How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Even though we use them a lot, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. In fact, they are able to break down in many different ways.
The most frequent issue is a dead battery, other issues can be much more grave. Fortunately, many of these can be fixed with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common reason why a car key fob stops working. Fob batteries can deplete quickly, especially when they are exposed to extreme heat or humid temperatures or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.
You can usually tell when the battery of your car key fob is depleted because the light on the LED will stop glowing. It's also possible that your key fob won't work from the same distance it did in the past. In this case it could be necessary to re-program your key fob or even replace it entirely.
Fortunately the replacement of the car key fob battery is a simple task. First, find out what kind of battery is used. The type should be embossed on the side of the fob. Google can help you in case you're unsure. The key fob can be opened across the seam after you've identified the battery type. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to separate the two halves. Then, take out the old battery and insert 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 may not be aware the fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their car and the buttons don't respond. This can be corrected by reprogramming the fob. However, it can be costly and time-consuming. You can also call roadside assistance to determine whether they can start your car and get it back on the road.
If you've tried both solutions but your vehicle doesn't start, it's time to contact a professional. A trained technician will be able to determine if your car's computer system needs to be reprogrammed or if the fob needs an upgrade in battery. They can also recommend an auto shop to replace the fob that you use to access your car. In the end sometimes, a brand new fob is the most effective solution.
Circuit Board Damage
A key fob is not impervious to destruction, but it can endure a lot of physical damage. Battery, circuit board and buttons are all susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is important to take care of these parts to keep your key fob in good working order.
The easiest way to test is that the battery in your key fob isn't depleted. If it is then replace the battery and check if it fixes your problem. If this does not work, you might need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be difficult because some key fobs don't have a release mechanism that is easy to open them up and you could damage your fob if you attempt to break it. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but you should always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is a common problem. This can be due to a number of things like moisture or dirt that gets into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob is not functioning, you might be interested in getting it reprogrammed. This can be done by a locksmith that specializes in this kind of work.
key repair is a different possibility. This could happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit at the same frequency as your key fob, such a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the situation you need to 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 is also possible to replace a switch or an electrical component inside your key fob. There are online guides that will guide you through the process of fixing this yourself. Be cautious to be careful, however, since the circuit board inside the key fob is tiny and can easily break if handled with care. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to use a high quality SMT switch and solder it into place properly.
In a state of wear Out Buttons
Car key fobs are susceptible to a lot wear and tear. They are more prone to being lost and spend a significant amount of time in your purse or pocket. The jolting can cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. A simple adjustment can solve the problem.
Most modern key fobs have sensors that tell if they've been pressed. This is because they reduce the chances of someone stealing your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when pressed, they are worn out and need to be replaced.
Key fobs also contain an internal circuit board which transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well as commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, then your key fob might not allow you to unlock your car or even start the engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force or a scratch on the circuit board.
If you're having to press the buttons more than usual in order to get them to function the fob's buttons are becoming worn out. In addition the fob might stop sending a signal to the car, or have a lower range than it did before.
Contact a locksmith immediately when you're unable to use your key fob to access your car. They can tell if the key fob is damaged, or if your ignition cylinder is worn out.
Fortunately, the majority of car key fob issues aren't a major or difficult issue. The best way to ensure you don't get taken by surprise by an issue with your key fob is to keep a spare in your possession at all times. You'll never be stranded because of an unresponsive or lost key. If you lose your spare key, a professional locksmith can reset 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 does more than just protect the buttons and batteries. The case also houses the circuitry that performs all the electrical magic every time you press the button on your key fob. The circuit board receives the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to your car.
Your key fob won't work if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a key fob that is dead may need to be reprogrammed, which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can help you with.
Batteries could be the reason of your key fob not working. The battery can be replaced at home. The good news is that you can find the replacement battery on the internet or at a local auto parts shop since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open up a key fob and get inside it, depending on the kind. You can determine the type of battery your key fob has by doing a quick online search. You can then buy a new replacement and pop the old one out and then insert the new one into.
When repairing a broken key fob, the most important concern is not to damage the circuit or buttons more. If you try to pry away the key fob with a screwdriver or other hard edge, it can crack the plastic or break the case. A replacement case isn't much and you can find an entire fob, including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob does not work, check if you've damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If this isn't the case, you can have it repaired quickly and inexpensively by a professional. Otherwise, it might be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check for a warranty on any used or replacement fobs that you purchase on the internet.