Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs can experience problems such as losing functionality. Certain issues might require professional attention, but many can be resolved at home.
The first step is usually to change the battery. Most fobs utilize batteries with a flat design that are readily available in hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
When a key fob battery dies, it can be a huge inconvenience especially if you're far from home. There are solutions to get your vehicle back on the road if you're keyless entry system isn't working.
The first thing to test is to see if the buttons on the key fob are still working. If they do, the issue may be in the locks of your car instead of the fob.
If your keys will not unlock, you may find an electronic slot in the trim around your door handles or in other places on your vehicle (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key, and try again. If this fails, some cars have an app that can unlock the doors remotely. For example, the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app and myMazda app allow owners to unlock their doors with their smartphones. These apps charge a monthly fee for subscription.
Also, make sure that your key fob doesn't drain the batteries of your car by being plugged into them. A dead fob will drain your battery fast particularly if it's used to control your phone or TV while you are watching.
A key fob that's just low on battery may be started by holding it right up to the start button. It's a quick fix that can save you a trip to the dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
You can also find out whether your key fob is actually dead by testing it in another vehicle with the push-button ignition. If it doesn't, it could be necessary to replace the battery on your fob. It's a great idea to keep an extra key fob in your purse or backpack.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob doesn't have the ability to open doors or start the car remotely, it's likely that one or more of its buttons is damaged. Your key fob is equipped with a circuit with "contact pads" that are covered with an electrically conductory film. This film wears off over time. This wear can make your fob respond less or not at all.
The good news is that the contact pad on the key fob of a car is easy to replace, and is done using an easy flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged, it will be difficult to open. You'll need to take it to an auto repair shop to get the fob repaired.
It's not unusual for a key fob to be dropped, trampled on, or exposed water. These events can cause physical damage to the keys, including bending or snapping them.
It can also cause internal damage to the fob and cause a malfunction. This is why it's an ideal idea to keep a spare key fob in your pocket or wallet in case you damage the one you own.
Make sure the battery is charged first if your key fob buttons aren't working as they should. Key fobs do not require a special type of electronic device. They are powered by the same two-dollar battery that is used in hearing aids and watches. These batteries are available in drug, hardware and online stores.
If the battery is functioning properly it is possible that the buttons are worn or dirty. You can easily clean them with a damp cloth. If they're still not responding, test a different key fob to see whether the problem is with yours, or a specific kind of car key fob. If the other fob is working then it's likely the key fob you have needs to be reprogrammed or possibly replaced entirely.
Reprogramming
The world of fobs for car keys is more complex than many myths suggest. The basic fobs work by using unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs have to be properly programmed in order to unlock and start the vehicle. Unfortunately, reprogramming a fob isn't as easy as pressing a few buttons, and with only a few exceptions it must be handled by the dealer.
The procedure for reprogramming the fob depends on the make and model year of your vehicle It is therefore essential to refer to the owner's manual for step-bystep instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that ensures only the dealership can create an entirely new fob and then sync it to your vehicle. However certain independent shops offer this service as well, so be sure to review reviews and prices prior to selecting the right shop.
Certain models of cars will erase other fobs when they're changed, so you'll need any additional fobs professionally programmed. This is an expensive proposition particularly if you're down to just one working fob. It is always advisable to have a spare mechanical key that you can use to open the doors and trunk even if it's not able to start the car.
Be prepared for a frustrating experience if you decide to reprogram your fob by yourself. There are numerous guides available online that promise success however, you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides are created by people who have no knowledge of this field, and they're often based on unsubstantiated claims. Some even claim that you can program your own car key fob with just a few clicks, which is very confusing.
Most key fobs are secured by a plastic clip that's easy to loosen, however, the battery is within the circuit board, which means you'll need to carefully pry it out using a tool. Once you've got inside, you should be able to locate the button cell battery which is typically a small watch battery that is available at a variety of pharmacies or home improvement stores. It's usually simple to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole unit, it's worth trying first.
Replacement
If the car key fob is damaged or isn't functioning it is crucial to know there are several ways to remedy the problem. It may be possible to fix the problem quickly by replacing the battery or programming your key fob. However, a more extensive repair may be needed. A spare fob is useful in the event that one is lost or stolen.
car key repair service contain the physical key, in addition to the electronic components they use, which makes them both more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Certain "smart" fobs have a built-in remote starter. It's important to understand that it could take an hour or more to cut and program a replacement fob for your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car receiver by using a small radio transmitter on the circuit board. Pressing an appropriate button will activate the transmitter, which transmits an RF signal unique to the car's receiver. The receiver receives the signal and checks it against the preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to unlock the car and begin it from a distance without inserting the key into the ignition or turning a lock.
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding or working in a sporadic manner, they may have been damaged by water. You can repair the fob if you take it apart and check for buttons that are not responsive or broken. If this doesn't solve the issue, try reprogramming it or purchasing a new fob.
Before purchasing a replacement key fob on the internet, seek out a professional locksmith or your local auto dealer to ensure that it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. You can find aftermarket fobs cheaper, but it's important to study the brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them. Certain fobs can be modified by a locksmith who is reputable and other models require programming equipment that only a car technician or dealer can utilize.