Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be tempted, when your remote key fob isn’t working to take it to the dealership to get it reset. Try a few quick fixes at your home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are inexpensive and easily found at hardware stores. Then take a close look at the key fob and check for buttons that are worn or out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a tiny electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It utilizes the radio transmitter of a short range to send unique codes to the receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last for a long period of time, but they may be wiped out at any point. Look for the LED light or try pressing one of the buttons to see whether it’s dead. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and has to replaced.
Changing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It’s usually opening the fob and pulling out the old battery, then putting in a new one. Fobs are powered by small batteries, similar to those used in watches or hearing aids which are sold at all kinds of stores and home improvement centers. They’re usually shaped like tiny coins with a plus and minus symbol on the bottom. Consult your owner’s guide or the label on the fob that you have on your key if you aren’t sure what type of batteries your fob has.
The fob you have been using for your key should function normal. If it doesn’t work it could be because of another issue with your car or its system that is the reason it isn’t functioning correctly. If this is the case, you’ll need to contact roadside assistance to help with the issue.
You could be able to purchase replacement keys through a dealer or online, based on the model and make of your vehicle. It is often cheaper and less expensive to purchase an entirely new key fob rather than to fix a damaged one.
Buttons aren’t responding
If you have been driving for a while and notice that the keys’ buttons are not functioning it could be due to an issue with worn sensor for the button. Most fobs have rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which could cause them to only work correctly when they are pushed in a certain manner or with a lot of force. This is a common issue with a lot of fobs and can be solved by following a few DIY steps.
The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the car’s receiver. If the receiver is damaged, it could not receive the signal, and stop the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. This can be fixed by having a mechanic examine the receiver to look for damage. In most instances, this will be free or for a small cost depending on the make of your vehicle.
The key fobs used daily get lots of use and are often tossed around in pockets and purses which is why it’s no surprise that they can occasionally be finicky and only work properly when press in a certain manner. It is easy to fix most fobs, because the buttons are strengthened by using silicone and a bit of effort.
To enable the buttons once more, press and hold the locks and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a chime from your vehicle. This should be done several times to activate the button. Next, cycle your key in and out of the ignition for a several times to reset the fob’s connection to your vehicle. Once the connection is restored, unlock the key and you will be able to unlock your vehicle with the remote. Repeat the procedure until your fob is working again. If you’re unable to fix the fob following this procedure, it may need to be replaced completely. If you have to replace it, make sure that the new key is programmed to work with your car model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob’s plastic keychain loop breaks off it will separate from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.
Water damage and moisture can also cause key fobs to malfunction, with symptomatic problems including a reduced range of operation or even no function at all. The issue can be fixed by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, however in certain cases, professional repair or replacement may be required.
Key fob buttons can become worn out over time, resulting in decreased functionality or inability to respond. It is possible to replace the key fob’s button or case however reprogramming is often able to solve the issue. Occasionally signals from nearby electronic devices may cause interference between the key fob and the vehicle, leading to problems with locking or unlocking. This may require a diagnostic test at the auto dealership to identify and fix. This is usually the case for older electric keys that rely on infrared signals to operate and require a line-of-sight. Modern microchip keys communicate with your car via challenge-response authorization over radio frequency.
Corrupted or lost pairing
Over time the batteries of key fobs lose their charge, and if the battery has lost too much of its power, the remote will not respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to fix this problem, but you may also have to have the remote key fob repair [this post] reprogrammed.
Key fobs used in modern cars are capable of controlling lots of functions. They can lower and raise windows, turn off the alarm and turn on the interior lights and even start certain vehicles. This means it is easy for car owners to hit the wrong buttons through accident. Keep the owner’s guide close by when using your key fob to easily refer to the sections that cover your car’s features.
A fob may not function due to the remote’s signal being damaged or lost. Some of the newer key fobs have sophisticated signal encryption technologies to stop thieves from stealing the signals and generating unauthorized key fobs or remotes that can unlock your car. To re-program the fob, you will need to visit an auto key repair locksmith or dealer.
Certain automakers offer their own instructions for key fob reprogramming. These procedures are usually simple enough to perform at home. However, the process is generally not a good choice for beginners without extensive electronics experience. This type of work is best left to professionals.
Key fobs can suffer wear and tear if they’re used and handled regularly. The buttons on a fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case may break or crack. Keep a spare remote with you at all time. This will help you save time if your remote car key repair breaks down when you’re out and out and about. Keep it near your bed at all times, so you can use the panic button if you hear sounds at night.