Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

The buttons on key fobs may become damaged and stop working properly after being jostled in pockets and purses. Replacing the battery, which most car key and repair (visit the next page) fobs are equipped with in a snap-out case, may fix the issue.

If the contacts inside your key fob have worn, a new replacement may not be sufficient to revive it. This is a simple fix you can do at home.

Replace the Battery

It could be time to change the battery in your key fob if it isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than it does on a regular. It's good news that replacing a key fob's battery is one of the most simple tasks you can tackle yourself. It's also a cost-effective solution that will help you avoid a trip to an expert locksmith or dealer.

The majority of key fobs need a coin-style battery (CR2032 or similar) which can be found at any general store, home improvement center, or auto parts store. The key fobs usually have a slot to accept the batteries and opening the case for battery replacement is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use an instrument such as a screwdriver to open the cover for the compartment for batteries.

If your key fob has clips that hold the batteries in place, gently take them off them with your fingers or with non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Take note of the orientation when you remove the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as this can reduce their life.

After the new battery has been installed and the key fob is closed, close its case and test it by pushing the button to make sure it works. If the key fob still doesn't function, you may have to reopen it and ensure that the battery is inserted correctly.

You may also find that simply replacing the battery isn't enough to solve the issue. This could be due to physical or electrical trauma. In this scenario you'll need to take your key fob to a dealership or auto service center for repairs. However, before doing this, you should be aware of four common issues that a battery replacement won't fix. It is important to be aware of the issues so that you are in a position to find an expert technician in the event of need. You can also learn how to fix the defective transmitter of a key fob to discover the reason it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Keeping your key fob clean is vital to its functionality and lifespan. Over time, the natural oils on your fingers and pockets can accumulate in the key fob buttons and crevices. This can cause the keys not to work. It's simple enough to fix, though - all you need is rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

First, open the key fob by gently prying the battery out with a coin or screwdriver. Make sure you note the type of battery it's (negative and positive sides) so that you can insert it again correctly after you're done.

After that, make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons as well as the surrounding areas of the fob. Be sure to pay particular attention to the battery's contacts, and that they are clean. Once you're done cleaning the fob, let it and its components completely dry.

If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you might want to reset the system. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to do this, and follow them accordingly. This may be able to bring the key fob back to normal if the issue was simply due to the battery being dead.

It is important to maintain the key fob on a regular basis after it has been cleaned and synchronized. You can ensure that your key fob functioning for many years by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the System

Even though today's high tech key fobs are equipped with more features that are safer and more convenient than they ever were, they can still encounter some issues. Fortunately, most of the time problems aren't severe or complex, and can be solved with simple solutions such as replacing the battery. If the problem is more serious or the issue isn't resolved by simple solutions an expert auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.

The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise a sunroof using the key fob. This feature is beneficial if you need to open the roof when you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. The key fob can be used to call your vehicle when it is stuck in a parking location.

The internal circuitry inside the key fob may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or the complete inability to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can occasionally interfere with the function of the keyfob. If your key fob is contaminated with dust or has become wet, it must be cleaned before you can use it again.

Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts can help fix a malfunctioning device however, if it continues to run erratically it may be necessary to do a factory reset. This can fix system bugs and restore device performance.

If you're not sure how to do a factory reset on your device, refer to the device manufacturer's website or the owner's manual. Certain devices require specialized tools to reset them, however you'll need to find the correct instructions for car key and Repair your model.

Another option for resolving issues with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts can program and replace keyfobs for almost all car models. Additionally, they can also fix car key repair company keys with chips in them.