How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Although we put them through numerous times keys are not indestructible. They are able to break down in a variety of ways.

Other issues could be more serious than a dead battery. Many of these issues can be resolved with a quick fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the main reason for a key fob that is not working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, particularly if they are exposed or humid temperatures or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.

You can usually tell that the battery of your car key fob is depleted because the light on the LED will cease to blink. The key fob could also stop working at the same distance that it used to. In this scenario it could be necessary to re-program your key fob or replace it altogether.

Fortunately replacing the battery in a car key fob is a simple task. Find out the kind of battery used. The type should be embossed on the side of the fob. If you are not sure then a quick Google search will help. Once you've found the battery type you want to use, open the key fob near the seam. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to separate the two halves. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a new one. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers might not be aware that their fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their car and the buttons aren't responding. In some cases, this can be solved by reprogramming the fob, however, this can be expensive and time-consuming. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and ask them to jump your car and get you back on the road.

If you've tried all three of these methods but your car won't start then it's time for a professional. A qualified technician can determine if your car's computer needs reconfiguring, or if your key fob only requires replacement batteries. They can also recommend a reliable auto Repair car key fob shop to replace your fob's keys. In the end, though sometimes, a brand new fob is the best solution.

Circuit Board Damage

A key fob can take many physical abuses and is not indestructible. The battery, the circuit board buttons, and other components all suffer their fair share of wear and tear over time It is therefore essential to be aware and take care of them in order to keep your car key fob working well.

The most straightforward thing to do is to make sure the battery in your key fob isn't depleted. If it is then replace the battery and see if that fixes your problem. If this does not work, you might need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be difficult because some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to open them and you could end up damaging your key fob if attempt to break it. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, however you should always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or damaged key fob circuit board is another frequent issue. This can be due to a number of things, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob has stopped functioning completely, you should consider having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this kind of work.

Radio interference is another possible cause. It could happen if are other wireless devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob, like radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, you should get in touch with the manufacturer of the other device to make sure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.

It's also possible that your key fob has an unreliable switch or electrical component that must be replaced. This is a harder fix however, there are guides online that explain how to fix it yourself. You should be careful to be careful, however, since the circuit board that is inside the key fob is tiny and could easily break if handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, ensure you make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and then solder the switch into the correct position.

Out Buttons Out Buttons

Car key fobs can suffer a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are susceptible to being dropped and repair car key fob spend a lot of time in your pocket or purse. The constant jostling can cause the buttons to wear down or get stuck. When this happens an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to get it working again.

Most modern key fobs have sensors on them that can tell if they've been pressed. They're designed to detect this so that they can lower the risk of thieves stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced.

The circuit board in the key fob also sends signals to your car. Those signals include unlock and lock commands and commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, your key fob might not allow you to unlock your car key lock repair near me or even start the engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force or a scratch on the circuit board.

You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing down if you find yourself pressing them harder than normal to get them to function. Your fob could also stop sending signals to your car or have a smaller range.

If you're not able to unlock your key fob, unlock or start your car, it's important to contact a locksmith in your area immediately. They can determine if the key fob is damaged, or if the cylinder in your ignition is worn out.

Fortunately, the majority of car keyfob issues aren't very complicated or even serious. The best way to avoid being caught off guard by an issue with your key fob is to have an extra in your pocket at all times. You'll never be caught in the middle due to an issue with your key repairs or a lost one. If you have lost your spare key, a professional locksmith can rekey it to work with your vehicle's engine. They'll also be able repair any internal damage that may have occurred on the key fob.

Broken Case

The case of the key fob is more than just shield the buttons and batteries. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic when you press a key fob button. This board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car.

Your key fob will not function 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 the dealership can help you with.

Batteries could be the reason of your key fob not working. The battery can be replaced at home. The good thing is that you can locate the replacement battery on the internet or at a local auto parts store, since these batteries are not exclusive to key fobs.

There are many ways to open up a key fob to get inside, based on the kind. A quick search online should reveal what kind of key fob you have and the type of battery it uses. From there, you can buy an alternative and then simply pop the old one out and the new one in.

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. When you try to break the fob using an edge that is sharp like a screwdriver can cause damage to the case or damage the plastic. Luckily, a replacement case isn't expensive and you can get the entire fob and the electronic components from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

So, if your key fob isn't working, check to see if the batteries are dead or whether the circuit board is damaged. If this is not the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and inexpensively by a professional. If not, it could be time to consider a replacement. Be sure to look for a warranty on any replacement or used fobs you buy on the internet.