Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are exposed to many abuse. Buttons can get stuck or break based on how they are stored and how much they are jostled.
Luckily, most issues with key fobs are simple to solve. Certain key fob issues are more serious, and require professional assistance. Locksmiths can be a great resource in these situations.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs have become quite intelligent, but that doesn't mean they don't occasionally get stuck in the "not responding" zone. It's time to replace your battery if this happens. But that doesn't always solve the problem, because there could be a bad connection on one of the battery connector's terminals.
Automobile manufacturers are aware of this issue, so they often include a spare key mechanical inside the fob to be used in the case of an emergency. You can access it by pressing the small release button or latch behind the fob. (Check the user's manual to find out more). Pressing this can allow you to unlock the fob, and then gain access to a physical key, which you can use to unlock your car.
You'll also need to be close to your vehicle to lock and unlock it. The transmitter of the fob's transmitter loses energy when its battery is depleted. This limits its range.
Replacing the battery is easy and fairly inexpensive. Be sure to purchase the button cell battery (which appears like tiny silver coins) for your fob and follow the user's guide or video on how to remove the old one. Then, simply replace the new battery in the same direction that the old one was inserted (the positive side should face upwards towards the buttons). Test the lock/unlock and start functions of the fob after reassembling it. This will ensure that the new battery is placed correctly.
You can unlock some key fobs by locating the latch, screw, or switch at the back, and then tearing the fob off. You'll need the fob to work with your vehicle, so be careful not to damage it! If you're not comfortable doing this yourself it's also possible to bring your fob to a professional. Because it's a standard procedure the majority of auto shops will swap the battery inside fobs for a minimal cost. Some dealers might even be willing to complete the task for free based on the model and year of your car.
Fob Isn't Working
The first thing to do in the event that your key fob doesn't seem to be working is to replace the batteries. This is the quickest fix and will likely resolve the issue. If your device is not working after a change of battery, it could be due damage or another issue that requires attention from a professional.
Your car key fob can be damaged for various reasons, including physical injury or exposure to water or a corroded board. These issues could stop your key from sending a signal to your receiver in your vehicle, which could stop your car's ignition or doors from locking. If your fob is damaged it's likely that you'll need a professional to replace the component or the entire device.
The buttons on your keychain could have worn out with repeated use. The rubber may wear out and cause the buttons to become less springy or 'clicky', and they can begin to fail to detect your presses reliably. You could try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, but it is generally recommended to have the fob professionally examined to make more extensive repairs.
It is also important to confirm that the battery you're using is a perfect match to your fob. You can find a list on the internet or in a majority of hardware stores. Consult your owner's guide or the engraving on your fob for more information. A battery that is not a perfect match can have problems transmitting powerful signals or providing sufficient power to the fob's internal components.
In rare instances it could be the case that the issue is not the key fob itself but rather the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. You can test this by using the physical key to open the door, and then trying to start your vehicle using the inductive backup system (if available). If your physical key does not open or start your car, have a mechanic inspect the receiver and electronic components to ensure they're functioning properly.
Fob Damaged
A key fob contains numerous components that function together and a single failure could cause others to fail. If a key fob ceases to function it is important to examine the cause for obvious reasons such as cracked casings or a damaged component. It's also essential to examine other areas of the vehicle, such as the horn and lights to see whether they're functioning normally.
It is better to replace the key fob in case it is damaged than to try to repair it. It might be necessary to reset the fob to 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 especially true if you drop the fob or leave it outside in hot weather.
As time passes, the internal wiring in a key fob can also become worn down. This could result in the button not working when it's pressed or only working when it's press very hard. This could also lead to the vehicle not being able start or unlock when the fob is pressed.
Most key fobs have the cover in plastic, which can be removed and cleaned with soap and warm water. This is a great way to help restore a key fob's proper function, and it's a good practice to clean it regularly to avoid dirt damaging the insides.
key fob repair service damaged battery is the primary reason that a key fob won't start or function. Many mechanics and car dealers are able to replace the batteries in a short time however, if you're at ease doing it yourself, you can purchase a new battery at 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 your key fob is damaged internal damages, such as cracks or tiny electronic components that are not completely connected to the circuit boards, or corroded and bent contact points for batteries. If any of these are the case, it's a good idea to talk to an auto locksmith or the dealer for suggestions on a replacement and help getting it programmed for your vehicle.
Fob is not programming
Car key fobs are an excellent convenience that allows you to unlock your car doors and then start the engine. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or appear to work intermittently. In some instances, the problem may be as simple as replacing the battery, however, in other instances it could require an even more complex repair. The first step is to determine the reason for why the fob isn't functioning properly.
One of the most frequent causes of a malfunctioning fob is that it no longer recognizes your vehicle. This can happen if the connection between the remote and your car is interrupted. You may be able to reset this connection without having to call an repair service for your key fob.
Other problems can arise when the key fob no longer sends a strong signal. This could happen if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either case, try to resync your key with your vehicle. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came by the key fob. It's also recommended to carry an additional key in case you need to make use of it in the case that your primary key isn't working.
The fob might not receive an adequate signal from the vehicle. This can be caused by a weak car battery, interference from wireless devices or an antenna problem. You can test the fob to see whether this is the problem by using the remote tester. If the tester does not light up when any of the buttons are pressing, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob could be damaged.
Another reason why the fob not sending the right signal is that the immobilizer system in your car is hindering it from doing so. This could happen if the fob's programming isn't correct to your vehicle or it's an issue with the software.
If you're unable to solve the issue or it's not worth the hassle of trying to repair the fob, then you should consider buying a new one. There are low-cost alternatives from a variety of online retailers and some can be delivered directly to your doorstep.