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. While some issues may require professional attention, the majority can be fixed at home.
Change the battery is often the first step. Most fobs run on a flat watch-style batteries, which can be easily found at hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
It can be a real issue when a key fob's battery is dead. This is especially true if you are away from home. There are solutions to get your vehicle back on the road if you're keyless entry system isn't working.
The first thing to check is to see if the buttons on the fob still work. If they do, the issue could be with the car's locks instead of the fob.
If your keys will not unlock, you might find a mechanical slot within the trim around the door handles or on your car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails there are some cars that have an app that lets you open doors remotely. FordPass Connect MyChevrolet Mobile Application and myMazda apps, for example allow owners to open their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps have a monthly cost.
Also, you should ensure that your key fob isn't draining your vehicle's battery by being plugged into it. A dead key fob will quickly drain your battery, especially when you use its remote features while watching TV or talking on the phone.
Holding the key fob right towards the start button may cause a key fob with an empty battery. This quick fix can save you from having to visit your dealer or to certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
If your key fob won't work You can test it in a car with an ignition button. If it doesn't, you might need to replace the fob battery. It's a good idea keep an extra key fob in your backpack or purse.
Damaged Buttons
It's possible that your key fob is damaged and has a button. Your key fob is equipped with an electronic circuit that has "contact pads" that are covered with an electrically conductor film. This film wears off over time. The wear may cause your fob to respond more slowly, or even not at all.
The good news is that the contact pad in the car key fob is easy to replace, and it can be done by using an easy flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged it may be difficult to open. You'll need to take it to an auto repair shop to get the fob repaired.
It's not unusual for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, trodden on, or exposed to water. These events can cause physical damage to the keys, including bending or snapping them.
This can also alter the internals of the fob, which could lead to a malfunction. It's a good idea so, always keep an additional fob in your wallet or in your pocket in case the one you're using is damaged.
Examine the battery first to determine If your key fob's buttons aren't responding as they should. Keep in mind that key fobs aren't a special kind of electronic device - the majority of them use the same two-dollar batteries that are used in hearing aids and watches and are accessible at drug stores, hardware stores, and on the internet.
If the battery is functioning properly it is possible that the buttons are worn or dirty. You can easily clean them with a damp cloth. If the buttons do not work, you could try a different car key fob. This will help you determine if the problem is yours or a particular model. If the other key fob functions, then yours may need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
Reprogramming
The hidden world of car key fobs is more complex than some myths would suggest. Basic fobs work on radio frequency signals specific to each car. The fobs have to be programmed to allow unlocking and starting the vehicle. Unfortunately it's not as easy as pressing a few buttons, and with only a few exceptions it must be handled by a dealer.
The procedure of reprogramming a fob is based on the model and model year of your car, so it's important to consult the owner's manual for step-by-step instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes, use proprietary technology that makes sure only the dealership can create a new fob and re-sync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops may also offer this service, so make sure to check reviews and prices before selecting a shop.
vehicle key repairs of cars will erase other fobs when they're reprogrammed, which means you'll need any additional fobs professionally programmed. This is a costly proposition particularly if you're down to just one working fob. Even in vehicle key repairs that the mechanical key will not work to start the car, it's a good idea to have a backup that can open the trunk and doors.
If you decide to try and reprogram your fob on your own, be prepared for a difficult journey. There are numerous guides available on the internet that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides are written by people with no knowledge of this field and are often founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can easily program your car key fob by yourself in just only a few clicks. This is false.
The majority of key fobs are secured by a clip made of plastic which is easy to remove, but the battery is inside the circuit board, so you'll have to carefully pry it out using a device. Once you get inside, you should be able locate the button cell battery, which is typically a small watch battery that can be purchased in most pharmacies or home improvement stores. Replacing the battery is usually an easy process, but it's always worth trying first before replacing the entire device.
Replacement
There are a variety of ways to fix a damaged or damaged car key fob. It could be possible to repair the issue quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming your key fob. However, a more extensive repair may be required. It can also be helpful to keep a spare fob in case one is lost or stolen.
Modern key fobs are more expensive and difficult to replace because they contain a physical key as well as the electronics. Some "smart fobs" even include remote starters. Therefore, it's important to be aware that it could take up to an hour to get an alternative key fob cut and programmed for your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car receiver using a tiny radio transmitter that is mounted on a circuitboard. When you press a button, the transmitter sends an RF signal specific to the car receiver. The receiver recognizes the signal and checks it against preprogrammed codes. This lets the driver unlock the vehicle and start it from a distance without placing the key in the ignition or turning the lock.
If your key fob buttons are not responding or working in a sporadic manner, they may be damaged by water. You could be able to repair the fob by disassembling it and examining it for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, you can try reprogramming the fob, or purchasing another one.
You should check with a local auto dealer or a locksmith before purchasing a replacement keyfob online to make sure it is compatible with the security system of your vehicle. Fobs purchased from a third party can be cheaper but you should study the reviews and brands before trying to program them yourself. Certain fobs can be modified by an experienced locksmith however, other models require programming equipment that only a car technician or dealer is able to use.