How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Key fobs can be damaged, even if we use them a lot. In fact, they are able to break down in many different ways.

Other issues could be more serious than the battery being dead. Luckily, most of these can be fixed by making a quick DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is probably the most common reason why a car key fob stops functioning. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, particularly if they are exposed to hot or humid temperatures or water. It's a good idea keep an additional fob battery in your wallet in case.

You can usually tell the moment the battery of your car key fob is running low by the fact that the LED light will cease to glow. The fob may also stop working from the same distance it was previously working to. In this instance it might be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it altogether.

Fortunately the replacement of the battery in a car key fob is easy. Find out the type of battery used. The type of battery should be stamped on the side of your key fob. Google can help you if you're not sure. Unlock the key fob across the seam after you've identified the battery type. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers or even your fingernail pry the two halves apart. Then, you can remove the old battery and insert the new one in its place. Make sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing upwards 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 no longer work. In some instances this problem can be resolved by reprogramming the fob, however, this can be expensive and time-consuming. Another option is to call roadside assistance and see if they can jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.

If you've tried both solutions and your car still doesn't start, it's time to contact a professional. A qualified technician can determine whether your car's computer requires reprogramming, or if the fob simply needs replacement batteries. They can also recommend an auto key repair shop to replace the key fob. In the end it is not always the case that a new fob is the most effective solution.

Circuit Board Damage

The key fob isn't impervious to destruction, but it can withstand a lot of physical damage. Battery, circuit board and buttons are all subject to wear and tear. It is important to take care of these parts to ensure that your key fob is in good working order.

Make sure that the battery still working in your key fob. If it is, replace the battery and check if it fixes your issue. If this doesn't work, you may have to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open certain key fobs due to the fact that they don't have an easy-release mechanism. You can cause damage to your fob by trying to force it apart. You can purchase a specific tool to open your key fob, however it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is a frequent issue. This can be caused by a number of things like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob is not working, you may want to consider getting it replaced. This can be done by a locksmith who is skilled in this work.

Radio interference is a different possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob, such radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, you should consult with other manufacturers of your device to make sure that your key fob repair service fob's signal isn't affected by their signals.

It is also possible to replace a switch or an electrical component of your key fob. You can find online guides that will guide you through the process of fixing this yourself. You should be careful, however, as the circuit board inside your key fob is very small and could easily break if handled with care. If you're doing it yourself, be sure to make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and solder the switch in place in a proper manner.

Buttons that are worn out

Car key fobs can suffer lots of wear and tear. They are prone to getting dropped and spend a lot of time in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this can cause the buttons to wear out or become stuck. In this case, a simple adjustment may be all that's needed to get it working again.

Modern key fobs come with sensors that are able to detect when they have been press. They're designed to detect this because they can help lower the risk of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't work when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced.

Key fobs also have a circuit board inside them that transmits signals to the car. Those signals include commands to unlock and lock and also instructions to start your engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged then your key fob may not be able to unlock your vehicle or even start the engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt or a scratch on the circuit board.

You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are deteriorating when you press the buttons more than usual to get them to function. In addition your fob could stop transmitting a signal to the car, or have less range than before.

If you're not able to get your key fob to unlock or start your car, it's important to call a locksmith near you immediately. They can determine if the key fob is damaged or the cylinder of your ignition is worn out.

Fortunately, most key fob issues in cars aren't a major or difficult issue. Keep an extra key fob in your vehicle at all times to avoid being surprised by a malfunctioning one. You won't be left stranded due to a malfunctioning or lost key. If you have lost your spare key, a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your car's engine. They can also repair car key immobiliser repair key fob (go now) any internal damage to the key fob.

Broken Case

The case of a key fob does more than just shield the buttons and batteries. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for performing all the electrical magic when you press a button on your key fob. The circuit board receives the signal from your key fob and sends it to your car.

Your key fob will not function if the board is damaged. Sometimes a dead key fob can be reset which is something your local auto locksmith or dealership can help you with.

Another reason your key fob might not be working is because the batteries are not working. This is a quick fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. The positive side is that you can find a replacement battery on the internet or at a local auto parts store, since these batteries aren't exclusive to key fobs.

There are several ways to open a key fob and get inside, based on the type. A quick search on the internet will reveal what kind of key fob you have and what kind of battery it requires. From there, you can purchase the replacement and simply take the old one out and put the new one in.

The most important thing to consider when fixing a broken car key fob is that you don't want to cause damage to the circuit board or buttons any further. If you attempt to pry off the key fob with an instrument like a screwdriver or any other sharp edge, it could break the plastic or break the case. Luckily, a replacement case is cheap and you can get a whole fob assembly with the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

If your key fob doesn't work Check to see if the batteries are dead or if the circuit board has become damaged. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and cheaply by a professional. In the event that it isn't, it's the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check the warranty on any fob replacement or used purchased online.