5 Key Fob Repair Projects That Work For Any Budget

Car Key Fob Repair Service

If the car key fob stops working it could put you in a difficult situation. It can be expensive to replace it, but sometimes it's the best solution.

You can save money by going to other places before you go to the dealer.

Dead Battery

A dead battery on a key fob is among the most frequent issues with key fobs. This can be a surprise and especially if it happens just as you're leaving to work or at a social gathering. While you may have a backup plan in place for emergencies, like a spare key or a phone number for assistance on the road it is likely that you will need to get the fob repaired or replaced. The positive side is that the majority of car key fob battery problems are easily fixable with the right knowledge.

Many modern cars come with an emergency backup system to protect the possibility that a fob's battery might fail. Usually when you hold the dead fob up to the ignition button, you'll be able start the car. If you have a push-to start vehicle, it will unlock the doors. The owner's manual of your car will contain detailed instructions on where to place the fob that will start it.

Other reasons for a key fob not responding to button presses or turning on include a button which isn't pressed all the way, a low-capacity battery or a remote that requires programming. In some cases cleaning your key fob might be enough to make it work again. Since key fob buttons are frequently pressed over and over again dirt can build up that prevents them from pressing to the fullest extent.

You can use the end of a clip to swiftly clean your key fob. You can use it to open the case securely and remove the battery. You should also keep an extra battery handy and any tool you'll require to open the case for your key fob. This way, you'll be prepared for any issue with your key fob so that it doesn't disrupt your routine and cause you to have to call for roadside assistance. You can also keep an extra key in your pocket so that you aren't surprised by a malfunctioning key fob.

Button Issues

When pressed, the buttons on a remote control send signals to its circuit board. If the buttons wear out, signals might not be sent. The device may cease to function. This can occur over time, or could be a result of some other issue related to the fob or vehicle. A professional will be able to repair or replace the button if it's worn.

Key fobs often get lots of abuse. They're dropped, banged around, and exposed to cold and hot on a regular basis. They're also extremely fragile and could easily be broken. The inside of the key fob has components like a circuitboard and battery contacts that can be destroyed if you abuse it in a way that is excessively.

The battery in your key fob is typically enough to fix most problems, but certain issues are more complex than those. The battery can be tested by opening the case of the key fob using an screwdriver and determining whether it is dirty or requires replacement. The most popular batteries used in key fobs are 3V button batteries, which can be purchased in nearly any store.

Even a small amount can cause damage to the fob. This could be a problem if you go swimming with the key fob in your purse or accidentally run it through a washing machine. This could cause damage to the chip and stop the key fob from functioning.

If you're experiencing a problem with a button the best solution is to call a professional locksmith. They are usually able to repair or replace the button and reprogramme it for you. They can also solve other electrical problems, like an unresponsive light or a horn that won't work.

Cars are expensive, so it is essential to keep up to date with technology and equipment that makes them run. If you don't do this then your vehicle will not function properly and you will encounter a more difficult getting to where you would like to go. It's also a safety issue to have faulty equipment and technology because it can cause more serious mechanical issues later on.

Broken Battery Terminals

If your fob isn't working when you attempt to start your vehicle, it could be that the battery terminals have failed. The fob must be able to communicate with the vehicle's central system in order to unlock and start it. This communication is accomplished by a small transmitter located inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent by the fob to the internal key (if it exists) which opens the doors and starts the engine. The fob is designed to be able to transmit this signal over distances of up to 50 feet, but the transmission might not function when the battery terminals have been damaged.

Fortunately, they are easy fixes. It is generally easy to replace the battery. Simply remove the old one, determine the type of battery you require, and visit an auto parts shop or online retailer to purchase the correct one. Certain key fobs are difficult to open in order to get access to the batteries however, and it is important to be careful so that you don't break anything inside.

The next step is to try the key fob a second time. If it still doesn't work, it is possible that the key's metal part inside the fob has been damaged or that the key has been programmed. Modern keys repair must be programmed to work with specific automobiles, and certain errors in the codes can cause a malfunction in the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogramme the key to the vehicle.

A damaged fob is a different possibility, especially if the fob was dropped or left in the rain. It is also possible that the key fob was subjected to extreme heat or other issues that led to the circuit board to fail. This can happen when you are working on your car and accidentally exposed wires. This could cause other problems, like a damaged key fob or a broken horn. Examine your key fob and replace it or repair it if necessary. The absence of a functioning key could be stressful and even dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are a great convenience but they also cause issues that require professional repair. Luckily, many of the issues that can affect a car key fob are relatively simple and inexpensive to solve. Here are some of the most common problems and their possible solutions:

A dead battery

Smart Key fobs have a shorter life span than the majority of basic remotes. Fob batteries usually need to be replaced every three or four years, and they are prone to fail when they're old. Luckily this is a simple problem to solve - simply buy a new replacement battery and put it in.

Damaged receiver

The transmitter inside your key fob has to receive signals from the receiver in your vehicle to allow it to open and start it. If this receiver is damaged, signals won't be able to pass through and remain inaccessible. This is an easy problem to determine, however, if the receiver is too damaged, it may be necessary for you to replace it.

Not programmed

Certain modern cars require a chip that is included in the key fob to allow it to start. The chip communicates with the car via a unique code that only the manufacturer can understand. In the majority of cases, you need to go to the dealer to purchase an alternative fob that has been properly programmed for your vehicle. You can find replacement fobs that are compatible with a wide range of vehicles.

Not working

If your car key fob does not work after you have replaced the battery and the buttons, it could be caused by an electrical issue or another issue that requires professional assistance to fix. A professional locksmith can quickly solve the issue by looking for the issue. This will typically be less expensive than a trip to the dealership. The cost of a replacement fob will vary depending on the model of your car and the locksmith you use locally. Contact a few locksmiths in your area to find out the price before committing to an appointment.