9 Signs You're The Car Key Fob Repair Expert
Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs could experience problems such as malfunction. Some issues may need professional attention, but most are fixable at home.
The battery replacement is usually the first step. The majority of fobs have flat watches that are readily available at hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
If a key fob battery dies, it can be a huge inconvenience especially if you're far from home. However, there are options to get back on the road even the vehicle's keyless entry system isn't working.
The first thing to check is if the buttons on the key fob are still working. If they do, then the issue could be in the locks of your car instead of the fob.
If the keys aren't unlocking, look for a mechanical key slot located in your door handle trim or in another location on the vehicle (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this doesn't work, some cars have an app that allows you to open doors remotely. For instance, the FordPass Connect app, the myChevrolet mobile app, and myMazda app allow owners to unlock the doors using smartphones. These apps are charged a monthly subscription fee.
Also, make sure that your key fob doesn't drain the batteries of your car by resting on them. A dead fob can drain your battery quickly especially if it's used to control the TV or phone while you are watching.
Holding the key fob up to your car's start button may cause the key fob that has low battery. It's a quick solution that could save you a trip to the dealership or to select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
You can also determine whether your key fob is actually dead by trying it in another vehicle with the push-button ignition. If it doesn't work the battery of the fob needs replacement. This is why it's a good idea to keep an extra key fob in a purse or backpack.
Damaged Buttons
It is possible that your key fob is damaged and has a button. 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 could cause your fob to respond less or not at all.
The good news is that the pad in the car key fob is easy to replace, and it can be done by using an easy flathead screwdriver. If the key fob is badly damaged or smashed in any way, it may be more difficult to remove the case, and you'll need to take the fob into an auto shop for repair.
It's not common for a key fob be dropped, trampled on or even exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to keys, which could result in them breaking or snapping them.
This could also affect the internals of the fob, which could lead to malfunction. It's a good idea, therefore, to always carry an additional fob in your wallet or pocket in case the one you're using fails.
Examine the battery first to determine if your key fob buttons are not responding as they should. Key fobs don't need an 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 in good condition, the buttons may be worn or dirty. You can easily clean them with a damp cloth. If remote key repairs do not work, you can test an alternative car key fob. This will help you determine whether the issue is yours or a particular model. If the other key fob works, then yours may need to be reset or replaced.
Reprogramming
The hidden world of car key fobs is much more complicated than the myths would suggest. The basic fobs work on unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific vehicles. The fobs have to be programmed correctly in order to unlock and start the car. Unfortunately, reprogramming a fob isn't as simple as pressing a few buttons and with a few exceptions, it needs to be handled by a dealer.
Refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions. Certain manufacturers, such as Mercedes, use proprietary technologies that only the dealership is able to create a new key fob, and then sync it to your vehicle. However certain independent shops provide this service as well, so be sure to review reviews and prices prior to selecting the right shop.
Certain models of cars erase other fobs when they're programmed again. This means that you'll need to have additional fobs programmed by an expert. This can be costly particularly if your fob is no longer working. It's always wise to have a spare mechanical key you can use to open the doors and trunk, even if it won't start the car.
Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you decide to reprogram your fob by yourself. There are numerous guides available on the internet that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. A majority of these guides were written by people with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated statements. Some of these guides claim that you can easily program your car's key fob by yourself in just the click of a button. This is misleading.
Most key fobs are held in place by a clip made of plastic that's easy to loosen, but the battery is inside the circuit board, which means you'll need to carefully pull it out using a device. Once you've got inside, you should be able locate the button cell battery which is usually a small watch battery that is available in most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. It's usually easy to replace the battery. Before replacing the entire unit, it's worth trying first.
Replacement
If your car key fob is damaged or isn't functioning it is important to know there are a few ways to fix the issue. It could be possible to repair the issue quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob. However it is possible that a more extensive repair might be required. A spare fob could be useful in the event that one is lost or stolen.
The majority of modern key fobs have a small physical key in addition the electronic component they use, which makes them both more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart fobs" even come with a remote starter. Therefore, it's important to be aware that it can take up to an hour for an alternative key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car's receiver using a small radio transmitter on circuit boards. Pressing a button activates the transmitter, which transmits an RF signal that is unique to the car's receiver. The receiver is able to recognize and compare the signal to preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to open the vehicle and start it from a distance without inserting the key into the ignition or turning the lock.
If the buttons on the fob you have purchased fail to respond or function intermittently it could mean that they have been damaged due to water or other elements. It is possible to repair the fob by removing it and looking for any damaged or unresponsive buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, try reprogramming the fob or purchasing a new fob.
You should check with a local auto dealer or a locksmith prior purchasing a replacement keyfob online to make sure it is compatible with the security system of your vehicle. You can find aftermarket fobs less expensive, but it's crucial to study the brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them. Certain fobs can be programmed by an experienced locksmith and other models require programming equipment that only a mechanic or dealer is able to use.