How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Key fobs are susceptible to damage even if we use them frequently. In fact, they could be destroyed in a variety of ways.
Other issues could be more important than a dead battery. Fortunately, many of them can be resolved with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the main reason for a key fob that is not working. Fob batteries tend to drain quickly, especially when they are exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures, humidity or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.
You can usually tell the moment the battery in your car key fob is depleted because the light on the LED will stop glowing. It's also possible that the fob won't work from the same distance as it did in the past. In this scenario it might be necessary to re-program your key fob or even replace it entirely.
It is easy to replace a car keyfob battery. Find out the kind of battery used. The type of battery should be engraved on the side of your key fob. If you're unsure, doing a quick Google search will be helpful. Once you have found the battery type you want to use, open the key fob near the seam. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to pry apart 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 realize that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their car, and the buttons no longer work. In some instances, this can be solved by reprogramming your fob, but that can be costly and time-consuming. You can also contact roadside assistance to see if they are able to jumpstart your vehicle and get it back on the road.
If you've tried all of these options and your car still won't start then it's time for a professional. A qualified technician can determine the computer in your car needs reconfiguring, or if your key fob is only in need of a new battery. They will also suggest a reputable auto repair shop to replace your fob's key. Sometimes, however, emergency car key repair could be the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and is not impervious to destruction. The circuit board, battery and buttons are all subject to wear and tear. It is crucial to take care of these components to keep your key fob in good condition.
Verify that the battery still functioning on your key fob. If it is then replace the battery and check if it fixes your problem. If not, you might need to open the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open certain key fobs due to the fact that they don't have an easy release mechanism. You could harm your fob by trying take it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but you should always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.
Another issue that is common is a damaged or corrupted circuit board inside the key fob. It can be caused by a number of things like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment, software issues or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob isn't functioning, you might want to consider having it replaced. This can be accomplished by a locksmith who is skilled in this work.
Radio interference is a different possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency your key fob, like a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, consult with other manufacturers of the device to ensure that your key fob's signal isn't affected by their signals.
There may be a need to replace a switch or another electrical component inside your key fob. This is a harder fix however, you can find guides online that show you how to fix it yourself. You should be careful, however, as the circuit board that is inside the key fob is tiny and could easily break if handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to use a high quality SMT switch and solder it in place correctly.
In a state of wear Out Buttons
Car key fobs can suffer quite a bit of wear and tear. They're susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot of time jostled around in your pocket or purse. Sometimes, this jolting can cause the buttons to become worn out or snagged. electronic car key repair near me can resolve the issue.
Most modern key fobs have sensors that detect when they've been used. They're made to do this so that they can decrease the chance of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you press them, that's an indication that they're worn-out and need to be replaced.
Key fobs also contain an internal circuit board which transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, then the key fob you have may not allow you to unlock your car or even start the engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force, or something scratching the circuit board.
If you have to press the buttons harder than usual in order to make them function the key fob buttons are getting worn out. Additionally your fob could cease transmitting signals to the car or it'll have less range than it did prior to.
Contact a locksmith immediately if you are not able to use your key fob for your vehicle. They can determine if the key fob is damaged or if the cylinder of your ignition is worn out.
Luckily, most car key fob problems aren't too serious or complex. electronic car key repair near me to avoid getting taken by surprise by a malfunctioning key fob is to keep an extra in your pocket at all times. This will ensure that you're not trapped in a place due to a lost or malfunctioning 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 the key fob.
Broken Case
The case of a key fob does more than just protect the buttons and batteries. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for all the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. This board receives the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to your car.
Your key fob won't work if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a dead key fob will just need to be reset which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can help you with.
Another reason your key fob might not be working is that the batteries are not working. This is a quick fix that you can do at home by replacing the battery. The positive side is that you can find the replacement battery on the internet or at your local auto parts shop since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs.
Depending on the kind of key fob, there is a variety of ways to open it and access the insides. A quick search online should show you which type of key fob yours is and the type of battery it requires. You can then buy a new replacement and pop the old one out and then put the new one into.
The main concern when you repair the broken car key fob is that you don't want to damage the circuit board or buttons further. Trying to pry apart a key fob with an edge that is sharp like screwdrivers can break the case or scratch the plastic. A replacement case isn't expensive and you can buy the entire fob including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
So, if your key fob doesn't work look into whether the batteries are dead or if the circuit board is damaged. If this is not the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and cheaply by a professional. If not, it could be time to invest in an upgrade. Make sure you check for a warranty on any used or replacement fobs you buy on the internet.