Key Fob Repair Service - 5 Common Reasons Your Key Fob Won't Work
The loss of your key fob down can be an inconvenient situation. Fortunately, most fob issues aren't too serious or complex and can be solved at your home or by an auto locksmith close to you.
First, check the key fob to see whether it is suffering from physical damage or an inoperative battery. Then, you can try resetting the fob using instructions in your owner's manual.
Dead Key Fob Battery
A key fob allows you to unlock and start your car without fumbling around with your physical keys. A lot of models unlock doors, trunks, and hatchbacks with pressing a button. A dead key fob is not as difficult to fix as it may appear. You can take your car to an auto repair shop or dealership for help. But did you know that you can fix your fob on your own?
The first thing you'll need is a new, clean CR2032 battery. The majority of hardware stores sell them in multipacks. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or a watch to open the case open. After you've widened the first gap then you can use your pry tool to open the case. Be gentle, as you don't want to break the case of the fob, or the circuit board within.
Once you've got your case open, put the new battery under the tabs that are highlighted by yellow arrows in the photo. Make sure it goes in between the two smaller tabs highlighted by the green arrows. Close your key fob after installing the new battery and then test it. If it doesn't work it could be the right time to contact a professional for more in-depth troubleshooting.
In rare cases replacement of a battery in the keyfob could result in a malfunctioning device. If this happens, it's likely that something is wrong with the fob or the vehicle itself. Keep a spare keyfob in your car to be prepared in the event that your battery dies or if an issue occurs.
You can also ask a professional to carry out other key fob repair services. They can inspect for damaged buttons or contacts, as well as other components. They can also perform the reprogramming or synchronization process if your vehicle is having difficulties communicating with your key fob.
Key Fob Battery Damage
The majority of key fobs are powered by a tiny battery, which powers the internal components. This includes the buttons that trigger the antenna and chip to release a radio frequency. The battery also powers the plastic casings to protect the components. If the battery is dead the key fob will not function. The solution is simple and cost-effective: replace the battery. In their owner's manual, many manufacturers provide instructions on how to replace key fob's batteries. It's not difficult and you can save money by doing it yourself instead of taking the fob to a dealership or auto shop.
There could be a second issue if the key fob does not function after replacing the batteries. Check the key fob for indications of physical damage, such as cracks or dents. You can also examine the circuit board by opening the case. If you feel at ease, employ a cotton ball coated with alcohol to clean the contact points on the circuit board of the key fob. This will eliminate the corrosion without damaging the fob.
The key fobs should also be programmed to connect to the vehicle receiver. This is done to ensure that only persons with keys for the same vehicle are able to unlock the car and keep other key fobs out of trying to gain access to vehicles they weren't designed for. If you recently had your key fob replaced or repaired, or when it hasn't used for a long time the transmitter and receiver could have become disconnected.
One way to test this is by using a spare key fob that you have. This will help you determine whether the issue is related to the keyfob, or the electrical systems of your vehicle. A mechanic can assist you to solve the issue by reconnecting any wires that have been disconnected. Alternately, you could try to connect the key fob to an alternative receiver in your vehicle and see if that solves the issue. If you're unable to connect your key fob to another receiver in your vehicle, you might need to take it to a dealership or auto repair shop for more detailed repairs.
Key Fob Transmitter Damaged
If your car's key fob fails to function, it can be a major hassle. Most key fobs for cars can be easily repaired by following a few easy instructions. First, check the fob for physical damages, and make sure it's simply dead. If how to repair car key fob doesn't solve the problem it could be something more serious.
Car key fobs have lots of moving parts, which is why it's not unreasonable for them to undergo wear and tear over the course of time. A damaged transmitter for your key fob could stop your vehicle from starting or opening the doors. A damaged transmitter can also interfere with radio signals that are sent from your key fob to the receiver inside the car. Bring your key fob to a professional to be repaired and inspected when you suspect that the transmitter is damaged.
Batteries are often the cause of a key fob that isn't working. Key fob batteries last between 3 and five years. It is recommended to replace them frequently.
Replacing the battery of a key fob is a simple task that anyone can complete at home. All you need is a flat-head screwdriver to break open the case, and then you can replace the old battery with a brand new one. Most key fobs are powered by 3V button cells that are sold at most auto parts shops.
A defective receiver could also be the reason for your key fob not responding. This is a frustrating problem, as it usually occurs while you are driving. If your key fob isn't appearing to be receiving a signal try putting it in the driver's side of the door lock.
A damaged receiver could cause your keyfob to act uncontrollably. For example it may lock or turn off the vehicle when you push one of its buttons. Try using an alternative keyfob to see whether the vehicle responds. Contact your dealer if don't own a spare keyfob. In some instances, a new-car dealership may be able to offer the replacement at no cost in the event that your current fob is covered by warranty.
Damaged key fob receiver
Key fobs can be prone to several issues. They're useful devices that let us lock or unlock, as well as start our cars. If your remote fob in your car isn't working properly it's time to contact a locksmith or an auto dealer for assistance. Fortunately, many common problems with key fobs can be easily fixed without needing to pay for an expensive replacement. Here are five of the most common reasons why your key fob may not be working:
Key Fob Needs Re-Programming
In time, the transmitter and receiver of a key fob for your car can become out-of-sync. To fix this issue, you'll need to sync the key fob to its receiver by following reprogramming instructions for your vehicle. These instructions are available in the owner's manual or ask your dealer in person for assistance.
If you are unable to fix the issue, it could be other damage or interference to your key fob, or its receiver. Luckily, this issue is easy to fix by opening the key fob to take a closer inspection of the inside. Find signs of damage, for example cracks in the board, tiny electronic components that aren't connected to the board, or bent or damaged battery contacts. If you find any of these, you can fix your key fob by replacing the damaged components.
The best option for you is based on your budget and convenience. However, if your key fob has been damaged by a fall or various physical harms, it may be easier and less expensive to have it replaced by an expert. In any case, you must take good care of your keyfob to ensure it continues to perform smoothly for a long time. By regularly cleaning it and avoiding exposure to extreme magnetic fields or temperatures, you can ensure that it will last for as long as is possible. Additionally, by selecting an expert who has plenty of experience in your particular car's model and make you can be sure that your key fob will always function exactly as it was intended to.