How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Even though we put them through a lot keys are not indestructible. They can actually break down in various ways.
The most frequent issue is a dead battery but other issues can be more grave. Most of these issues can be solved with a quick fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the main reason for a key fob that is not working. Fob batteries tend to drain quickly, especially when they are exposed or cold temperatures, humidity or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.
The LED light will usually cease to blink when the battery in your car key fob is low. It is also possible that the fob will no longer work at the same distance it used to. In this scenario it might be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it completely.
It is simple to replace the battery in a car keyfob. First, you need to determine the kind of battery is used. car key fob repair near me of battery should be embossed in the back of your key fob. Google can help in case you're unsure. Open the key fob along the seam after you've identified the battery type. You'll need a small flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to split the two halves. Then, broken car key repair can remove the old battery and put a new one in its place. Make sure you insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing upwards towards the buttons in the fob.
Some drivers may not realize their fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons aren't responding. This can be corrected by reprogramming the fob. However it can be time-consuming and expensive. 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 three of these methods and your car is still unable to start and you're not sure why, it's time to contact an expert. A qualified technician can determine if the car's computer system needs reprogramming or if the fob needs a new battery. They can also recommend a reliable auto repair shop to replace your key fob. Sometimes an entirely new fob might be the best option.
Damaged Circuit Board
A key fob can take many physical abuses and is not indestructible. The battery, the circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear with time, so it's important to be aware and take care of them to keep your car key fob working efficiently.
The most straightforward thing to do is to make sure the battery in your key fob isn't depleted. If it is, replace the battery and see if that fixes your issue. If this doesn't work, you may need to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces. It can be difficult to open some key fobs because they don't have an easy-release mechanism. You can cause damage to the fob by trying to take it apart. You can purchase a special tool for opening your key fob. However, you must adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer to avoid damaging the.
A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is a frequent issue. This can be caused by various factors, including moisture or dirt getting into the battery compartment. Software issues or an accident firmware update could also cause this. If your key fob isn't working completely, think about having it reprogrammed by an expert locksmith who specializes in this kind of work.
Radio interference is also a possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob, such a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, check with the other manufacturers of your device to make sure that your key fob isn't being affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key fob is equipped with a bad switch or other electrical component that should be replaced. There are online guides that help you fix this yourself. Be cautious when doing this, however, because the circuit board in your key fob is very small and can easily break if handled with care. If you're doing this yourself, be sure to use a good quality SMT switch and solder it into place properly.
Worn Out Buttons
Car key fobs can get quite a bit of wear and tear. They are prone to being dropped and often are frequently being tossed around in your pocket or purse. The jolting can cause the buttons to wear down or become stuck. A simple adjustment can solve the issue.
Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can detect if they've been pressed. They're designed to do this to lower the risk of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when pressed, they are worn out and need to be replaced.
Key fobs also have an electronic circuit inside which transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock and also instructions to start your engine. If the internal circuit board is damaged, then your key fob may not unlock or start your engine. This kind of damage is typically caused by blunt force or water.
You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing out If you're finding yourself pressing them harder than normal to get them to function. The fob may not be sending signals to your vehicle or have a shorter range.
Contact a locksmith right away when you're unable to use your key fob for your vehicle. They can determine if the key fob is damaged, or if your ignition cylinder is worn out.
Fortunately, the majority of car key fob issues aren't too serious or complex. The best way to ensure you don't get caught off guard by a malfunctioning key fob is to have an extra in your pocket at all times. This will ensure that you're not stuck in a bind because of an unreliable or lost key. If you lose your spare key a professional locksmith can rekey it to work with your vehicle's engine. They can also repair any internal damage to your key fob.
Broken Case
The case of the key fob is more than just shield the buttons and batteries. The case also houses the circuitry that executes all the electrical magic whenever you press a key fob button. The circuit board relays the signal from your key fob to your car.
Your key fob won't work if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a key fob that is dead will just need to be reprogrammed, which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can help you with.
Another reason why your key fob might not be functioning is that the batteries are dead. This is a quick solution that can be done at home by replacing the battery. The good news is that you can locate a replacement battery on the internet or at a 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 and gain access to the inside. A quick search online should reveal what kind of key fob you have and what kind of battery it uses. You can then buy an alternative and take the old one out and then insert the new one into.
The main concern when you repair the broken car key fob is that you don't want to cause damage to the circuit board or buttons further. If you attempt to remove the fob using a sharp edge, such as a screwdriver can damage the case or even scratch the plastic. Luckily, a replacement case is inexpensive and you can get a whole fob assembly with the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob isn't functioning look into whether the batteries are dead or whether the circuit board is damaged. If this isn't the case, you can have it repaired quickly and cheaply by an expert. In the event that it isn't, it's time to consider a replacement. Make sure to verify the warranty of any replacement or used fobs that you purchase on the internet.