Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs can experience problems such as loss of functionality. Certain issues might require professional attention, but most are fixable at home.
Change the battery is often the first step. Most fobs utilize flat watches that are easy to find in hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
If a key fob battery is dead, it could be a huge inconvenience especially if you're far from home. There are ways to get your vehicle back on the road if you're keyless entry repair entry system isn't working.
The first thing you should check is if the buttons on the key fob are working. If they aren't, the problem could be with the locks on your car.
If the keys won't unlock, look for a key slot with a mechanical lock hidden in the door handle trim or in another location on the car (consult your owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key, and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, some cars have an application that lets you unlock the door remotely. For instance, the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile key repair near me app and myMazda app allow owners to open their doors using their smartphones. These apps are charged a monthly subscription fee.
It is also important to ensure that your key fob isn't draining the car's battery by resting on it. A dead key fob can drain your battery fast, especially if it is used to control your phone or TV while you are watching.
Holding the key fob right to the car's start button could cause the key fob that has low battery. This simple fix could save you from a trip to your dealer or certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
If your key fob won't work, you can test it in a vehicle that has a push-button starter. If it doesn't work, you may need to replace the battery on your fob. This is why it's a good idea to keep a spare key fob inside your bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob isn't able to open doors or start your car key repair shop near me remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons have been damaged. Your key fob likely contains a circuit board with "contact pads" for each button. These tiny pads are covered with an electricity conducting film which wears down over time. The wear may cause your device to respond less quickly, or not at all.
The contact pad on a car keyfob can be easily replaced using a flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged it may be difficult to open. It is necessary to take it to an auto shop to repair the fob.
It's not common for a key fob be thrown around, trampled upon or even exposed to water. All of these events can result in physical damage, like bending and snapping the keys.
It can also cause internal damage to the fob and lead to an issue. This is why it's a good idea to carry a spare key fob in your wallet or pocket in the event that you break the one you have.
Make sure the battery is charged first to determine if the buttons on your key fob are not responding like they should. Keep in mind that key fobs don't come with a particular kind of electronic device; most of them run on the same two-dollar batteries that are used in hearing aids and watches, which are readily accessible at drug stores, hardware stores, and on the internet.
If the battery is fine, it's likely that the buttons are just worn down or dirty and can be cleaned by using a damp cloth to wipe them down. If they're still not responding, test a different key fob to determine whether the issue is with yours or with a particular type of car key fob. If the other key fob is working, then yours might need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
Reprogramming
The world of car key fobs is much more complex than some myths suggest. The basic fobs work using radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs have to be programmed correctly in order to unlock and start the vehicle. Reprogramming a mobile key repair fob not as simple as pressing a few keys. It's usually done by the dealer.
Check the owner's manual for detailed instructions. Certain manufacturers, such as Mercedes, use proprietary technologies that only dealerships are able to create a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops might offer this service, so be sure to read reviews and prices prior to choosing a shop.
Certain car models erase all other fobs after they've been changed, so you'll need any additional fobs programmed professionally. This is a costly proposition particularly if you're down to one functioning fob. Even if the mechanical key won't work to start your car, it's a good idea to have a backup that can open the doors and trunk.
If you do attempt to reprogram your fob yourself, be prepared for a gruelling journey. You'll be disappointed by numerous online guides that claim to be successful. A majority of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated claims. Some of them even claim that you can program your own car key fob in just a few clicks, which can be very false.
The battery is usually held in place by a plastic clip, which can be removed easily. However the circuit board is home to the battery, and you will need to carefully remove the battery using the aid of a tool. Once you've got inside, you should be able to find the button cell battery which is typically a tiny watch battery that can be purchased in most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. Removing the battery is typically a straightforward procedure, and it's always a good idea to test this first before replacing the entire device.
Replacement
If a car key fob has been damaged or fails to function it is crucial to know there are several options to address the issue. An easy fix could be as easy as replacing the battery or programming the key fob but a more thorough repair may be needed. A spare fob is useful in the event one is lost or taken.
Modern key fobs are more expensive and more difficult to replace since they have a physical key and electronic. Some "smart" fobs even include a remote starter built-in. It's therefore important to know that it can take up to an hour for an alternative key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car receiver using a tiny radio transmitter built into circuit boards. Pressing an appropriate button will activate the transmitter, and it transmits a unique RF signal to the car's receiver. The receiver detects and compares the signal to preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to open the vehicle and begin it from a distance without placing the key in the ignition or turning the lock.
If your key fob buttons are not responding or working intermittently, they could have been damaged by water. You could be able to repair the fob by disassembling it and examining it for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try reprogramming the fob or buying a new one.
Before you purchase a replacement fob on the internet, contact an expert locksmith or your local auto dealer to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle's security systems. There are many aftermarket fobs less expensive, but it's crucial to research the brands and read reviews before attempting to program them. While some fobs are able to be replaced by a trusted locksmith, others require specialized programming equipment that can only be used by a car dealer or auto technician.