to be working intermittently. In some cases 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 determine why the fob isn't functioning properly.
One of the main reasons for a malfunctioning fob is that it no longer recognizes your vehicle. This can happen if the connection between the remote and your car is cut off. The connection can be restored without the need for expensive key fob repair.
If the key fob not sending a strong signal, other problems can occur. This can 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 on the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key, so that you can use it in the event that your primary key isn't working.
It's possible that the fob isn't receiving the signal sufficiently strong from the car. This could be due a weak battery in the car, interference from wireless devices or an antenna issue. You can test the fob and determine whether this is the problem by using a remote tester. If the tester doesn't illuminate when any of the buttons are pressing, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob is broken.
Another possible reason for a fob not sending the right signal is that the car's immobilizer system is blocking it from doing so. This can occur when your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly or if there's a software issue.
If you can't fix the fob or it's not worth the trouble to try to fix it, you should purchase a new one. There are low-cost options from many online retailers, and some of these can be delivered directly to your doorstep.