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, such as a loss of functionality. While some issues may require professional attention, the majority can be fixed at home.
Changing the battery is often the first step. Most fobs use batteries with a flat design which are easily found at auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
It can be an incredibly problem when a key fob's battery dies. This is especially the case if you are away from home. However, there are options to get back on the road the car's keyless entry doesn't work.
The first thing to check is to see if the buttons on the key fob are still working. If they aren't, the problem could be in the car's locks.
If your keys don't work, look for a key slot with a mechanical lock located in the trim of your door handle or somewhere else on the car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key, and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, some vehicles have an application that lets you unlock the door remotely. For instance, the FordPass Connect app, the myChevrolet mobile app, and myMazda app allow owners to unlock their doors with their smartphones. These apps do charge a monthly fee for subscription.
You should also check whether your key fob won't drain your car's batteries by resting on them. A dead key fob will quickly drain your battery, particularly when you utilize its remote features while watching TV or speaking on the phone.
A key fob that's low on battery may be activated by bringing it up to the start button. It's a quick solution that could save you a trip to the dealership 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 push-button ignition. If it doesn't work, you may need to replace the battery on your fob. This is why it's a good idea keep a spare key fob inside a purse or backpack.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob doesn't have the ability to open doors or start your vehicle remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons is damaged. Your key fob is equipped with a circuit with "contact pads" which are covered by an electrically conductor film. The film wears off over time. This wear can make your fob respond less or not at all.
The contact pad on a car keyfob can be easily replaced with an flathead screwdriver. If, however, the key fob is badly smashed or harmed in any way, it might be more difficult to open up the case, and you'll need to take the fob to an auto repair shop to be repaired.
It's not unusual for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, walked on or exposed to water. All of 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 an issue. This is why it's an ideal idea to keep a spare key fob inside your pocket or wallet in case you break the one you already have.
If the buttons on your key fob aren't working in the way they should, you should first make sure the battery is in good working condition. Key fobs do not require any special electronic device. They use 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 good 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, you can test a different key fob to see whether the issue is with yours, or with a particular type of car key fob. If the other key fob is working, then yours might need to be reset or replaced.
Reprogramming
The hidden world of car key fobs is much more intricate than what some myths suggest. The basic fobs function using radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. key fob repair must be properly programmed in order to be able to unlock and start the car. Unfortunately the process of reprogramming a fob isn't as simple as pressing a few buttons and with a few exceptions, it has to be done by the dealer.
Refer to the owner's manual for detailed instructions. Some manufacturers, such as Mercedes have their own proprietary technology that ensures only the dealership can create a new fob and re-sync it to your vehicle. However, some independent shops can provide this service too and you should look up reviews and prices prior to selecting the shop.
Certain car models erase other fobs when they are changed. This means you'll need to have additional fobs programmed by professionals. This can be expensive, especially if your fob is no longer working. Even when the mechanical key doesn't start the vehicle, it's a great idea to have a backup key that can open the doors and trunk.
Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you opt to reprogram your fob by yourself. You'll be disappointed with the numerous online guides that promise success. A lot of these guides were created by people who have no prior experience in this field and often are founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car key fob by yourself in just a few clicks. This is false.
The majority of key fobs are held in place by a clip made of plastic which is easy to remove, however, the battery is located inside the circuit board, and you'll need to carefully pry it out using a tool. You should be able to find the button battery. This is usually an insignificant battery for a watch, which you can purchase at most home improvement or pharmacies. It's typically simple to replace the battery. Before replacing the entire unit, it's worth trying first.
Replacement
If a car key fob is damaged or isn't functioning, it's important to know that there are several ways to address the issue. It could be possible to resolve the issue quickly by replacing the battery or programming your key fob. However it is possible that a more extensive repair may be needed. A spare fob is useful in the event one is lost or stolen.
The majority of modern key fobs have a small physical key, in addition to the electronic components they use, which makes them both more expensive and more difficult to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart fobs" even come with remote starters. It's important to know that it could take an hour or more to cut and program an alternative fob for your vehicle.
Fobs make use of a tiny radio transmitter on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. By pressing a button, the transmitter sends an RF signal unique to the car's receiver. The receiver recognizes and compares the signal to preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to start the car from a distance without the need to insert the key in the ignition.
If your fob's buttons aren't responding or working in a sporadic manner, they may have been damaged by water. It is possible to fix the fob by removing it and examining it for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try reprogramming or buying a new fob.
You should check with an auto dealer in your area or a locksmith before purchasing a replacement keyfob online to ensure that it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. You can find aftermarket fobs cheaper, but it's important to research the brands and read reviews before attempting to program them. Some fobs can be changed by an experienced locksmith and other models require programming equipment that only a technician in the automotive industry or dealer is able to utilize.