Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs can be subjected to a lot of abuse. Based on the way they're stored and how often they get moved around, their buttons could be damaged or stuck.
Most key fob issues are fixable. Certain issues with key fobs are more serious, and require assistance from a professional. This is when locksmiths come in handy.
Dead Fob Battery
The car key fobs are pretty smart However, that doesn't mean they won't sometimes get stuck in the "not responding zone". If this happens, it's time to replace the battery. It's not a solution because there could be a bad connection at one of the terminals on the battery connector.
The car manufacturers are aware of the potential issue, and often include a mechanical key inside the fob to be used in an emergency. You can access it by pressing the small release button or latch behind the fob. (Check the user manual for further details). Pressing this button, you will be able to open the fob to reveal a physical key you can use to unlock your car.
Another sign that your fob's battery is dying is that you have to be closer to your car in order to open and lock it than before. This is due to the fact that the fob's transmitter weakens as its battery ages, limiting the range of operation.
Replacing the battery is easy and relatively cheap. Make sure you purchase a button cell battery (which appears like tiny silver coins) for your fob, and follow the user's manual or video instructions on how to take out the old one. Replace the battery in the same direction as the old one (the positive side facing upwards towards the buttons). Test the lock/unlock and begin the functions of the fob after reassembling it to ensure the new battery is installed correctly.
Certain key fobs may be a little tricky to open, but you should be able to open them by finding the latch, switch, or screw at the back of the fob and prying it apart. Be careful not to break the fob, because you'll need it to operate your vehicle! If you're not confident in making this change yourself, you can also take your fob to a professional. Most auto shops will swap batteries for fobs for a small fee as it's an everyday repair service. Some dealers will even offer it for free dependent on the make and model of your vehicle.
Fob Isn't Working
The first thing you should do in the event that your key fob doesn't seem to be working is to replace the batteries. This is the quickest fix and will most likely fix the problem. If your fob still does not work after changing the battery it could be due to damage.
The key fob in your car can be damaged due to various reasons, including physical trauma or exposure to water or a corroded or damaged board. These issues could stop your key from communicating with the vehicle's receiver, which then prevents your car's doors and/or ignition from locking or turning on. You may need to get a professional replacement for the fob if it's damaged.
The buttons on your device may have become worn-out over time due to repeated use. The rubber can wear out and make the buttons less responsive or clicky and may begin to fail to register your presses reliably. You can try wiping the buttons and then adjusting them to see if that fixes the issue, but it's usually recommended to send the fob to have it professionally examined for more comprehensive repairs.
You should also double check that the battery you're using is a perfect match for the fob you're using. You can find a list of compatible batteries online or at many hardware stores. You must always refer to your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine what type of battery it needs. A battery that is not the perfect match may have problems transmitting strong signals or supplying enough power to the internal components of the fob.
In the rarest of cases it could be the case that the issue is not with your key fob, but rather the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. If you have an inductive backup system and you want to test it, you can do so by opening the doors with an actual key and beginning the car using the inductive backup (if there is). If the physical key you have not open or start your car, you should have a mechanic check the receiver and electronic components to ensure they are working properly.
Fobs that are damaged
A key fob is made up of numerous components that function together and a single failure could cause other parts to fail. If a key fob ceases working it's important to examine whether there's a clear cause like a cracked case or a damaged internal component. Check the horn, lights and other components of the car to ensure they're functioning correctly.
If the fob for your key is damaged, you should get a replacement from your dealer or an auto locksmith rather than trying to fix it. It could be necessary to reprogramme the fob to the car. This is not something you can do at home and requires specialized equipment.
Over time the contacts on buttons of a key fob may wear out. This is particularly true if the device is dropped or left in hot weather.
As time passes the internal wiring inside a key fob can also become worn down. It could result in a button that doesn't work when it is pressed, or can be used when pressed extremely strongly. This could also lead to the vehicle not being able start or unlock when the fob is pressed.
Most key fobs come with the cover in plastic, which can be removed and cleaned safely by using soap and warm water. This can restore a keyfob to its original function. It's recommended to clean it often to avoid dirt damaging the inside.
A damaged battery is usually the reason for a key fob to not work or turn on. Most car dealers and mechanics can change the batteries quickly however, if you're comfortable doing it yourself, you can purchase a battery from the hardware store or a big-box retailer and follow the instructions in your owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.
The worst-case scenario is that the key fob is damaged internal damage, such as cracks in the case, tiny electronic components that are not fully connected to the circuit board, or bent or corroded contact points for batteries. If any of these are the case, it's a good idea to talk to an auto locksmith or dealer for advice for a replacement and assistance in programming it to your vehicle.
Fob Is Not Programming
Car key fobs are a convenient feature that lets you unlock your car doors and then start the engine. They can also be a source of frustration when they stop working or appear to be working intermittently. In some cases the problem is solved by replacing the battery. However, in other situations it may require a more complicated repair. The first step is to figure out why the fob isn't functioning correctly.
One of the most frequent reasons for a malfunctioning fob is that it no longer recognizes your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your car is interrupted. The connection can be restored without the need for expensive key fob repair .
Other problems can arise when the key fob no longer sends an energizing signal. This can occur if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either situation, try to resync the key to your vehicle. You can do this by following the directions included with the key fob. Also, you should have a spare car keys in case your primary key fails.
The fob may not receive a strong signal from the vehicle. This could be due to a weak car battery or interference from wireless devices or an antenna problem. You can test the fob and determine whether this is the cause by using a remote tester. If the tester does not light up when you press one of the buttons, it could be that the battery has to be replaced or the fob is been damaged.
Another reason that the fob not transmitting a strong enough signal is that the car's immobilizer system is hindering it from sending a strong signal. This could happen if your key fob hasn't been properly programmed or there is a software problem.
If you can't fix the fob or it isn't worth the trouble to try to repair it, you should purchase an entirely new one. There are low-cost options from many online retailers, and some of these can be delivered directly to your door.