How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Although we put them through many a times, key fobs are not indestructible. In fact, they could break down in a variety of ways.

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

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most frequent cause of a key fob not working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, particularly if they are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, humidity, or water. It's a good idea keep an extra fob battery in your wallet just in case.

You will usually know that the battery in your car key and repair key fob is running low because the light on the LED will stop glowing. The fob might also stop working from the same distance that it used to. In this instance the key fob could need to be reprogrammed or replaced altogether.

Fortunately replacing the battery in a car key fob is easy. Find out the type of battery used. The type of battery you are using should be stamped on the back of your key fob. If you're not sure then an easy Google search will be helpful. Open the key fob along the seam after you have identified the type of battery. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers or even your fingernail to split the two halves. Then, take out the old battery and insert the new one in its place. Insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers may not be aware their fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons aren't responding. In some instances this problem can be resolved by reprogramming your fob, however, this can be expensive and time-consuming. Another option is to call roadside assistance and ask them to jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.

If you've tried all of these options and your car is still unable to start then it's time for a professional. A certified technician can determine whether your car key repairs's computer requires reprogramming, or if the fob simply needs replacement batteries. They may also recommend an auto shop to replace the fob that you use to access your car. In the end, though sometimes, a brand new fob is the best solution.

Circuit Board Damage

A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and isn't indestructible. The battery, the circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear with time It is therefore essential to be on guard and take care of them in order to keep your car key fob operating well.

The easiest way to test is to ensure that the battery inside your key fob isn't dead. Replace the battery to see if it fixes your issue. If not, you might need to open the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It can be difficult to open certain key fobs since they don't have an easy release mechanism. You could cause damage to your fob by trying force it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or corrupted key fob circuit board is a common problem. This can be caused by many things, including dirt or moisture entering the battery compartment. Software issues or an unintentional firmware update may be the cause for this. If your key fob has stopped working completely, you should think about having it reprogrammed with an expert locksmith who specializes in this kind of work.

Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen if you have other wireless devices around that transmit at the same frequency, like radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, consult with other device manufacturers to make sure that your key fob's signal isn't affected by their signals.

It's also possible that your key fob has an unreliable switch or electrical component that needs to be replaced. There are online guides that show you how to repair car key fob (similar site) to fix this yourself. It is important to be cautious when you do this it is important to be careful, since the circuit boards in your key fob are small and easily break in the event of rough handling. If you do this yourself, make sure to use a high quality SMT switch and then solder it into place properly.

In a state of wear Out Buttons

Car key fobs can suffer a lot of wear and tear. They are susceptible to being lost and spend a significant amount of time being jostled in your pocket or purse. The constant jostling can cause the buttons to wear down or become stuck. A simple adjustment can fix the problem.

Modern key fobs come with sensors that detect when they have been hit. They're designed to detect this so that they can reduce the likelihood of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If your key fob's buttons aren't responding when you press them this is a sign that they're worn-out and need to be replaced.

The circuit board that is in the key fob also transmits signals to your car. These signals include unlock and lock commands, as well as commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged then the key fob you have may not be able to unlock your vehicle or even start the engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force or a scratch on the circuit board.

If you're forced to press the buttons harder than usual in order to make them function If this is the case, then your key fob buttons are becoming worn out. Additionally your fob could stop transmitting a signal to the car, or have less range than it did prior to.

If you're unable to unlock your key fob, unlock or start your car key repair company, it's important to call an emergency locksmith in your area. They'll be able to tell whether the key fob itself is damaged or the ignition cylinder is worn out.

Fortunately, most key fobs for cars issues aren't very complicated or even serious. The best way to avoid being surprised by an unresponsive key fob is to keep an extra key in your possession at all times. This will ensure that you're not trapped in a place because of an unreliable or lost key. Of course, if you do happen to lose your spare car key, a locksmith can help reset it so that it works with the ignition in your car. They'll also be able to repair any internal damage that may have occurred on the key fob.

Broken Case

A key fob's case does more than just protect the battery and buttons. It also houses the circuit board responsible for performing all the electrical magic when you hit the button on your key fob. This board transmits the signal from your key fob to your car.

The key fob won't work if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a dead key fob can be reset which is something your local auto locksmith or the dealership can assist you with.

Batteries could be the reason of your key fob not working. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. The positive side is that you can locate an alternative battery online or at your local auto parts store since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs.

Depending on the kind of key fob you have, there are different ways to open it and gain access to the inside. A quick search on the internet will reveal what kind of key fob you have and the type of battery it takes. From there, you can buy an alternative and then simply pop the old one out, and then the new one in.

The main concern when you repair a broken car key fob is that you don't want to harm the circuit board or buttons any further. When you try to break a key fob with a hard edge like a screwdriver can break the case or scratch the plastic. A replacement case is inexpensive and you can find a complete fob assembly including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

So, if your key fob doesn't work, check to see if the batteries are depleted or whether the circuit board is damaged. If this isn't the case, you can have it repaired quickly and easily by an expert. If not, it could be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check the warranty on any replacement or used fobs that you purchase online.