Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
If your remote key fob stops working, you may be tempted to visit an authorized dealer to have it reprogrammed. Instead, you can try some simple fixes at home.
Start by replacing the battery. Hardware stores carry flat watch-style batteries that are cheap and easy to find. Examine the key fob for buttons that are damaged or are not in the right the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a small electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It uses a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver within your car. Key fob batteries generally last a long time, but they can be wiped out at any point. You can usually tell if the battery has gone out by examining the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob does not respond, then the battery is dead and has to replaced.
Change the battery on a key fob is easy and quick. It's as easy as opening the key fob, taking out the battery that was in use and replacing it with a fresh one. The batteries for fobs are small, like those used in hearing aids or watches. They are available in home improvement stores as well as general stores. They're usually shaped like an ordinary coin and are adorned with plus and minus signs on the bottom. If you're unsure of the kind of battery your key fob uses, refer to your owner's manual or check the key fob itself for the label.
After you change the battery your key fob will perform as expected. If it does not it could be due to a different issue with your car or the system that is causing the fob not to work properly. If this is the situation you'll require assistance at the roadside.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you may be able to purchase replacement fobs for your keys through the internet or from a dealership. It is often cheaper and more convenient to purchase an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a broken one.
Buttons are not responding
It could be due to a worn button sensor if you've driven for a long time and you notice that your keys aren't functioning. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons that can wear out over time, which may cause them to only work correctly if they are pushed in a certain manner or with a lot of force. This is a common issue with a lot of fobs and is easily solved by following a few DIY steps.
The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it might not receive the signal and the key won't be able to open or start your vehicle. This can be fixed by having a mechanic examine the receiver to check for damage. This service is often free or costs only little, depending on the car's model.
Key fobs that are used daily get a lot of use and are often found in purses and pockets and purses, so it's no surprise that they can sometimes be finicky and work properly when pressed a certain way. This is an easy fix for the majority of fobs, as the buttons can be reinforced and fixed quickly with some silicone and a bit of effort.
To get the buttons to work once more, press and hold the locks and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. It is necessary to do this a few times in succession in order to get the button to activate. Then, you need to cycle your key in and out of the ignition for a few times to reset the fob's connection to your vehicle. Once the connection is restored, you can remove the key from the ignition and then open your car with the remote. Repeat the process until the fob is working properly. If you are unable to fix the fob by following this procedure, it may need to be replaced completely. If you decide to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle's make and model.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the loop of plastic on the key fob breaks it will not work to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.
Key fobs can also malfunction due to moisture and water damage. Symptoms include a reduced range of operation, or no function at all. The issue can be fixed by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, however in some instances, professional repair or replacement may be required.
Over time the buttons on key fobs can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. key repair may require a new key fob case or replacement of the button, however usually, the issue can be solved by changing the program. Sometimes signals from nearby electronic devices can cause interference between the key fob and your car and cause issues with locking or unlocking. This may require a diagnostic test by the dealership in order to identify and resolve. This is usually the case with older electronic key fobs that use infrared signals and require a clear line of sight to function, but most modern microchip keys use radio frequency challenge-response authentication to connect with your vehicle.
Pairings that are lost or corrupted
Over time the batteries of key fobs lose their charge. If the battery has lost too much of its power the remote will not respond to commands. This issue is usually fixed by replacing the battery, but it may also be necessary to re-program the remote.
Modern cars have key fobs that control various functions. They can raise or lower the windows, activate alarms, switch on interior lights, or even start certain cars. It is not uncommon for car owners to make a mistake and press the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's guide close by when using your keyfob to quickly refer to the sections that cover the car's features.
Another reason that can cause a fob to stop working is that the signal has been damaged or lost. Some of the newer key fobs use sophisticated encryption techniques to stop thieves from stealing the signals and generating remotes or key fobs that are not authorized that can unlock your car. You will probably need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to re-program the fob and restore its functionality.
Some automakers provide their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs yourself. In most cases, these processes are simple enough to be done at home. However, the procedure is not the best choice for beginners without extensive electronics experience. This kind of work is best left to experts.
Key fobs are subjected to a lot more wear and tear when they're frequently handled and used. The buttons on a fob may be jostled and the case may break or crack. It is essential to keep a spare key fob with at all times since it can save you time and stress if your remote stops working when you are out and wandering around. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so that you can activate the panic button if you hear noises at night.