Key Fob Repair Tips From The Top In The Industry

Car Key Fob Repair Service

If your car's key fob doesn't work you may be in a bind. While replacing it with a brand new key fob can be expensive but sometimes it's the best alternative.

You can save money by going to other places before you go to the dealer.

Dead Battery

A dead fob battery is one of the most common problems with key fobs. This could be a shock and especially if it happens right before you leave for work or attending a social gathering. Even if you have an alternative plan in place like a spare key or a phone number to call roadside assistance, you will likely require the fob to be repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to know that most car keyfob battery problems can be easily fixed with the right knowledge.

Many modern cars come with a backup system that accounts for the possibility of the fob battery failing. If you attach an uncharged fob to the ignition, you are able to usually start the vehicle. If you own a push-to-start vehicle, it will unlock the doors. The owner's guide for your vehicle will include detailed instructions on where to put the key fob to start it.

Other reasons for the key fob to not respond to press buttons or turning off include a button which isn't pressed all the way or is a battery with a low capacity or a remote which requires programming. In some cases cleaning your key fob may be enough to make it work again. Since key fob buttons are frequently pressed over and over again the dirt may accumulate and stop them from pressing down to the fullest extent.

An easy way to clean your key fob in a pinch can be to make use of the end of a paper clip. This can be used to open the case safely and remove your old battery. Keep an extra battery as well as any tools you may need to open the case of your key fob on hand. This way, you can be prepared for an issue with your key fob, so that it doesn't disrupt your routine and result in having to call for roadside assistance. You can also keep an extra key in your purse so you don't get surprised by a key fob issue.

Button Issues

The buttons on a key fob send signals to the circuit board of the remote when they are hit. If the buttons become worn out, signals might not be sent. Your fob may stop working. This could happen over time, or could be due to some other issue with the car or fob. A professional will be able to repair or replace the button if it's worn.

Key fobs are usually subjected to a lot of abuse. They're dropped, banged around and exposed to cold and hot on a daily basis. They're also quite fragile and can be easily broken. The inside of the fob contains parts like a circuit board and battery contacts that could be destroyed if abused enough.

Change the battery inside your key fob is usually enough to solve most issues however, some issues are more complicated than that. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver in order to open the case of your key fob and see whether it is required to be cleaned or replaced. The most common batteries used in key fobs are 3V button cell batteries, which can be purchased at almost any store.

Even a small amount can harm the fob. This could be a problem when you wash the key fob or go swimming with it in your pocket. This can damage the chip, preventing the key fob from functioning.

A professional locksmith is your best option if you're having a problem with the button. They are usually able to fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also work on other electrical problems, like lighting problems or a horn that aren't turning on.

Cars are expensive, so it's essential to stay up to date with technology and equipment that make them run. If you don't do this then your vehicle will not function properly and you will be having a harder time getting to where you would like to go. It's also a safety issue to have faulty equipment and technology because it can lead to more serious mechanical problems later on.

Broken Battery Terminals

If you have been trying to start your car but the fob hasn't been working it could be an indication that the battery terminals are broken. The fob has to be able to communicate with the vehicle's central system in order to unlock it and start it. The communication happens via a small radio transmitter within the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted to the car key's internal circuit (if there is one) which then opens the doors and starts the engine. The fob is able to send the signal up to 50 feet away, but when the battery's terminals are damaged, the transmission will not function.

Fortunately, these are simple solutions. Replacing the battery is generally as simple as removing the old battery, finding out which type of replacement batteries are required and then heading to an auto parts retailer or online store to find the right one. Some key fobs are difficult to open to access the batteries, however, and it is important to be careful so that you do not break anything inside.

The next step is to try the key fob a second time. If it's still not working it could be because the metal key itself inside the fob has been damaged or that the key has been programmed. Modern keys have to be programmed in order to work with a specific vehicle, and certain error codes may cause a problem with the programming on the key fob. This can be remedied by a professional who can program the key again to the car.

A damaged fob is a second possibility, especially if the fob was placed in a container or left out in the rain. It could also be that the key fob was exposed to excessive heat or had other issues that led to the circuit board to fail. This can happen when you have work done to your car and accidentally exposed wires. This could result in other issues, such as a damaged key repairs fob or a broken horn. Check your key fob and replace or repair it if needed. In the absence of a functioning key can be stressful and dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are a wonderful convenience however, they can cause issues that require professional repair. Luckily, many of the issues that can affect a car key fob are relatively simple and inexpensive to repair. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues and solutions for them:

A dead battery

The most basic remotes can last for a long time before requiring replacement batteries, however the lifespan of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries are typically required to be replaced every three or four years, and they will cease to function when they are too old. Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix - just purchase a new replacement battery and then install it.

A damaged receiver

To open and start your vehicle the transmitter on your keyfob needs to receive a signal from the receiver in your car. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't be able to pass through and car key Fob repair will remain inaccessible. This is an easy issue to determine however, it could be necessary to replace the whole receiver if it's too damaged.

Not programmed

Certain cars of the present require a chip that is included in the key fob for it to start. The chip communicates to the car using an exclusive code that is only known by the manufacturer. In most cases, you must go to the dealer to purchase an alternative fob that has been programmed correctly for your car. However, you can sometimes find aftermarket fobs online that are compatible with most automobiles.

Not working

If you've tried to replace the battery and buttons but your car key fob still does not work it could be due to an electrical issue or some other type of issue that requires professional attention. A locksmith expert can swiftly solve the issue by looking for the issue. This service is usually less expensive than a trip to the dealership. The cost of a replacement fob will differ based on the model of your vehicle and the locksmith you use locally. You can contact a few companies in your area to get an idea of the price before committing to the job.