Key Fob Repair Service - 5 Common Reasons Your Key Fob Won't Work
It can be a traumatic experience when your key fob fails. Fortunately, most fob issues aren't too serious or complex and can be solved at home or with an auto locksmith close to you.
First, examine the fob of your key to determine whether it has physical damage or a dead battery. Then, try to reset the fob according to instructions from your owner's manual.
Dead Key Fob Battery
With a key fob you can open and start your vehicle without having to fiddle around with your keys. Many models unlock doors, hatchbacks, and trunks by pressing the button. Although the battery for your key fob has died could be a huge issue, it's actually just one of the easiest problems to solve. You can take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or dealership for assistance. But did you know that you could fix your fob on your own?
The first thing you'll need is a new, clean CR2032 battery. Most hardware stores carry batteries in multipacks. Make use of a flathead screwdriver, or watch to push the case open. There's typically a slot or notch to get started and after you've created the first gap, you can wedge your pry tool like you would peel an orange or apple to open the case further. Be gentle since you don't want to damage the fob, or its circuit board.
When you've got the case open, place the new battery underneath the tabs that are highlighted by yellow arrows in this photo. Make sure that it is past the two smaller tabs pointed to by green arrows. After the new battery is installed, close your key fob and test it. If the key fob still isn't working, you might require the assistance of an expert for more detailed troubleshooting.
In rare cases replacing the battery on a key fob can still result in a malfunctioning device. In this instance, there's probably something wrong with the fob or vehicle. It's a good idea to keep an extra key fob in to be ready if the original battery is dead or a problem occurs.
In addition to battery replacement, you can also ask an expert to inspect and make other key fob repairs . They can look for damaged buttons, contacts, and other parts. They can also do the reprogramming or synchronization process when your vehicle is experiencing trouble communicating with your keyfob.
Key Fob Battery Damage
Most key fobs rely on a small battery to power their internal components, such as buttons that activate the chip and antenna to release the radio frequency. The battery also powers the plastic casing that protects these components. Your key fob won't function if the battery is dead. The solution is simple and cost-effective: replace the battery. In their owner's manual the majority of manufacturers offer instructions on how to replace key fob's battery. The procedure may be a bit difficult but it's not difficult to accomplish and you'll likely save money by doing it yourself, rather than taking the fob to a dealership or auto shop.
You may have a different issue if the key fob doesn't work after replacing the batteries. Check the key fob to determine whether there are any physical damages, such as cracks or dents. You can also check the circuit board by opening the case. If you're comfortable, you can make use of a cotton ball that has been that has been dipped in alcohol to clean the contact points on the circuit board of the key fob. This will remove corrosion without damaging the fob.
The key fobs also need to be programmed to connect to the vehicle receiver. This is to ensure that only those with keys for the same vehicle can unlock the car and stop other key fobs from attempting to access vehicles that they weren't designed for. If you've recently had your key fob replaced or repaired, or when it hasn't used for a while, the receiver and transmitter could have been disconnected.
You can test this by using a spare remote that you have. This will let you know if the issue is with the keyfob or the vehicle's electrical systems. A mechanic in your car will be able to reconnect any disconnected wires and help you solve the problem. You could also try connecting the key fob to a different receiver and see if this fixes the problem. If you're not able to do this, you may need to take your key fob into a car dealer or auto repair shop for more extensive repairs.
Damaged Key Fob Transmitter
It can be a big hassle when your car's key fob fails to work. Most key fobs for cars can be repairable by following a few easy steps. First, look over the fob for physical damage, and make sure it's just dead. A new battery may be all that's needed, but if it doesn't fix the problem, there could be a larger issue with the fob's transmitter.
Car key fobs contain a lot of moving parts, so it's not unusual to expect them to suffer wear and tear over the course of time. A damaged transmitter can stop you from starting your car or unlocking the doors. A damaged transmitter can also affect radio signals sent from your key fob to the receiver inside the car. If you suspect your key fob transmitter is damaged, take it to a local mechanic for inspection and repair.
One of the most frequent reasons why a key fob stops functioning is because the batteries are depleted. Key fob batteries usually last between three and five years, which is why it's a good idea buy new batteries on a regular basis.
The replacement of a key fob's battery is a fairly simple procedure that most people can do at home. You'll require a flat-head screwdriver to pry the case open, and after that you'll be able to replace the battery. The majority of key fobs are powered by 3V button cells, which can be found in most auto parts stores.
Another reason that your key fob may not be responding is due to an ineffective receiver. This could be a frustrating problem since it typically occurs when you're driving. If your key fob doesn't appear to be receiving any signals Try placing it inside the driver's side door lock.
A damaged receiver may also cause your keyfob's to behave erratically. For instance, it could close or shut off the vehicle when you press one of its buttons. If you have a spare key fob, test it to see if it will respond to the vehicle's commands. If you don't have an additional key fob, call your dealer for assistance. If your current key fob is still in warranty, a few new-car dealers may be able offer a replacement for free.
Keys damaged Fob Receiver
Key fobs can be prone to many issues. They are convenient tools that allow us to lock and unlock our vehicles. If the remote key fob in your car isn't working properly it's likely that you need to call a locksmith or an auto dealer. Most common problems with key fobs are easily fixable without the need for an expensive replacement. Here are the five most commonly-cited reasons your key fob might not be working:
Key Fob Needs Re-Programming
Over time, a car's key fob transmitter and receiver could be out of sync with one the other. To fix this problem, you will have to reconnect the key fob and its receiver by following reprogramming instructions for your vehicle. These instructions can be found in your owner's manual or you can ask the dealer near you to assist you.
If reprogramming the keyfob does not resolve the issue, there could be damage or a problem with your keyfob or receiver. It's usually simple to fix if you take off your key fob and take a closer look inside. Look for evidence of damage, for example cracks in the board, tiny electronic components that aren't attached to the board, or bent or damaged battery contacts. If you find any of these, you can fix your key fob by replacing damaged components.
The best option for you is based on your budget and ease of use. If your key fob has been damaged by a fall or other physical damages it might be simpler and more affordable to have it replaced by an expert. In any case, make sure to take care of your key fob so that it can provide you with years of smooth operation. By regularly cleaning it and avoiding exposure to extreme magnetic fields or temperatures, you can ensure it will last for the longest time possible. In addition, by choosing a professional with plenty of experience with your specific car's model and make you can be sure that your key fob will always function exactly as it was intended to.