How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Although we put them through numerous times, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. They can actually be destroyed in a variety of ways.
While the most common problem is a dead battery but other issues can be much more grave. Fortunately, the majority of these can be fixed with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is likely the most common reason a car key fob stops functioning. Fob batteries are prone to draining quickly, especially when they're exposed to extreme conditions like humidity, temperatures or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.
You will usually know that the battery of your car key fob is dying because the light on the LED will stop glowing. It's also possible that your key fob won't function at the same distance it used to. In this scenario it might be necessary to reprogram the key fob or even replace it entirely.
Fortunately replacing a car key fob battery is easy. Find out the kind of battery used. The type of battery should be engraved on the back of your key fob. If you're unsure then an easy Google search can help. Once you've found the kind of battery you want and the key fob, you can open it near the seam. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers or even your fingernail to split the two halves. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a brand new one. Insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers don't even realize that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons no longer work. This can be corrected by reprogramming your fob. However it could be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they are able to jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you've tried all three of these methods but your car won't start and you're not sure why, it's time to contact an expert. A qualified technician can determine if your car's computer needs reprogramming, or if the fob only requires an upgrade in battery. They can also recommend a reliable auto shop to replace your key fob. In the end sometimes, a brand new fob is the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
Key fobs can withstand many physical abuses and isn't indestructible. The battery, circuit board, and buttons all get their fair share of wear and tear over time It is therefore essential to be on guard and take care of them 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 depleted. If it is, replace the battery and determine if this fixes the issue. If not, you'll need to open the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It can be difficult to open some key fobs since they don't have an easy-release mechanism. You could damage your fob by trying take it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, but you should always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or corrupted key circuit board for the fob is another frequent issue. This can be due to many things, such as moisture or dirt that gets into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob isn't functioning completely, you should think about having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this kind of work.
Radio interference is a different possibility. It could happen if you have other wireless devices that transmit at the same frequency, for example, radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case you need to get in touch with the manufacturer of the other device to make sure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key fob is equipped with an unreliable switch or electrical component that should be replaced. This is a harder fix however, there are guides online that explain how to do it yourself. You should be careful to be careful, however, since the circuit board that is inside your key fob is small and can easily break if handled with care. If car key repair near me doing this yourself, make certain to use a top quality SMT switch and then solder it into place properly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are prone to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They're prone to being dropped and often are frequently moving around in your purse or pocket. The jolting can cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. In this case it's possible that a simple adjustment will be all it takes to get it working again.
Modern key fobs come with sensors that are able to detect when they have been pressed. They're designed to detect this so that they can decrease the chance of thieves stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't work when you press them, 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 commands to unlock and lock your car, and commands to start the engine. If the internal circuit board is damaged, then your key fob may not unlock or start your engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force, or something scratching the circuit board.
If you're having to press the buttons harder than usual in order to get them to function, then your key fob buttons are wearing out. Additionally, your fob may stop sending a signal to the car or have less range than it did prior to.
Contact a locksmith immediately if you are not able to use your key fob to access your car. They'll be able determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or if your ignition cylinder is worn out.
Fortunately, most car keyfob problems aren't too difficult or serious. Keep an extra key fob in your vehicle at all times to avoid being thrown off by a malfunctioning device. This will ensure that you're not trapped in a place due to a lost or malfunctioning key. If you lose your spare key, an expert locksmith can rekey it to work with your vehicle's engine. They can also repair any internal damage to the key fob.
Broken Case
The case for your key fob is more than just a place to store the battery and buttons. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for doing all of the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. The board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car.
Your key fob won't function if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a key fob that is dead may need to be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can help you with.
Batteries could be the cause the key fob's not working. This is a simple solution that can be done at home by replacing the battery. The good news is that you can get the replacement battery online or at your local auto parts store since these batteries aren't exclusive to key fobs.
Depending on the type of key fob you have, there are various ways to open it up and get inside. You can determine what kind of battery your key fob uses by doing a quick online search. From there, you can purchase the replacement and simply take the old one out, and then the new one in.
If you are repairing a damaged key fob, the primary goal is not to harm the circuit or buttons in any way. If you attempt to pull apart the key fob using a screwdriver or other hard edge, it can crack the plastic or break the case. Fortunately, a replacement for the case is cheap and you can buy a whole fob assembly with the electronic components from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
So, if your key fob isn't functioning Check to see if the batteries are dead or if the circuit board has been damaged. If that's not the case, a professional will fix it quickly and inexpensively. If not, it could be the time to purchase an upgrade. Be sure to check the warranty on any replacement or used fobs purchased online.