How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Although we use them numerous times, key fobs are not indestructible. They can be destroyed in a variety of ways.
The most frequent issue is an unresponsive battery, other issues can be more serious. Luckily, most of them can be resolved by making a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the most common reason for a key fob that is not working. Fob batteries can deplete quickly, especially if they are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, humidity or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.
It is easy to tell when your car key fob's battery is dying because the LED light will cease to glow. It's also possible that your key fob will no longer work at the same distance it used to. In this scenario it could be necessary to re-program your key fob or even replace it entirely.
It is simple to replace the car keyfob battery. First, you need to determine the kind of battery is being used. The type of battery you are using should be embossed in the back of your key fob. Google can assist you if you're not sure. Once you've identified the battery type you want to use, open the key fob at the seam. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail, to separate the two halves. Remove the old battery, and replace it with a new one. Be sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up toward the buttons in the fob.
Some drivers aren't aware 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. You can also contact roadside assistance to determine if they are able to restart your car and get it back on the road.
If you've tried every solution and your vehicle still won't turn on, it's time to contact a professional. A trained technician will be able to determine whether your car's computer system needs to be reprogrammed or the fob simply requires an upgrade in battery. They can also recommend an auto repair shop that can replace the fob that you use to access your car. In the end, though sometimes, a brand new fob is the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
A key fob is not indestructible, but it can withstand a lot of physical harm. The battery, the circuit board, and buttons all get their fair amount of wear and tear with time, so it's important to be vigilant and take care of them to keep your car key immobiliser repair key fob working well.
Check that the battery is still working on your key fob. Replace the battery to see if it solves your issue. If this doesn't work, you may need to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge since some key fobs do not have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to open them up, and you can easily damage your fob if you try to pull it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, but you must always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or defective key circuit board for the fob is another common problem. This can be due to a number of things, such as dirt or moisture that gets into the battery compartment, software issues or even an unintentional firmware update. If your remote key repair fob isn't functioning completely, you should think about having it reprogrammed with locksmiths who specialize in this kind of work.
Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob, such a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, consult with other manufacturers of your device to make sure that your key fob isn't affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key repair fob may have a bad switch or other electrical component that needs to be replaced. This is a difficult fix however, there are online guides that will show you how to do it yourself. Be careful, however, as the circuit board in the key fob is tiny and is prone to breaking if handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and solder it into place properly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs can get a lot of wear and wear and tear. They're susceptible to being dropped, and they often spend a lot of time moving around in your purse or pocket. The jolting can cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. A simple adjustment can fix the problem.
Most modern key fobs have sensors that tell if they've been pressed. They're designed to detect this so that they can lower the risk of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when you press them, they're damaged and should be replaced.
Key fobs also contain an electronic circuit inside which transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock and also commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, the key fob you have may not unlock your vehicle or start the engine. This kind of damage is usually caused by water or blunt force.
If you're forced to press the buttons more than usual to make them function If this is the case, then your key fob buttons are becoming worn out. Your fob could be unable to send signals to your vehicle or have a shorter range.
Contact a locksmith right away when you're unable to use your key fob to access your vehicle. They'll be able to tell whether the key fob is damaged or if your ignition cylinder has worn out.
Luckily, most car key fob problems aren't too serious or complex. The best way to avoid getting caught off guard by a malfunctioning key fob is to have an extra in your pocket at all times. You'll never be stranded because of an unresponsive 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 any internal damage to your key fob.
Broken Case
The case of the key fob is more than just shield the buttons and batteries. The case also houses the circuitry that executes all the electrical magic every time you press the button on your key fob. This board takes the signal from your key fob and transmits it to your car.
If this board is damaged or dead the key fob won't be able to operate. Sometimes, a dead key fob may need to be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can help you with.
Another reason your key fob might not be working is because the batteries are not working. This is a simple solution that can be done at home by replacing the battery. You can purchase a replacement battery at your local auto key fob repair parts shop or online. These batteries aren't just for key fobs.
Depending on the type of key fob you have, there are a variety of ways to open it up and access the insides. You can find out what kind of battery your key fob has by doing a quick online search. From there, you can buy an alternative and then simply pop the old one out, and then the new one in.
When repairing a broken key fob, the main concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons further. If you attempt to pull away the key fob with a screwdriver or other hard edge, it could crack the plastic or damage the case. A replacement case is inexpensive and you can find a complete fob assembly including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for under $40.
If your key fob doesn't work, you should check if you have damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If that's not the situation, a professional could repair keys near me it quickly and cheaply. If not, it could be time to replace the fob. Make sure you check the warranty of any replacement or used fobs that you purchase on the internet.