What Experts Say You Should Know

How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Key fobs are susceptible to damage, even if we use them a lot. In fact, they could be destroyed in a variety of ways.

While the most common issue is a dead battery however, other issues could be much more serious. Luckily, most of these issues can be solved with a quick DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the main cause of a key fob not working. Fob batteries can deplete quickly, especially if they are exposed or humid temperatures or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.

The LED light will generally stop blinking when the battery in the car key fob is running low. It's also possible that your key fob will no longer work at the same distance it used to. In this scenario, it may be necessary to reprogram the key fob or replace it completely.

Fortunately, replacing the battery in a car key fob is a simple task. Find out the kind of battery used. The type should be engraved on the back of the fob. If you're not sure then doing a quick Google search will be helpful. Open the key fob across the seam after you've identified the battery type. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail, to pry apart the two halves. Then, take out the old battery and put a new one in its place. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers might not be aware that the fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their car key repairs near me and the buttons do not respond. In some instances this problem can be resolved by reprogramming the fob, however, it can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to call roadside assistance and see if they can jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.

If you've tried all of these options and your car is still unable to start and you're not sure why, it's time to contact a professional. A qualified technician can determine the computer in your car needs reprogramming, or if the fob is only in need of an upgrade in battery. They can also suggest an auto shop to replace your key fob. Sometimes, however, a new fob could be the best option.

Damaged Circuit Board

A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and is not indestructible. The battery, the circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair amount of wear and tear with time and it's crucial to be vigilant and take care of them to keep your car key fob working efficiently.

Check that the battery is still working on your key fob. Replace the battery to see if it fixes the issue. If not, you may require opening the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open some key fobs because they don't have an easy-release mechanism. You could damage your fob by trying break it. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob. However, you should follow the directions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or defective key circuit board for the fob is another frequent issue. This could be due to many things, including dirt or repair car key fob moisture entering the battery compartment. Issues with software or an accidental firmware update can be the cause for this. If your key fob isn't working completely, think about having it reprogrammed with a locksmith that specializes in this type of work.

Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen when you have other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency, for example, radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the situation, you should 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 may have a bad switch or other electrical component that must be replaced. There are online guides that guide you through the process of fixing this yourself. It's important to be careful when doing this, as the circuit boards inside the key fob are tiny and can break easily if they are handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, be sure to use a good quality SMT switch and then solder it in place correctly.

Buttons that are worn out

Car key fobs can get a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are prone to being dropped and often spend a lot of time being tossed around in your pocket or purse. The jolting can cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. Simple adjustments can resolve the problem.

Modern key fobs are fitted with sensors that are able to detect when they've been hit. They're designed to do this because they can help decrease the chance of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't work when pressed, they are 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 instructions to start the engine. If the internal circuit board is damaged, your key fob may not allow you to unlock or start your engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt or a scratch on the circuit board.

You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are deteriorating when you press the buttons more than normal in order to get them working. The fob may not be sending an alert to your car or have a lower range.

If you're not able to get your key fob to unlock or start your vehicle, it's crucial to find a locksmith near you immediately. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or if your ignition cylinder is worn out.

Fortunately, most key fob issues in cars aren't a major or difficult issue. Keep an extra key fob in your car always in case you end up being thrown off by a malfunctioning device. This will ensure that you're never stuck in a bind due to the loss or malfunction of your key. Of course, if you do lose your car key spare, a locksmith can help reset it to ensure it is compatible with the ignition in your car. They can also fix any internal damage to the key fob.

Broken Case

The case of the key fob is more than just shield the batteries and buttons. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for all the electrical magic when you hit the button on your key fob. The board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car.

If the board is damaged or dead, your key fob won't be able to function. A dead key fob may only need to be reprogrammed by your local auto locksmith or dealer.

Another reason your key fob may not be working is that the batteries are dead. The battery can be replaced at home. The good thing is that you can find an alternative battery on the internet or at your local auto parts store, since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs.

There are several ways to open up a key fob to get inside, based on the type. You can find out what type of battery your key fob is using by conducting a quick online search. From there, you can buy the replacement and simply take the old one out and the new one in.

When repairing a broken key fob, the primary concern is not to damage the circuit or buttons more. If you attempt to pull apart the key fob using an instrument like a screwdriver or any other sharp edge, it could crack the plastic or Repair Car Key Fob damage the case. Fortunately, a replacement case is cheap and you can buy an entire fob with the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

So, if your key fob doesn't work look into whether the batteries are dead or if the circuit board has become damaged. If that's not the case, a professional will repair car Key fob it quickly and inexpensively. Otherwise, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Be sure to check the warranty of any fob replacement or used purchased online.