Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse. Buttons can become stuck or break depending on the way they are stored and how much they are tossed around.
Fortunately, the majority of issues with key fobs are easy to resolve. However, there are some that are more complicated and require assistance from a professional. This is when locksmiths help.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs have become pretty intelligent, but this doesn't mean that they won't sometimes get stuck in the "not responding" zone. It's time to replace your battery if this happens. However, that's not always the solution to the issue, as you may also have a bad connection on one of the battery connector terminals.
Automobile manufacturers are aware of this potential issue, so they usually put a spare mechanical key inside the fob to be used in the case of an emergency. To access this, you can find the small release button or latch located behind the fob (check the user manual for more details). Pressing this button, you will be able to open the fob and reveal a key that you can use to unlock your car.
Another indication that your fob's batteries are dying is the fact that you have to be closer to the car to open and lock it than you did before. The transmitter of the fob loses power when the battery dies. This limits its range.
The replacement of the battery is simple and relatively cheap. Just be sure to buy the button cell battery (which appears like an incredibly small silver coin) for your fob and follow the user's manual or video instructions on how to take out the old one. After that, replace the new battery in the same orientation that the previous one was inserted (the positive side should be facing upwards toward the buttons). After reassembling the fob, test its start, lock and unlock functions to ensure that the new battery was placed correctly.
Some key fobs can be a little tricky to open however, you should be able to do it by locating the latch, switch or screw on the back of the fob and prying it apart. Be careful not to break the fob, since you'll need it to connect to your car! You could also take the fob to an expert in case you're not comfortable doing it yourself. Most auto shops will swap the battery of a fob for a small fee because it's an often-used repair service. Some dealers will even offer to complete the task for free based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Working
The first thing you should do in the event that your key fob doesn't seem to be working is to replace the batteries. This is the easiest solution and will fix the problem. If your fob is still not working after a change of battery, it could be due damage or another issue that requires professional attention.
Your car key fob can be damaged due to various reasons, including physical trauma or exposure to water or a damaged or corroded board. These issues could stop your key from transmitting the signal to the receiver in your car, which will cause your car's ignition to stop or doors from locking. You may have to hire a professional to replace your key if it's damaged.
The buttons on your fob might have worn out due to repeated use. The rubber may wear out and make the buttons less springy or 'clicky' and may begin to fail to detect your press accurately. Try wiping the buttons and then adjusting them to see if this fixes the issue however, it's recommended to send the fob to have it professionally assessed for more extensive repairs.
Double check that the battery you're using is compatible with 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 issues transmitting strong signals or supplying enough power to the fob's internal components.
In some cases, the problem could be in the vehicle's electronic parts or receiver. You can test this by using an actual key to open the door, and then trying to start your car using the inductive backup system (if available). If your physical key does not work or open your car, you should have a mechanic check the receiver and electronic components to ensure that they're functioning properly.
Fob is damaged
A key fob contains numerous components that function together and a single failure could cause others to fail. When a key fob stops working it's important to examine whether there's a clear cause like a cracked case or a broken internal component. It's also crucial to examine other components of the vehicle, such as the lights and horn to determine whether those are working normally.
If the fob for your key is damaged, you should obtain a replacement from your dealer or an auto locksmith rather than trying to repair it. It could be necessary to reprogramme the fob to connect to your car. This is not something you can do at home, and requires special equipment.
The buttons on a key fob utilize contacts to send signals to the key fob's circuit board however, they will wear down over time. This is especially common if the device is dropped or left in hot weather.
As time passes, the internal wiring in the key fob may wear down. It can lead to buttons that don't function when pressed, or only works when pressed very strongly. This can also result in the vehicle not being able to start or unlock after the fob is pressed.
The majority of fobs have the cover of plastic which can be loosened and safely cleaned with water and soap. This is a great way to restore a key fob to its original function and it's a great idea to do this regularly to avoid dirt harming the insides.
A damaged battery is usually the reason why a key fob will not turn on or function. Most mechanics and car dealers can replace the battery in a short time. If you're comfortable installing the battery yourself, you can purchase an additional one from an online store or hardware store and follow the instructions on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
The worst-case scenario is that your key fob has internal damage, like cracks, tiny electronic components not completely connected to the circuit boards or bent and corroded contact points on the battery. If you find any of these issues you should contact an auto locksmith or a dealer to obtain a replacement key fob as well as assistance in programming it for your vehicle.
Fob Isn't Programming
The car key fob is a convenient way to start your engine and open the doors of your vehicle. They can also be a source of frustration when they stop working or appear to function intermittently. In some instances, the problem may be as simple as replacing the battery but in other cases it could require an even more complex repair. The first step is determining why the fob doesn't work properly.
key repair service of the main reasons for a malfunctioning fob is that it is no longer able to recognize your vehicle. This can happen when the connection between your remote and your car is broken. You can sometimes reset the connection without the need for an repair service for your key fob.
If the key fob not sending a strong signal, other problems could be experienced. This could happen if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either case, you should try to reconnect your key to your car. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came with the key fob. It's also a good idea to carry an extra key to make use of it in the event that your primary key isn't working.
The fob may not be receiving an adequate signal from the vehicle. This can be caused by weak car batteries or interference from wireless devices or an antenna problem. You can test the fob to determine if this is the issue by using a remote tester. If the tester does not illuminate when you press one of the buttons, it may be a sign that the battery has to be replaced or that the fob is broken.
Another possible reason for a fob not sending an adequate signal is that the car's immobilizer system is blocking it. This can happen if the fob's programming isn't correct to your vehicle, or it's an issue with the software.
If you're not able to resolve the issue, or it's not worth the hassle of trying to repair the fob, you should consider buying a new one. You can find low-cost alternatives from a variety of online retailers, and some of these can even be delivered to your door.