How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Although we put them through many a times keys are not impervious to destruction. They can actually break down in a variety of ways.
Other issues can be more important than a dead battery. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be solved by making a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the most common reason for a key fob not working. Fob batteries drain quickly, especially when they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.
You can usually tell that your car key fob's battery is dying because the light on the LED will cease to glow. The key fob could also stop working from the same distance it was previously working to. In this scenario, the key fob may require reprogramming or replaced entirely.
It is simple to replace the battery in a car keyfob. First, you need to determine the type of battery is used. The type should be engraved on the back of the fob. Google can help when you're not sure. Once you've identified the kind of battery you want, open the key fob at the junction. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers or even your fingernail to pry the two halves apart. Then, take out the battery that was removed and replace it with the 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 attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons do not respond. In some cases this issue can be resolved by reprogramming the fob, but that can be costly and time-consuming. You can also contact roadside assistance to see if they are able to jumpstart your vehicle and get it back on the road.
If you've tried both solutions but your vehicle doesn't start, it's time to speak with a professional. A qualified technician will be able to determine whether your vehicle's computer system requires reprogramming or if the fob requires a new battery. They can also recommend a reputable auto shop to replace your fob's keys. Sometimes an entirely new fob might be the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
A key fob is able to withstand a lot of physical abuse and is not indestructible. The battery, the circuit board buttons, and other components all suffer their fair share of wear and tear with time, so it's important to be on guard and take care of them in order to keep your car key fob functioning efficiently.
The easiest thing to check 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 not, you may need to open the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open certain key fobs since they do not have an easy-release mechanism. You can damage your fob by trying to break it. You can purchase a specific tool to open your key fob, but you should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or damaged key circuit board for the fob is another common problem. This could be due to numerous factors, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment. Issues with software or an accident firmware update could be the cause of this. If key lock repair near me has stopped functioning, you might want to consider having it replaced. This can be accomplished by a locksmith who is skilled in this type of work.
Radio interference is also a possibility. This could happen if you have other wireless devices around that transmit at the same frequency, like radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, you should contact the other device manufacturer to ensure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key fob has a bad switch or other electrical component that needs to be replaced. There are online guides that will help you fix this yourself. You should be careful to be careful, however, since the circuit board in your key fob is small and could easily break if handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, be certain to use a top quality SMT switch and then solder it in place correctly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs can suffer a lot of wear and tear. They're susceptible to being dropped, and they often are frequently being tossed around in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this jolting can cause the buttons to become worn out or stuck. In this case, a simple adjustment may be all it takes to get it working again.
Modern key fobs are equipped with sensors that detect when they've been press. They're made to do this so that they can reduce the likelihood of thieves stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't work when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced.
Key fobs also have an electronic circuit inside that sends signals to the car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, your key fob might not allow you to unlock your car or even start the engine. This type of damage is typically caused by water or blunt force.
If you're having to press the buttons harder than usual in order to get them to function the key fob's buttons are becoming worn out. Additionally your fob could stop transmitting a signal to the car or it'll have a lower range than it did before.
Contact a locksmith right away if you are not able to use the key fob to access your vehicle. They can tell if the key fob is damaged or the cylinder of your ignition is worn out.
Fortunately, most car key fob problems aren't a major or difficult issue. Keep a spare key fob in your vehicle at all times to avoid being thrown off by a malfunctioning device. You'll never be caught in the middle because of a malfunctioning or lost key. Of course, if you do lose your car key spare, a locksmith will be able to change the key to work with the ignition of your car. They'll also be able repair any internal damage that has occurred on the key fob.
Broken Case
A key fob's case provides more than just protection for the battery and buttons. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic every time you press the button on your key fob. The board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car.
If the board is damaged or dead the key fob won't be able to operate. Sometimes a dead key fob will just need to be reset which is something your local auto locksmith or the dealership can help you with.
Batteries could be the reason your key fob's battery not working. This is a simple fix that you can do at home by replacing the battery. You can purchase the replacement battery from the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries are not just for key fobs.
Depending on the kind of key fob, there is various ways to open it up and access the insides. A quick search online should identify the type of key fob you have and what kind of battery it uses. From there, you can buy the replacement and simply take the old one out, and then the new one in.
When repairing a broken key fob, the most important concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons more. If you attempt to pull away the key fob with an instrument like a screwdriver or any other sharp edge, it could break the plastic or break the case. A replacement case isn't expensive and you can find an entire fob, including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for under $40.
So, if your key fob doesn't work look into whether the batteries are depleted or if the circuit board has become damaged. If that's not the case, a professional will fix it quickly and cost-effectively. If not, it may be time to replace the fob. Make sure you check for a warranty on any replacement or used fobs you purchase on the internet.