How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Although we test them many a times, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. They can break down in a variety of ways.
Other issues could be more important than the battery being dead. Luckily, most of these can be fixed with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the most common cause of the key fob not functioning. Fob batteries can be drained quickly, especially if they're exposed to extreme conditions like humidity, temperatures or even water. It's a good idea to keep an extra fob battery in your wallet just in case.
The LED light will typically stop blinking when the battery in the car key fob is running low. The fob may be unable to function from the same distance it was previously working to. In this scenario the key fob might require reprogramming or replaced entirely.
It is easy to replace a car keyfob battery. Find out the kind of battery used. The type of battery you are using should be embossed in the back of your key fob. If you are not sure then a quick Google search will be helpful. Open the key fob along the seam after you've identified the type of battery. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to separate the two halves. Then, take out the old battery and insert the new one in its place. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers may not realize their fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons do not respond. In some cases 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 ask them to jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you've tried both solutions and your vehicle still won't turn on, it's time to contact an expert. A certified technician can determine if your car's computer needs reconfiguring, or if your key fob is only in need of replacement batteries. They can also suggest an auto shop that will replace your key fob. In the end, though, sometimes a brand new fob is the most effective solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and is not indestructible. Battery, circuit board and buttons are all susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is important to take care of these components to ensure your key fob remains in good condition.
Verify that the battery still functioning on your key fob. If it is replaced, see if that fixes your problem. If not, you may have to remove the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be tricky since some key fobs don't have a release mechanism that is easy to unlock them, and you can easily harm your device if you attempt to break it. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is another common problem. This could be due to many things, including moisture or dirt getting into the battery compartment. Software issues or even an accident firmware update could be the cause for this. If your key fob isn't working completely, you should think about having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize 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, like a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, you should get in touch with the manufacturer of the other device to ensure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.
There may be a need to replace a switch or other electrical component of your key fob. This is a more difficult fix however, you can find guides online that explain how to fix it yourself. It is important to be cautious when you do this, as the circuit boards in the key fob are tiny and easily break in the event of rough handling. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to make use of an SMT switch of good quality and solder the switch in place correctly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. They are more prone to being dropped and spend a lot time in your pocket or purse. Sometimes, this jolting can cause buttons to wear out or stuck. If this happens an easy adjustment could be all it takes to make it work again.
Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can tell if they've been pressed. This is because they lower the possibility of someone taking your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced.
Key fobs also contain an internal circuit board that sends signals to the car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well instructions to start the engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged then your key fob may not unlock your vehicle or even start the engine. Typically, this type of damage is caused by water, force blunt, or something scratching the circuit board.
If you have to press the buttons more than normal to activate them If this is the case, then your fob's buttons are becoming worn out. car key fob repair near me could be unable to send a signal to your vehicle or have a shorter range.
Contact a locksmith immediately when you're unable to use your key fob for your car. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or your ignition cylinder is worn out.
Fortunately, the majority of car keyfob issues aren't very complicated or even serious. The best way to ensure you don't get taken by surprise by a malfunctioning key fob is to keep an extra in your pocket at all times. You'll never be caught in the middle because of an issue with your key or a lost one. If you have lost your spare key, a professional locksmith can rekey it to work with your car's engine. They can also repair any internal damage to your key fob.
Broken Case
The case of your key fob is more than just a place to store the battery and buttons. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for all the electrical magic when you press a button on your key fob. The board transmits the signal from your key fob to your car.
If this board is damaged or dead your key fob will not be able to operate. Sometimes, a dead key fob will just need to be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can help you with.
Batteries could be the reason of your key fob not working. The battery can be replaced at home. You can get the replacement battery from your local auto parts shop or online. These batteries are not only for key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open a key fob to get inside it, depending on the type. You can find out what kind of battery your key fob has by conducting a quick internet search. From there, you can buy an alternative and then simply pop the old one out, and then the new one in.
The biggest concern when repairing a broken car key fob is that you don't want to damage the circuit board or buttons any further. If you attempt to pull away the key fob with the screwdriver or another sharp edge, it could break the plastic or break the case. A replacement case isn't expensive and you can purchase the entire fob including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
So, if your key fob isn't working, check to see if the batteries are dead or if the circuit board has been damaged. If this is not the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and easily by a professional. Otherwise, it might be the time to purchase a replacement. Be sure to check the warranty of any fob replacement or used that you purchase online.