How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Key fobs are susceptible to damage, even if we use them often. In fact, they are able to break down in a variety of ways.
Other issues could be more serious than an unresponsive battery. Many of these issues can be solved by a quick fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is likely the most common reason why the car key fob stops functioning. Fob batteries are prone to draining quickly, particularly if they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or water. It's a good idea to keep an extra battery in your wallet in case.
The LED light will typically stop blinking when the battery in the car key fob is running low. It's also possible that your key fob will no longer work from the same distance as it did in the past. In this instance it might be necessary to re-program your key fob or replace it altogether.
Fortunately, replacing the battery in a car key fob is easy. First, determine what kind of battery is being used. The type of battery you are using should be engraved on the back of your key fob. Google can help in case you're unsure. Once you've identified the type of battery you want to use, open the key fob at the junction. Use a flathead screwdriver, or your fingernail to separate the two halves. Then, remove the old battery and put an alternative one in its place. Then, insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers don't realize that their fob is dead until they lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons don't work anymore. In some instances, this can be solved by reprogramming your fob, but that can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to call roadside assistance and ask them to jump your car and get you back on the road.
If you've tried both solutions and your car still doesn't start, it's time to contact a professional. A qualified technician can determine if your car's computer needs changing its programming, or if the fob only requires replacement batteries. They can also recommend an auto shop to replace the fob that you use to access your car. In the end, though it is not always the case that a new fob is the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
Key fobs can withstand a lot of physical abuse and is not impervious to destruction. The battery, circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear over time, so it's important to be on guard and take care of them to keep your car key fob operating well.
The easiest way to test is to make sure the battery in your key fob isn't depleted. If it is, replace the battery and check if it fixes your problem. If this doesn't work, you may have to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be a challenge because some key fobs don't have a release mechanism that is easy to open them and you may end up damaging your key fob if attempt to break it. You can purchase a special tool for opening your key fob. But, you must adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or corrupted key circuit board for the fob is another common problem. This could be due to numerous factors, such as moisture or dirt getting into the battery compartment. Software issues or even an accident firmware update could be the cause of this. If your key fob has stopped functioning, you might want to consider having it changed. This can be done by a locksmith who is skilled in this type of work.
Radio interference is another possible cause. This could happen when you have other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency, for example, radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case you need to contact the other device manufacturer to make sure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.
There may be a need to replace a switch or an electrical component in your key fob. You can find online guides that guide you through the process of fixing this yourself. Be cautious to be careful, however, since the circuit board inside your key fob is small and can easily break if handled roughly. If you decide to do this yourself, make certain to use a top quality SMT switch and then solder it in place correctly.
Worn Out Buttons
Car key fobs can suffer lots of wear and wear and tear. They are prone to getting dropped and spend a lot of time being tossed around in your purse or pocket. The constant jostling can cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. Simple adjustments can resolve the problem.
Most modern key fobs have sensors that detect if they've been pressed. They're designed to detect this because they can help lower the risk of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't work when pressed, they are damaged and should be replaced.
Key fobs also have an internal circuit board which transmits signals to your car. The signals include commands to unlock and lock and also instructions to start your engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged then the key fob you have may not be able to unlock your vehicle or start the engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt, or something scratching the circuit board.
You'll notice that the buttons on your key fob are wearing out when you press them harder than normal to get them to work. Your fob might also stop sending an alert to your car or have a smaller range.
If you're unable get your key fob to unlock or start your vehicle, it's crucial to call an emergency locksmith in your area. They'll be able to tell whether the key fob itself is damaged or the ignition cylinder is worn out.
Fortunately, most car keyfob issues aren't very complicated or even serious. Keep a spare key fob in your car always in case you end up being surprised by a malfunctioning device. You'll never be stranded due to an issue with your key or a lost one. If you lose your spare key a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your car's engine. They can also repair any internal damage to your key fob.
Broken Case
A key fob's case provides more than just protection for the buttons and battery. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic when you press the key fob button. The circuit board relays the signal from your key fob to your car.
The key fob won't work if the board is damaged. A dead key fob might only need to be reprogrammed by your local auto locksmith, or dealer.
Another reason why your key fob may not be functioning is that the batteries are dying. car key fob repair near me is a quick fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. You can find the replacement battery from the local auto parts store or online. These batteries aren't just for key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open up the key fob and go inside, based on the type. A quick internet search should reveal what kind of key fob yours is and what kind of battery it takes. You can then buy a new one, take the old one out, and put the new one in.
The main concern when you repair an old car key fob is that you don't want to cause damage to the circuit board or buttons any further. If you attempt to pry apart the key fob using an instrument like a screwdriver or any other sharp edge, it could break the plastic or damage the case. Fortunately, a replacement case is cheap and you can purchase an entire fob with the electronics from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob isn't working, check to see if the batteries are dead or whether the circuit board has been damaged. If this is not the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and easily by a professional. If not, it could be time to replace the fob. Just be sure to check for a warranty on any replacement or used fobs you buy online.