10 Healthy Habits For Key Fob Repair
Car Key Fob Repair ServiceIf your car key fob isn't working it could put you in a tough spot. While replacing it with a new one can be costly, sometimes it is the most effective option.
You can save money by visiting other places before you go to the dealer.
Dead Battery
One of the most common issues with key fobs is the battery being dead. It can be a surprise to people and is most likely to happen while you're leaving for work or heading out to a social gathering. There may be a backup plan, such as an extra key or a number for help at the roadside, but you will still have to repair or replace the fob. The good news is that the majority of car key fob battery issues can be easily fixed with the right information.
A lot of modern cars have a backup system in place that can handle the possibility of a fob battery going bad. Usually, if you hold the dead fob up to the ignition button, you will be able to start the vehicle. If you have a vehicle with push-to-start technology, this will also unlock your doors. The owner's manual for your vehicle will provide detailed instructions on how you can use the key fob.
Other reasons for the key fob to not respond to press buttons or turning on include buttons that aren't completely pressed or a battery that isn't fully charged, or a remote that requires programming. In some cases, a simple cleaning may suffice to make your key fob work again. Since key fob buttons are repeatedly pressed, dirt could build up and block them from being pressed all the way.
You can use the clip's end of a clip to quickly clean your key fob. This is a safe method to open up the case and take out the old battery. Keep an extra battery as well as any tools you'll need to remove the key fob's case on hand. You can prepare for any issues with your keyfob well in advance, so you don't have to worry about it affecting your life or needing to call roadside assistance. You can also keep an extra car key in your pocket to avoid being taken by surprise when you encounter an issue with your key fob.
Button Issues
When pressed, the buttons on remote controls send signals to its circuit board. If the buttons wear out, signals may not be sent. The fob could stop working. This could happen over time or could be due to an issue with your car or fob. If the button is worn or damaged, a professional can replace or repair it.
Key fobs are usually subjected to a lot of abuse. Every day, they are dropped, banged and exposed to heat and cold. They're also very fragile and easily broken. The inside of the key fob is filled with components like a circuitboard and battery contacts that can be damaged if you abuse it too much.
Most issues can be fixed by changing the battery in your fob, but there are some that require more. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver to remove the case of the fob and determine if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. The majority of key fobs utilize 3V button cells that are available in almost any store.
Even a small amount can damage the fob. This could be a problem when you wash the key fob or go swimming with it in your pocket. This could harm the transponder chip and cause the key fob to stop functioning.
If you're experiencing a problem with a button the best choice is to contact a professional locksmith. They can repair or replace your button and reprogram it for you. They can also solve other electrical problems, like an unresponsive light or a horn that won't work.
Cars are expensive, so it's important to keep up to date with technology and equipment that makes them run. If you don't, your vehicle won't function as it should and will be difficult to get to where you're required to be. Incorrect technology and equipment could also be a safety issue in that it could lead to serious mechanical problems in the future.
Broken Battery Terminals
If your fob isn't working when you attempt to start your car, it could be that the battery terminals have failed. The fob has to be able to communicate with the central system of the vehicle to unlock and start it. The communication happens through a small radio transmitter inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent by the fob to an internal key (if it is present) which opens the doors and then turns on the engine. The fob is designed to be able to send this signal at distances of up to 50 feet, but the transmission might not function if the battery terminals have been damaged.
These are straightforward fixes. It's usually simple to replace the battery. Simply take out the old one, identify the kind of batteries you need, and then go to an auto parts store or online retailer to purchase the appropriate one. Certain key fobs are difficult to open in order to get access to the batteries however, it's important to be careful so that you don't break any of the components inside.
Next, try the key fob a second time. If it still doesn't work it could be because the metal key itself inside the fob has been damaged or that the key has been reprogrammed. Modern keys are programmed to work with certain automobiles, and certain errors in the codes can affect the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogram the key to the vehicle.
Another possibility is that the fob is damaged, particularly if it was dropped or left in the rain. The circuit board may have failed because the key fob was exposed to extreme heat or other issues. Sometimes, this can be the result of work that was done to your car that accidentally left exposed wires, which could cause other malfunctions such as a broken horn or malfunctioning key fob. It is important to check the key fob for damage and repair or replace it if necessary, since not having a functioning key could be extremely stressful and risky.
Other Issues
Car key fobs are a great convenience, but they can also cause problems that require professional repair. Many of the issues that may affect a car keyfob are simple and affordable to fix. Here are some of the most frequent problems and possible solutions:
A dead battery
Smart Key fobs have a shorter life span than the majority of basic remotes. Fob batteries must be replaced every three to four years, and they can cease working if they become too old. This is a simple issue to fix - just buy an alternative battery and then install it.
A damaged receiver
The transmitter inside your key fob must receive a signal from the vehicle's receiver in order to allow it to be opened and started. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't pass through and remain inaccessible. This is a straightforward problem to identify however, it could be necessary to replace the entire receiver if damaged.
Not programmed
Certain modern cars require a chip that is included in the key fob for it to start. This chip communicates with the car through a code that only the manufacturer is aware of. In the majority of cases, you need to go to the dealer to purchase an alternative fob that has been programmed correctly for your car. There are aftermarket fobs that work with a variety of vehicles.
Not working
If you've tried to replace the battery and buttons but your car key fob still doesn't work it could be due to an electrical issue or other kind of problem that requires professional fix. A locksmith professional will be able to check for this kind of issue and get your key fob back to working order quickly. This is usually less expensive than visiting a dealer. The cost of a replacement fob can vary based on the model of your vehicle and the locksmith you have chosen to use. Check with a few companies in your area to get an idea car key and repair of the cost prior to booking the job.