How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Key fobs are susceptible to damage, even if we use them often. They can actually be destroyed in various ways.
Other issues can be more serious than the battery being dead. Fortunately, many of these can be fixed by a simple DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common reason the car key fob stop working. Fob batteries drain quickly, especially if they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.
You will usually know when the battery of your car key fob is dying because the LED light will cease to blink. The fob might also stop working from the same distance it was previously working to. In this instance it could be necessary to re-program your key fob or replace it altogether.
It is simple to replace a car keyfob battery. Find out car remote key repair near me of battery used. The type of battery you are using should be engraved on the side of your key fob. Google can help in case you're unsure. Once you've found the kind of battery you want you want to use, open the key fob near the seam. You'll need an small screwdriver with a flat head or even your fingernail to split the two halves. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a new one. Make sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing towards the buttons in the fob.
Some drivers don't realize that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their car and the buttons stop working. This can be corrected by reprogramming your fob. However it could be time-consuming and expensive. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they can jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you have tried all three of these methods and your car still won't start and you're not sure why, it's time to call a professional. A qualified technician can determine whether your car's computer requires reconfiguring, or if your key fob is only in need of an upgrade in battery. They may also recommend an auto shop to replace the fob that you use to access your car. Sometimes an entirely new fob might be the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
Key fobs can withstand many physical abuses and is not impervious to destruction. The battery, circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear with time, so it's important to be on guard and take care of them to ensure that your car key fob operating efficiently.
The easiest way to test is that the battery in your key fob isn't depleted. If it is then replace the battery and determine if this fixes the problem. If not, you'll have to remove the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open certain key fobs due to the fact that they do not have an easy-release mechanism. You may damage the fob by trying to take it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, however you should always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is a damaged or corrupted circuit board in the key fob. It can be caused by many things, including dirt or moisture entering the battery compartment. Issues with software or an unintentional firmware update may also cause this. If your key fob isn't working, you may want to consider having it replaced. This can be accomplished by a locksmith who is skilled in this type of work.
Radio interference is a different possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency as your key fob, like radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case you need to get in touch with the manufacturer of the other device to ensure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.
You may also need to replace a switch or another electrical component in your key fob. There are online guides that will show you how to fix this yourself. It's important to be careful when doing this, as the circuit boards in your key fob are tiny and can break easily in the event of rough handling. If you're doing it yourself, make sure to make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and put the switch in the correct position.
Out Buttons Out Buttons
Car key fobs can get quite a bit of wear and tear. They are more prone to being lost and spend a significant amount of time being jostled in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this jolting can cause the buttons to become worn out or become stuck. When this happens an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to get it working again.
Modern key fobs come with sensors that detect when they have been press. They're made to do this because they can help lower the risk of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when pressed, they are damaged and should be replaced.
Key fobs also contain an electronic circuit inside which transmits signals to your car. The signals include commands to unlock and lock and instructions to start your engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged, your key fob might not allow you to unlock your car or even start the engine. Typically, this type of damage is caused by water, blunt force or something that scratches the circuit board.
If you're forced to press the buttons more than usual in order to make them function the fob's buttons are wearing out. Additionally, your fob may stop sending a signal to the car or it'll have less range than it did prior to.
Contact a locksmith right away when you're unable to use your key fob to start your car. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob is damaged or if your ignition cylinder has worn out.
Fortunately, most car keyfob issues aren't very complicated or even serious. Keep an extra key fob in your vehicle at all times to avoid being shocked by a malfunctioning device. You'll never be stranded because of an issue with your key or a lost one. If you lose your spare key, a professional locksmith can rekey it to work with your vehicle's engine. They can also fix any internal damage to the key fob.
Broken Case
The case of the key fob is more than just protect the buttons and batteries. The case also houses the circuitry that executes all the electrical magic whenever you press a key fob button. The board transmits the signal from your key fob to your car.
If this board is damaged or dead, your key fob won't be able to function. A dead key fob may only need to be reprogrammed by a local auto locksmith, or dealership.
Another reason your key fob may not be working is that the batteries are not working. This is a quick fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. You can find the replacement battery from your local auto parts shop or on the internet. These batteries are not just for key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open up a key fob and get inside, based on the kind. You can determine what type of battery your key fob is using by doing a quick online search. From there, you can buy a replacement and easily pop the old one out, and then the new one in.
When fixing a damaged key fob, the main goal is not to harm the circuit or buttons in any way. If you try to pry apart the key fob using the screwdriver or another sharp edge, it can crack the plastic or damage the case. A replacement case is inexpensive and you can buy an entire fob, including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for under $40.
If your key fob doesn't work look into whether the batteries are dead or whether the circuit board has been damaged. If this is not the case, you can have it repaired quickly and easily by an expert. If not, it may be time to replace the fob. Be sure to look for a warranty on any replacement or used fobs you buy online.