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Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You might be enticed, when your remote key fob is not working to take it to a dealership to have it changed. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.

Start by replacing the battery. Hardware stores carry flat watch-style batteries that are affordable and easy to find. Examine the key fob for worn buttons or ones that aren't in the right place.

Dead Battery

The key fob, a tiny electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It utilizes an radio transmitter with a short range to send unique codes to the receiver inside your vehicle. Key fob batteries last for a long amount of time, but they can die at any moment. You can usually determine if the battery has gone out by examining the LED's light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob won't respond it means the battery has failed and needs to be replaced.

The process of replacing the battery in the key fob is simple and quick. It's typically a matter of opening the fob and taking out the old battery before inserting the new one. Fobs use small batteries, like those found in hearing aids and watches which are sold at general stores and home improvement stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin and have plus and minus marks on the bottom. If you're not sure what type of battery your fob takes, consult the owner's manual or look at the key fob itself for an identification label.

Your key fob should function normally. If it does not it could be due to a different issue with your vehicle or the system that is causing the fob not to function properly. If this is the situation, you'll have to contact roadside assistance to resolve the issue.

You may be able order replacement keys through a dealer or online, based on the model and make of your car. It is often cheaper and easier to buy a new key fob instead of to repair a broken one.

Buttons aren't responding

If you've been driving around for a while, and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't working it could be an issue with worn buttons or sensors. Rubberized buttons on most fobs wear out over time. This may cause them to function correctly when they are pushed in a specific way or under extreme pressure. This is a common issue with a lot of fobs and can be easily repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.

The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it could not receive the signal and prevent the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. The best option is to have your local mechanic inspect the receiver for damage. In most cases, this will be free or for a small cost depending on the make of your vehicle.

The key fobs utilized daily receive many uses and are often tossed around in pockets and purses, so it is no surprise that they occasionally be finicky and only work properly when press in a certain manner. It is simple to fix most fobs, since the buttons can be reinforced by using silicone and a bit of effort.

To get the buttons working again, first press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a chime from your vehicle. This will need to be repeated several times in order to activate the button. The next step is to cycle your key into and out of the ignition of your car a few more times to reset the connection between the fob and the car. Once the connection has been restored, you are able to remove the ignition key and then unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the process until your fob is working again. If you are not able to fix the fob following this procedure it could need to be replaced completely. If you do need to replace it, be sure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle's model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop breaks off, it can separate from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. Replacing the loop on your keychain is an easy fix.

Key fobs can also malfunction because of water or moisture damage. The signs include a decreased range of operation, or no functionality at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery may fix the issue however sometimes a professional repair or replacement is required.

Key fob buttons might get worn out over time, resulting in less functionality or a lack of responsiveness. It is possible to replace the key fob button or case however, reprogramming may solve this issue. Sometimes signals from nearby electronic devices can affect the connection between the key fob and your car and cause issues with locking or unlocking. This could require a diagnostic test performed by the dealership in order to identify and solve. This is usually the case with older electronic keys that rely on infrared signals to operate. They require an optical line of sight. Modern microchip keys communicate with your car via challenge-response authorization over radio frequency.

Pairings that are corrupted or lost

Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote key fob repair (Suggested Reading) might not respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to solve the issue, however you may also need to change the programming of the remote.

Key fobs used in modern vehicles can perform a range of functions. They can adjust the height of windows, trigger alarms, turn on interior lights, and even start some cars. It is common for owners of vehicles to make a mistake and hit the wrong buttons. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual handy while using your key fob to be able to refer to the specific sections that cover the various functions of your car key and repair.

Another reason that causes the fob to cease working is that the remote's signal has been corrupted or lost. Some of the newer key fobs have sophisticated encryption techniques to keep thieves from intercepting the signals and creating remotes or key fobs that are not authorized that allow you to unlock your car. To re-program the fob, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer.

Some automakers provide their own instructions to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are usually simple enough to be done at home. This process is not recommended for novices who do not have extensive experience with electronics. It is recommended to leave this type of work to experts.

Key fobs can suffer wear and tear if they're used and handled frequently. The buttons of a key fob could be pushed and the case may crack or break. Keep a spare fob with you at all time. This will save you time if your remote breaks down while you're out and about. It is recommended to keep it by your bed at night because it will permit you to activate the panic button if you hear sounds in the house during the night.