How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Even though we use them a lot keys aren’t indestructible. In fact, they are able to be destroyed in a variety of ways.
While the most common issue is a dead battery however, other issues could be much more serious. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be solved by a simple DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common reason why the car key fob stop working. Fob batteries can be drained quickly, especially if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity or water. It’s a good idea to keep an extra battery in your wallet just in case.
The LED light will typically stop glowing when the battery in your car key fob is running low. It’s also possible that the fob won’t function from the same distance as it did in the past. In this instance the key fob might require reprogramming or replaced altogether.
It is easy to replace the battery in a car key repair keyfob. Find out the type of battery that is used. The type of battery should be engraved on the back of the fob. Google can help you when you’re not sure. Once you’ve identified the type of battery and the key fob, you can open it at the seam. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail, to separate the two halves. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a brand new one. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers don’t even realize that their fob is dead until they lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons no longer work. This can be corrected by reprogramming your fob. However it can be time-consuming and expensive. You can also call roadside assistance to determine whether they can start your car and get it back on the road.
If you’ve tried all the options but your vehicle doesn’t start, it’s time to speak with a professional. A trained technician can tell whether your car’s computer requires reprogramming, or if the fob only requires replacement batteries. They can also recommend a reliable auto repair shop to replace your fob’s keys. Sometimes it is possible that a new fob might be the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
A key fob is not impervious to destruction, but it can be able to withstand a variety of physical damage. The battery, the circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear over time and it’s crucial to be aware and take care of them to ensure that your car key fob operating well.
Make sure that the battery still functioning in your key fob. If it is, replace the battery and see if that fixes your problem. If not, you may have to remove the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge since some key fobs don’t have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to unlock them, and you can easily end up damaging your key lock repair near me fob if try to force it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, but you must always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damaging it.
Another issue that is common is a damaged or faulty circuit board on the key fob. This can be due to various factors, such as moisture or dirt that gets into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob has stopped working completely, you should think about having it reprogrammed by an expert locksmith who specializes in this type of work.
Radio interference is a different possibility. This could happen if there are other wireless devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob, such radar detectors, home security systems. If this is the case you need to contact the other device manufacturer to make sure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.
It’s also possible that your key fob may have an issue with the switch or another electrical component that must be replaced. This is a difficult fix however, you can find guides online that show you how to do it yourself. It’s important to be careful when you do this it is important to be careful, since the circuit boards inside the key fob are tiny and are susceptible to breaking when handled rough. If you’re doing this yourself, make sure to use an SMT switch of good quality and solder the switch in place in a proper manner.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs can get a lot of wear and wear and tear. They’re prone to being dropped, and they often spend a lot of time jostled around in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this jostling can cause the buttons to wear out or snagged. A simple adjustment can fix the problem.
Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that detect if they’ve been pressed. This is because they lower the possibility of someone taking your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don’t respond when pressed, they are worn out and need to be replaced.
The circuit board inside the key fob also sends signals to your car. These signals include unlock and lock commands and also instructions to start your engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged, then your key fob might not allow you to unlock your car or start the engine. Typically, this type of damage is caused by water, blunt force, or something scratching the circuit board.
If you’re forced to press the buttons harder than usual in order to get them to function the key fob buttons are getting worn out. The fob may not be sending signals to your car or have a lower range.
Contact a locksmith right away when you’re unable to use your key fob to access your vehicle key repairs. They’ll be able to tell whether the key fob itself is damaged or your ignition key repair near me cylinder has worn down.
Luckily, most car key fob problems aren’t too serious or complex. The best way to avoid being caught off guard by a malfunctioning key fob is to have a spare in your possession at all times. You’ll never be stranded because of a malfunctioning or lost key. If you lose your spare key, an expert locksmith can rekey it to work with your vehicle’s engine. They can also repair any internal damage to your key fob.
Broken Case
A key fob’s case provides more than just protection for the battery and buttons. The case also houses the circuitry that performs all the electrical magic whenever you press the button on your key fob. This board takes the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to your car.
The key fob won’t work if this board is damaged. Sometimes a dead key fob can be reprogrammed, which is something your local auto locksmith or dealership can assist you with.
Batteries could be the reason your key fob’s battery not working. This is a simple solution that can be done at home by replacing the battery. You can purchase a replacement battery at the local auto parts store or online. These batteries are not only for key fobs.
There are several ways to open a key fob and get inside, based on the type. A quick internet search should show you which type of key fob you have and the type of battery it requires. From there, you can purchase the replacement and simply take the old one out and put the new one in.
When repairing a broken key fob, the main concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons more. Trying to pry apart a key fob with a sharp edge, such as screwdrivers can damage the case or even scratch the plastic. A replacement case isn’t much and you can find an entire fob, including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob doesn’t work look into whether the batteries are dead or if the circuit board has been damaged. If this is not the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and easily by a professional. If not, it might be time to replace the fob. Be sure to look for a warranty on any used or replacement fobs that you purchase on the internet.