Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs can be damaged. Buttons can get stuck or break, depending on how they are stored and how often they are tossed around.
Most key fob problems are fixable. Certain issues with key fobs are more serious and require expert assistance. This is when a locksmith can help.
Dead Fob Battery
The car key fobs are pretty smart however that doesn't mean they do not sometimes get stuck in the "not responding zone". It's time to replace your battery when this occurs. However, that's not always the solution to the issue, since you could also have a bad connection on one of the battery connector terminals.
The car manufacturers are aware of the potential issue, and frequently install an extra mechanical key inside the fob for use in such an emergency. To access this, you can find the small release button or latch on the back of the fob (check the user manual for specifics). Pressing this can allow you to unlock the fob and access an actual key that you can use to unlock your car.
Another sign that your fob's battery is dying is that you have to be closer to the car to unlock and open it than you did before. The transmitter of the fob is depleted in energy when its battery is depleted. This limits its range.
Replacing the battery is straightforward and relatively inexpensive. You'll need a button-cell battery (which resembles an elongated silver coin) and then follow the instructions in the user's manual to remove the old battery. Replace the battery in the same direction as the original one (the positive side facing upwards toward the buttons). Test the lock/unlock function, and begin the functions of the fob after reassembling it. This will ensure that the new battery is placed correctly.
Some key fobs are difficult to open however, you should be able to do it by placing the latch, switch, or screw at the back of the fob and then tearing it apart. Be careful not to break the fob, since you'll need it to operate your vehicle! You can also take your fob to an expert in case you're not comfortable making it your own. Because it's a standard procedure that most auto shops will swap the battery inside the fob for a small fee. broken car key repair will even do it for no cost dependent on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Working
The first thing you need 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 fob is still not functioning after a battery change, it could be due damage or another issue that requires the attention of a professional.
Your car key fob can be damaged due to various reasons, including physical trauma, exposure to water, or a corroded or damaged board. These issues could stop your key from communicating with the car's receiver, which then prevents the doors of your car and/or ignition from unlocking or starting. You may have to get a professional replacement for your key if it's damaged.
The buttons on your fob may have worn away with repeated use. The rubber can wear away and make the buttons less responsive or clicky, and they can start to fail to register your pressing accurately. You can try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, but it is recommended to have the fob professionally examined for more extensive repairs.
You should also double check that the battery you're using is a exact match for the fob you're using. You can find a list with acceptable batteries online or at most hardware stores. You should always consult your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine which kind of battery it requires. A battery that is not the perfect match may be unable to transmit powerful signals or providing sufficient power to the internal components of the fob.
In the rarest of cases it could be that the problem is not with your key fob but more with the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. You can test this by using a physical key to open the door, and then trying to start your car using the inductive backup system (if there is). If your physical key doesn't open or start your vehicle, have a mechanic inspect the receiver and electronic components of your vehicle to determine whether they're working properly.
Fob Damaged
A key fob is composed of many components, and one malfunction can cause other components to fail. If a key fob stops working it's important to examine whether there's a cause obvious like a damaged or cracked case, or a malfunctioning internal component. It's also crucial to examine other components of the vehicle, such as the horn and lights to see whether they're working as expected.
It's better to replace the key fob if it's damaged, rather than attempt to repair it. It might be necessary to reprogramme the fob to connect to your car. This isn't something you can do at home and requires special equipment.
The buttons on a key fob use contacts to transmit signals to the key fob's circuit board however, they can wear down over time. This is most common when the fob is dropped or left in hot weather.
Over time, the internal wiring in the key fob could wear down. This could result in the button not functioning when it's pressed or only working when pressed very hard. It could also cause the car not starting or unlocking when the fob is used.
Most fobs have the cover of plastic that can be opened up and then cleaned with water and soap. This is a great way to help restore a key fob's proper function and it's a great idea to do this regularly to prevent dirt from damaging the insides.
A bad battery is usually the reason why a key fob will not turn on or function. The majority of mechanics and car dealers can change the batteries quickly but if you're at ease doing it yourself you can buy a battery from an hardware store or big-box retailer and follow the instructions in your owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.
The most likely scenario is that the key fob has internal damage, like cracks within the case, tiny electronic components that aren't fully attached to the circuit board or bent or corroded battery contact points. If you notice any of these problems, you should consult an auto locksmith or a dealer to get a replacement key fob and assistance in programming it for your vehicle.
Fob isn't programming.
The car key fob is an easy way to start your engine and open the doors of your vehicle. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or seem to work intermittently. In some instances, the issue is solved by replacing the battery. In other situations it may require a more complicated repair. The first step is to determine why the fob isn't functioning properly.
The most frequent reason for a fob malfunctioning is that it doesn't recognize your vehicle. This is because the connection between the remote and your vehicle is cut off. You may be able to reset the connection without needing an repair service for your key fob.
Other problems can arise when the key fob isn't able to sends an energizing signal. This could be the result of a key has been damaged or if the battery is dead. In either case, you should try to resync the key to your vehicle. This can be done by following the instructions provided by the key fob. Also, you should keep a spare car key in case your primary key is lost.
It's possible that the fob isn't getting an adequate signal from the car. This can be caused by an insufficient car battery or interference from wireless devices, or an antenna issue. You can test the fob to determine whether this is the problem by using a remote tester. If the tester does not light up when any of the buttons are press, the battery might need to be replaced or the fob may be damaged.
An immobilizer on your car may prevent the fob from sending out a strong signal. This could happen if the fob isn't properly programmed to your vehicle or if there is a software problem.
If you aren't able to resolve the issue, or it's not worth the effort of trying to repair the fob, then you should look into buying a replacement. Many online retailers offer cheap options and some are delivered directly to your home.