Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Key Fob Repair Service
Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs can be subjected to a lot of abuse. Depending on how they're stored and how often they're moved around, their buttons could get stuck or damaged.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with the key fob are simple to fix. Some key fob issues are more serious and require assistance from a professional. A locksmith can be of great help in these cases.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs have gotten pretty smart however this doesn't mean that they won't occasionally find themselves in the "not responding" zone. It's time to replace your battery when this happens. It's not a solution since there may be a bad connection at one of the terminals on the battery connector.
The car makers are aware of the possibility of a problem, and they often add a second mechanical key in the fob to be used in such an emergency. You can access it by pressing the small release button or latch that is located behind the fob. (Check the user manual to find out more). Pressing this button, you will be able to open the fob to reveal a key that you can use to unlock your car.
Another indication that your fob's battery is dying is that you have to be a lot closer to your car to unlock and open it than before. This is due to the fact that the transmitter of your fob loses its strength as its battery ages, limiting its operating range.
It's relatively simple to replace the battery. Make sure you purchase a button cell battery (which looks like an incredibly small silver coin) for your fob, and follow the user guideline or video instructions on how to take out the old one. Then, replace the new battery in the same orientation that the previous one was placed (the positive side should be facing upwards toward the buttons). After reassembling the fob, test its start, lock and unlock functions to ensure that the new battery was installed correctly.
Some key fobs are difficult to open but you should be able to do it by finding the latch, switch or screw at the back of the fob, and then tearing it apart. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to work with your car! You can also take your fob to a professional if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Most auto shops will swap the battery of a fob for a nominal fee as it's a common repair service. Some dealers will even do it for no cost, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Fob not working
Replace the batteries if the key fob isn't working. This is the most efficient solution and will likely resolve the problem. If your device isn't working after changing the battery it could be caused by damage.
Damage can occur to your car's key fob for a variety of reasons including physical trauma, exposure to water, or a damaged circuit board. These issues may prevent your key from communicating with the car's receiver which can then stop your car's doors and/or ignition from opening or even starting. If your fob is damaged, it's likely that you'll require a professional to repair the part or the entire device.
The buttons on your keychain may have worn away with repeated use. The rubber may wear out and make the buttons less springy or 'clicky' and may begin to fail to register your pressing accurately. You could try wiping the buttons down and key fob repair adjusting them, but it is usually best to get the fob examined by a professional for more extensive repairs.
Double check that the battery you are using is exactly right for your fob. You can find a list of compatible batteries online or in most hardware stores. You must always refer to your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine which type of battery it needs. If the battery isn't the right fit, it may have issues transmitting strong signals and supplying enough power to internal components.
In some cases the issue could be related to the vehicle's electronic components or receiver. You can test this by using the physical key to open the door, and then trying to start your car with the inductive backup system (if there is). If the physical key you have isn't able to open or start your car then a mechanic should inspect the electronic and receiver components of your vehicle to determine if they are functioning correctly.
Fob Is Damaged
A key fob is comprised of many components, and key fob repair one malfunction can cause other parts to fail. If a keyfob doesn't work it's crucial to look for obvious causes such as a cracked casing or a broken component. It's also important to check other parts of the vehicle such as the lights and horn to determine whether they're working as expected.
If the key fob is damaged, it's recommended to obtain a replacement from your dealership or an auto locksmith instead of attempting to fix it. It may be necessary to reset the fob to connect to your car. This is not something you can do at home, and requires specialized equipment.
Over time the contacts on the buttons of a key fob could wear out. This is most common when the fob is dropped or left in hot weather.
Over time, the internal wiring in the key fob could wear down. It could result in buttons that don't function when it is pressed, or can be used when pressed extremely strongly. It could also result in the car not opening or locking when the fob is pressed.
Most fobs have a plastic cover that can be opened and safely cleaned with soap and water. This is a great way to restore a key fob to proper function and it's a great idea to do this often to prevent dirt from damaging the insides.
A damaged battery is usually the reason why a key fob will not turn on or function. The majority of car dealers and mechanics can replace the battery quickly. If you're confident in installing the battery yourself, you can purchase an additional one from a big-box store or hardware store and follow the directions on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
The worst-case scenario is that your key fob has internal damage, like cracks small electronic components that aren't completely connected to the circuit boards or bent and corroded contact points for batteries. If you find any of these problems you should contact an auto locksmith or a dealer to obtain a new key fob as well as assistance in programming it to your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Programming
The car key fob is a convenient method to start your engine and unlock the doors of your vehicle. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or appear to function intermittently. In some cases, the issue can be solved by replacing the battery. In other situations it may require a more complex repair. The first step is to identify the reason for why the fob isn't functioning properly.
The most frequent reason for a fob not working is that it does not recognize your vehicle. This is because the connection between the remote and your vehicle is broken. You can sometimes reset this connection without needing a key fob repair service.
Other problems can arise when the key fob no more sends an energizing signal. This could be the result of a key has been damaged or the battery is not functioning properly. In either case, you should try to reconnect your key to your vehicle. This can be done by following the directions provided with the key fob. Also, you should keep a spare car key fob repair near me in case the primary key fails.
It's also possible that the fob isn't receiving a strong enough signal from the car. This can be due to a weak battery in the car or interference from wireless devices or a problem with the antenna. Using a remote tester, you can test the fob to check if it's the cause of the issue. If the tester doesn't illuminate when one of the buttons is press, the battery might need to be replaced or the fob is damaged.
The immobilizer in your car could prevent a fob from sending a clear signal. This could be the case when your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly or if there's a software issue.
If you can't fix the fob, or it's not worth the trouble to try to fix it, you should buy a new one. There are low-cost alternatives from a variety of online retailers and some can even be delivered to your door.
