Key Fob Repair Service - 5 Common Reasons Your Key Fob Won't Work
Having your key fob break down is a frustrating situation. Luckily, most fob problems aren't serious or complicated and can be solved at home or with an auto locksmith close to you.
The first step is to check the fob for physical damage and a dead battery. Then, try resetting the fob by following the instructions in your owner's manual.
Dead Key Fob Battery
With a key fob you can unlock and start your vehicle without having to fiddle around with your keys. Many models unlock doors, hatchbacks, and trunks by pressing the button. Although a dead key fob battery could be a huge inconvenience, it's actually one of the most simple issues to fix. Many car owners know that they can go to a dealership or repair shop for help but did you know that you could also try to fix your own fob at home?
You'll first require a brand-new CR2032. You can purchase them in a multipack from most hardware stores. Then, use a watch or flathead screwdriver to pry the case of the fob. There's typically an opening or notch to begin, and once you've created the first gap you can use your tool as you would peel an apple or an orange to open the case more. Be gentle since you don't want to harm the fob or its circuit board.
Once you've got the case open, insert the new battery under the tabs highlighted by yellow arrows in this image. Make sure to place the battery over the two smaller tabs indicated by the green arrows. Once the new battery has been put in place, close up your key fob and test it. If the key fob doesn't function, you may require contacting a professional for a more detailed troubleshooting.
In rare cases, replacing the battery in the key fob could result in a malfunctioning device. In this case there's probably a problem with the fob or vehicle. It's a good idea keep a spare key fob on to be ready if the original battery is dead or a problem occurs.
You may also ask an expert to provide other key fob repair procedures. They can inspect for damaged buttons as well as contacts and other parts. They can also carry out the reprogramming or synchronization process when your vehicle is experiencing difficulties communicating with your keyfob.
Damaged Key Fob Battery
The majority of key fobs are powered by a tiny battery, which powers their internal components. This includes the buttons that activate the antenna and chip to release a radio frequency. The battery also powers plastic casings that protect these components. If the battery fails the key fob won't work. The solution is easy and cost-effective: replace the battery. There are many manufacturers that have instructions in their user's manuals on how to replace the key fob battery. It isn't easy but it's not hard to do and you'll likely save money by doing it yourself instead of bringing the fob into a dealership or auto shop.
If your key fob still not working after replacing the battery, it could have another problem. Examine the key fob for signs of physical damage, like cracks or dents. You can also examine the circuit board by opening the case. If you feel at ease, you can employ a cotton ball coated with alcohol to clean the contact points on the circuit board of the key fob. This will remove corrosion without causing damage to the fob.
The key fobs also need to be programmed so that they can connect to the vehicle receiver. This is done so that only those with the keys to the same car can unlock the vehicle and to make sure that key fobs not meant for that vehicle from opening it. If you've recently had your key fob replaced or repaired, or when it hasn't used for some time the transmitter and receiver could have been disconnected.
You can test this using a spare remote control that you own. This will tell you if the issue is with the keyfob or with the electrical system of the vehicle. A mechanic can help solve the issue by reconnecting any disconnected wires. Alternatively, you can try connecting the key fob to a different receiver in your vehicle and see if that resolves the problem. If you are unable to connect your key fob to a different receiver in your vehicle, you might be required to take it to a car dealership or auto repair shop for more specific repairs.
Key Fob Transmitter Damaged
When your car key fob stops working, it can be a major hassle. The majority of car key fobs can be easily repaired by following a few easy guidelines. Examine the fob to determine whether it's suffering from physical damage and ensure that it is not just dead. A new battery could be all you need however, if it fails to fix the problem, there could be a more serious issue with the fob's transmitter.
Car key fobs contain a lot of moving parts, so it's not unreasonable for them to experience some wear and tear with time. A damaged transmitter on your fob can stop your car from starting or unlocking the doors. A damaged transmitter can also interfere with radio signals transmitted from your key fob to the receiver in the car. If remote key fob repair near me suspect that your key fob's transmitter is damaged, take it to a local mechanic for inspection and repair.
One of the main reasons that a key fob ceases functioning is because the batteries are depleted. Key fob batteries typically last between three and five years, so it's recommended to purchase fresh batteries regularly.
The replacement of a key fob's battery is a fairly simple procedure that most people can do at home. All you need is a flat head screwdriver to break open the case, then you can replace the battery with a new one. Most key fobs are powered by 3V button cells, which are available at most auto parts shops.
A malfunctioning receiver could be the reason for your key fob not responding. This can be a very frustrating issue, as it usually occurs while you are driving. If you find that your key fob isn't receiving an alert from your vehicle, try placing it in the driver's door lock.
A damaged receiver could cause your key fob to act erratically, such as by switching off or locking the vehicle whenever you press one of its buttons. Try using a spare keyfob to see whether the vehicle responds. Call your dealer if you don't own an extra keyfob. If your current key fob is still in warranty, a few dealerships selling new cars may be able to provide a replacement at no cost.
Damaged Key Fob Receiver
Key fobs can be prone to a number of problems. They're useful devices that allow us to lock and unlock our cars. If your car's remote key fob isn't functioning properly, it may be the right time to contact an auto locksmith or locksmith dealer for help. Fortunately, most common problems with key fobs can be easily resolved without having to shell out for a costly replacement. Here are five of the most commonly-cited reasons your key fob may not be working:
Key Fob Needs Re-Programming
Over time, the key fob transmitter and receiver may get out of sync with each the other. To fix this issue, you'll need to re-sync your key fob and receiver following the reprogramming directions for your car. You can find these instructions in the owner's manual or ask your local dealer for assistance.
If re-programming your key fob doesn't fix the issue, it could be a different cause of damage or interference to your key fob or its receiver. It's generally easy to repair if you open your key fob and take a close look inside. Check for indications of damage, such as cracks in the board, tiny electronic components that aren’t connected to the board or bent or damaged battery contacts. If you find any of these, you can fix your key fob by replacing damaged parts.
If you have to replace or repair your key fob, the best solution will depend on the source of the problem and the amount you value convenience and cost. If your key fob is damaged or dropped, it could be more cost-effective to replace it professionally. In any case, be sure to take good care of your key fob so that it can give you years of trouble-free operation. You can extend its life by regularly cleaning it and avoid extreme temperatures or electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, by selecting a professional with plenty of experience with your specific vehicle's make and model and model, you can be confident that your key fob will function exactly as it was intended to.