How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Even though we put them through a lot, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. In fact, they can break down in many different ways.
The most frequent issue is a dead battery however, other issues could be much more serious. Fortunately, many of these can be fixed with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is likely the most frequent reason the car key fob stop working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, especially if they are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, humidity or even water. It's a good idea keep an additional fob battery in your wallet just in case.
You will usually know that the battery in your car key fob is depleted because the LED light will cease to blink. The fob might be unable to function from the same distance it was previously working to. In this scenario it might be necessary to re-program the key fob or even replace it entirely.
Fortunately replacing the battery in a car key fob is easy. First, find out what kind of battery is being used. The type should be engraved on the back of the fob. Google can assist you if you're not sure. Once you have found the type of battery and the key fob, you can open it at the junction. You'll need an small screwdriver with a flat head or even your fingernail to pry the two halves apart. Then, remove the old battery and insert an alternative one in its place. Insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers aren't aware that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their car, and the buttons stop working. In some instances this issue can be resolved by reprogramming the fob however, this can be expensive and time-consuming. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they can jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you've tried all the options and your vehicle still won't start, it's the right time to speak with an expert. A certified technician can determine if the vehicle's computer system requires reprogramming or if the fob requires an upgrade in battery. They may also recommend an auto shop to replace the key fob. Sometimes it is possible that a new fob may be the best option.
Circuit Board Damage
The key fob isn't indestructible, but it is able to be able to withstand a variety of physical damage. The battery, circuit board and buttons are all susceptible to wear and tear. It is essential to take care of these parts to ensure that your key fob is in good working order.
Make sure that the battery still functioning on your key fob. If it is replaced, see if that fixes your problem. If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open some key fobs because they don't have an easy release mechanism. You may cause damage to your fob by trying break it. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, but you must always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.
Another issue that is common is a damaged or corrupted circuit board in the key fob. This can be caused by various factors, including dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment. Issues with software or an accident firmware update could also cause this. If your key fob is not functioning, you might think about getting it changed. This can be done by a locksmith who specializes in this type of work.
Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices transmitting on the same frequency as your key fob, such a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the situation you must contact the other device manufacturer to make sure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.
It is also possible to replace a switch or another electrical component in your key fob. You can find online guides that will guide you through the process of fixing this yourself. It's important to be careful when doing this, though because the circuit boards inside the key fob are tiny and can break easily if they are handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, be sure to use an SMT switch of good quality and solder the switch in place correctly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are subject to a lot wear and tear. They're prone to being dropped and often spend a lot of time moving around in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this jostling can cause the buttons to wear out or become stuck. In this case an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to make it work again.
Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can detect if they've been pressed. This is due to the fact that they decrease the chance of someone else stealing your vehicle. If your key fob's buttons don't respond when pushed, that's an indication that they're worn-out and need to be replaced.
Key fobs also contain an electronic circuit inside that sends signals to the car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well instructions to start the engine. If the circuit board inside is damaged, then your key fob might not allow you to unlock or start your engine. This kind of damage is typically caused by blunt force or water.
You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing out when you press them harder than normal in order to get them working. Additionally your fob could stop transmitting a signal to the car or have less range than before.
Contact a locksmith right away when you're not able to use your key fob to access your car. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob is damaged or the ignition cylinder has worn out.
Fortunately, most car key fob problems aren't too serious or complex. The best way to avoid being taken by surprise by an issue with your key fob is to keep an extra key in your possession at all times. You won't be left stranded due to an unresponsive or lost key. If car key repair near me do happen to lose your car key spare A locksmith can rekey it to ensure it is compatible with the ignition of your car. They'll also be able to fix any internal damage that has occurred on the key fob.
Broken Case
The case for your key fob provides more than just protection for the buttons and battery. It also houses the circuit board responsible for doing all of the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. This board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car.
Your key fob will not function if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a dead key fob can be reset which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can assist you with.
Batteries could be the reason of your key fob not working. The battery can be replaced at home. The good thing is that you can find an alternative battery on the internet or at your local auto parts shop since these batteries aren't exclusive to key fobs.
There are many ways to open the key fob and go inside it, depending on the kind. A quick search on the internet will reveal what kind of key fob you have and the type of battery it uses. You can then buy a new replacement and pop the old one out, and then insert the new one in.
When fixing a damaged key fob, the primary concern is not to damage the circuit or buttons in any way. If you attempt to remove a key fob with an edge that is sharp like a screwdriver can damage the case or even scratch the plastic. A replacement case is inexpensive and you can find a complete fob assembly including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for under $40.
If your key fob isn't working look into whether the batteries are depleted or if the circuit board has become damaged. If this isn't the situation, a professional could fix it quickly and cost-effectively. If not, it might be time to replace the fob. Just be sure to check for a warranty on any replacement or used fobs that you purchase online.