Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
Being tossed around in pockets and purses, key fob buttons can get damaged and stop registering presses with accuracy. This issue can be resolved by replacing the battery that is typically found in the snap-out case that comes with the majority of car key repair service fobs.
If the contacts in your key fob are worn, a new replacement may not be enough to revive it. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can attempt at home:
Replace the Battery
If your key fob feels sluggish or takes longer than normal to unlock or lock your vehicle, it could be time to replace the battery. Replacing a key fob's battery is one of those simple tasks you can complete yourself. It's also a cost-effective fix that can save you a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
You can buy coins-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement general store. The key fobs usually have a slot to accept these batteries and opening the case to replace batteries is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer you might need to use a screwdriver to open the compartment.
If your key fob is equipped with clips that keep the batteries in place, gently remove them with your fingers or with non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, taking care to place it in the correct way. Be aware of its orientation when removing the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries since this could reduce their lifespan.
After the new battery has been installed and the key fob is closed, close its case and test it by pushing the button to ensure it is working. If the key fob still isn't working, you might have to reopen it and ensure that the battery is properly inserted.
It could also be that simply replacing the battery is not enough to solve the issue. This could be due to physical or electrical trauma. In that case, you'll need to bring your key fob to an auto service or dealer center for repair. However, before doing this, you should be aware of four common problems that a replacement battery won't solve. It is important to be aware of these problems so that you're in a position to find an experienced technician should you need. You can also read how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob in order to discover the reason it's not working.
Clean the Contacts
Cleaning your key fob is vital to its functionality and life. Over time the natural oils on your fingers and pockets can build up in key fob buttons and crevices. This can lead to keys to stop working. All you require is rubbing alcohol, the cotton swab, and some alcohol to rub it on.
Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery away with the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Make sure to note down the type of battery it's (negative and positive sides) to ensure that you put it back in the correct way when you're done.
Then, make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Be particular about the battery contacts, ensuring that they are free of any grease or dirt. Once you're done your task, allow the fob and its components completely dry.
If your device doesn't work after cleaning it, it may be an idea to reset the system. Check the owner's manual for the instructions on how to do this, and follow them accordingly. This may be able to bring the key fob key repair near me back to normal if the issue was simply a dead battery.
After the key fob's been cleaned and resynched it is a good idea to maintain regular maintenance. By wiping it clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can ensure that your key fob will work well for the years to come.
Reset the System
Although today's ultra-modern key fobs come with more features that are safer and more convenient than ever however, they may still experience some problems. The majority of these issues aren’t serious or complex and can be fixed by simple procedures, such as changing the battery. If the issue is more serious or if the issue cannot be resolved with simple methods an expert auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.
Making your car lock or unlock with the key fob is the principal purpose of the device, but it also can be used to activate certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise a sunroof with the key fob. This feature can be very useful when you have to open the roof when you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. The key fob can be used to summon your car when it's stuck in a parking spot.
The internal circuitry of the key fob could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can sometimes affect the function of a keyfob. If your key fob is damaged by dust or been wet, it needs to be cleaned prior to attempting to use it again.
If the device continues to behave erratically after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you could need to perform an initial reset. This can fix system bugs and improve device performance.
If you're not sure how to perform the factory reset on your device, consult the device manufacturer's website or the manual of your owner. Certain models require a specific tool to complete the reset, however, you should be able to find the instructions for your specific model.
Contacting a mobile car key fob repair locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to solve issues with your key fob. They can replace and program keyfobs for nearly all car models. They can also fix keys with chips.