Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs may experience problems such as malfunction. Some issues may need professional attention, but most can be fixed at home.
Changing the battery is often the first step. Most fobs run on a flat watches-style batteries that is easily available at hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
It can be a real inconvenience when the battery of a key fob dies. This is especially true if you are away from home. However, there are options to get back on the road if your car's keyless entry isn't working.
The first thing you should check is if the buttons on the key fob are working. If they aren't it could be a problem with the car's locks.
If your keys will not unlock, you might find a mechanical slot within the trim around the door handles or elsewhere on your car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, some vehicles have an app that allows you to unlock the door remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for example let owners unlock their doors using their smartphones. However, these apps have a monthly fee.
It is also important to ensure that your key fob isn't draining your vehicle's battery by resting on it. A dead key fob can drain your battery, especially when you use its remote feature while watching TV or talking on the phone.
A key fob that's just low on battery may be started by holding it right up to the start button. It's a quick fix that can save you going to the dealer or to select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
If your key fob won't work, you can test it in a vehicle that has a push-button starter. If it doesn't work, you might need to replace the battery on your fob. This is why it's a good idea keep an extra key fob in your bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob is unable to unlock doors or start the vehicle remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons have been damaged. Your key fob contains an electronic circuit that has "contact pads" that are covered with an electrically conductive film. This film wears off over time. This wear can cause your fob to react more slowly, or even not respond at all.
The good news is that the contact pad inside a car key fob can be replaced easily, and it can be done with the help of an easy flathead screwdriver. If, however, the key fob is severely smashed or harmed in any way, it could be more difficult to remove the case, and you'll need to take the fob to an auto repair shop for repairs.
It's not unusual for a key fob to be thrown around, trampled upon or exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to keys, which could result in them breaking or snapping them.
It can also cause internal damage to the fob that could lead to malfunction. This is why it's an ideal idea to keep a spare key fob in your purse or pocket in case you break the one you have.
Check the battery first If your key fob's buttons are not responding like they should. Keep in mind that key fobs aren't any special kind of electronic device - they're typically powered by the same batteries for two dollars that are used in watches and hearing aids, which are readily available at hardware stores, drug stores, and on the internet.
If the battery is in good condition the buttons could be dirty or worn out. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If they're still not responding, you can test a different key fob to determine whether the problem is related to yours or a specific kind of car key fob. If the other key fob functions, then yours might need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
Reprogramming
The hidden world of car key fobs is more complex than some myths would suggest. Basic fobs operate using radio frequency signals that are specific to each vehicle. The fobs need to be programmed correctly to be able to open and start the car. Unfortunately it's not as easy as pressing a few buttons and with very few exceptions it must be handled by the dealer.
Check the owner's manual for specific instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes have their own proprietary technology that guarantees only dealers can create an entirely new fob and then sync it with your vehicle. However certain independent shops provide this service too and you should review reviews and prices prior to choosing the shop.
Certain car models erase all other fobs once they've been reprogrammed, which means you'll have to have any additional fobs professionally programmed as well. This is an expensive proposition especially if you're only down to just one working fob. It is always advisable to have at least one spare mechanical key that you can use to open the trunk and doors even if it's not able to start the car.
Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you opt to reprogram your fob by yourself. You'll be disappointed by numerous guides on the internet that claim to be successful. A lot of these guides were written by people with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated statements. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car's key fob yourself with the click of a button. This is misleading.
The majority of key fobs are secured by a clip made of plastic that's easy to loosen, however, the battery is within the circuit board, and you'll need to carefully pull it out using a tool. You should be able to find the button cell battery. It's usually an insignificant battery for a watch that is available at most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. The replacement of the battery is generally a straightforward procedure, and it's always worth trying first before replacing the entire unit.
Replacement
If a car key fob has been damaged or fails to function, it's important to know there are several options to fix the issue. It is possible to fix the problem quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming your key fob. However an extensive repair may be required. It is also helpful to have a spare key fob in case one gets lost or stolen.
Most modern key fobs include the physical key in addition to the electronics which makes them more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart" fobs include a remote starter built-in. It's important to be aware that it could take an hour or more to cut and program the replacement fob to your vehicle.
Fobs make use of a tiny radio transmitter on circuit boards to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing an appropriate button will activate the transmitter, and it transmits a unique RF signal to the car's receiver. The receiver detects and compares the signal to preprogrammed codes. remote car key repairs allows a 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 intermittently, they could be damaged by water. You can repair the fob by taking it apart and look for buttons that are not responsive or broken. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try reprogramming your fob or buying a new one.
Before you purchase a replacement fob on the internet, contact a professional locksmith or your local auto dealer to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle's security systems. There are many aftermarket fobs less expensive, but it's crucial to research the brands and read reviews before trying to program them. While some fobs can be replaced by a reputable locksmith, others require specialized equipment to program them that can only be used by a vehicle dealer or auto technician.