Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Key fobs can experience problems over time, including an inability to function. Certain issues might require professional attention, but most can be fixed at home.
Change the battery is often the first step. Most fobs run on a flat watches-style batteries that is easily available at auto parts or hardware stores.
Dead Battery
If a key fob battery fails, it can be a huge inconvenience especially if you're far from home. There are ways to get back on the road even the car's keyless entry doesn't work.
The first thing to check is if the buttons on the fob are working. If they aren't then the issue could be with the locks on your car.
If the keys won't unlock, look for a key slot with a mechanical lock located in your door handle trim or in another location on the car (consult your owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this doesn't work there are some cars that have an app that can open doors remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for instance, allow owners to unlock their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps are subject to an annual cost.
You should also check that your key fob doesn't take the car's battery away by sitting on them. A dead fob can drain your battery fast, especially if it is used to control the TV or phone while you're watching.
A key fob that's just low on battery can sometimes be started by holding it until you hit the start button. This quick fix can save you from having to visit your dealer or to certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
If your key fob doesn't work try testing it in a vehicle with an ignition button. If it doesn't, it could be necessary to replace the fob battery. It's a good idea keep a spare key fob in your purse or backpack.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob isn't able to unlock doors or start the car remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons are damaged. Your key fob is equipped with a circuit with "contact pads" which are covered by an electrically conductive film. The film wears off over time. This wear can cause your fob to react slower, or not respond at all.
The good news is that the contact pad in the key fob of a car is easy to replace, and can be done so with the help of a flathead screwdriver. If the key fob is severely damaged or broken in any way, it might be more difficult to remove the case, and you'll need to take the fob to an auto shop for repair.
It's not uncommon for a key fob be dropped, trampled on or even exposed to water. These events can cause physical damage to keys, which could result in them breaking or snapping them.
This could also affect the internals of the fob and could 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 accidentally damage the one you own.
If your key fob's buttons aren't working to the extent they should, you should first check to make sure the battery is in good working condition. Remember that key fobs aren't any special type of electronic device - most of them run on the same two-dollar batteries that are used in hearing aids and watches, which are readily accessible at hardware stores, drug stores, and even online.
If the battery is in good condition it is possible that the buttons are dirty or worn out. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If the buttons do not work, you could try an alternative car key fob. This will help determine if the problem is yours or a particular model. If the other fob works it's likely that your key fob needs to be reset or perhaps replaced entirely.
Reprogramming
The world of car key fobs is more complicated than the myths would suggest. The basic fobs function by using unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs must be programmed correctly for them to open and start the vehicle. Unfortunately it's not as easy as pressing a few buttons and with only a few exceptions it needs to be handled by a dealer.
Refer to the owner's manual for detailed instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that only dealerships are able to create a new key fob and resync it to your vehicle. However certain independent shops provide this service too, so be sure to look up reviews and prices prior to selecting the right shop.
Certain models of cars will erase all other fobs when they're changed, so you'll need to get any additional fobs professionally programmed as well. This can be costly, especially if your fob isn't working anymore. It is always advisable to have a spare mechanical key you can use to open the doors and trunk, even if it won't start the car.
If car key repair do decide to try and reprogram your fob yourself, be prepared for a frustrating journey. There are many guides online that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. A lot of these guides were written by people who have no knowledge of this field and are often founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can easily program your car's key fob yourself with the click of a button. This is false.
The battery is typically secured with clips made of plastic, which can be easily removed. However the circuit board houses the battery, and you'll need to remove the battery using the aid of a tool. You should be able to find the button cell battery. This is usually an insignificant battery for a watch, which can be purchased at any pharmacies or at home improvement stores. The replacement of the battery is generally a straightforward procedure, and it's always worthwhile to try first before replacing the entire unit.
Replacement
If a car key fob is damaged or has stopped working, it's important to know there are several options to remedy the problem. It is possible to resolve the issue quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob. However it is possible that a more extensive repair may be required. A spare fob could be helpful in the event that one is stolen or lost.
Modern key fobs are more expensive and difficult to replace since they have the physical key along with electronics. Certain "smart" fobs have a built-in remote starter. Therefore, car key repairs near me to know that it could take up to an hour for a new key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car receiver by using a small radio transmitter built into a circuitboard. By pressing a button the transmitter sends an RF signal specific to the car receiver. The receiver detects the signal and verifies it against preprogrammed codes. This allows a driver to start the car from a distance without the need to put the key in the ignition.
If the buttons on your key fob fail to respond or work sporadically it could mean that they have been damaged by water or other causes. It is possible to repair the fob by taking it apart and look for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can try reprogramming the fob, or getting a new one.
Before you purchase a replacement fob on the internet, consult an expert locksmith or your local dealer to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle's security systems. The fobs from the aftermarket can be less expensive, but you should research brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them yourself. Some fobs can be changed by an experienced locksmith however, other models require programming equipment that only a mechanic or dealer is able to utilize.