Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs could have issues, such as a malfunction. Some issues may need professional attention, but most can be resolved at home.
Change the battery is often the first step. The majority of fobs have flat watch-style batteries that are easy to find at auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
When a key fob battery fails, it can be a major inconvenience especially if you're far from home. Fortunately, there are ways to get back on the road even when your car's keyless entry doesn't work.
One of the first things to examine is whether the buttons on the key fob work. If they do, the problem may lie in the locks of your car instead of the fob.
If your keys do not unlock, there may be an electronic slot in the trim around the door handles or in your car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key, and try again. If this doesn't unlock the door, certain cars come with an application that lets you unlock it remotely. For instance the FordPass Connect app, the myChevrolet mobile app and myMazda app allow owners to open their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps are subject to an annual cost.
You should also make sure that your key fob isn't draining the car's battery by sitting on it. A dead key fob can drain your battery, especially when you utilize its remote feature while watching TV or talking on the phone.
Holding the key fob right to the car's start button could cause a key fob with a low battery. It's a quick fix that can save you going to the dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
If repair car keys fob doesn't work You can test it in a car with a push-button starter. If it's not working it's likely that the battery needs replacement. It's a great idea to keep an extra key fob in your purse or backpack.
Damaged Buttons
It's possible that your key fob has a damaged button. The key fob may contain a circuit board with "contact pads" for each button, and these tiny pads are covered with an electricity conducting film that wears away over time. This wear can cause your fob to react less quickly, or not at all.
The contact pad on car keys can be easily replaced with a flathead screwdriver. If the key fob is badly damaged or smashed in any way, it might be more difficult to open up the case, and you'll have to take the fob into an auto shop for repair.
It's not uncommon for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, trodden on, or exposed to water. All of these incidents can cause physical damage, including bending and snapping the keys.
This can also cause internal damage to the fob, which could cause an issue. It is a good idea, therefore, to always carry a spare fob in your wallet or pocket in case the one you currently have fails.
If the buttons on your key fob aren't working in the way they should, you should first make sure the battery is in good condition. Key fobs don't need a special type of electronic device. They use the same two-dollar battery that is used in hearing aids and watches. They are sold in drug, hardware and online stores.
If the battery is working, it's likely that the buttons are just dirty or worn down and can be cleaned by using a damp cloth to clean them. If the buttons don't work, try another car key fob. This will help you determine if the problem is yours or a particular model. If the other fob functions it's likely that the key fob you have needs to be reprogrammed or possibly replaced entirely.
Reprogramming
The secret world of car keys fobs is much more complex than the myths that surround it suggest. The basic fobs operate using radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs have to be programmed to allow unlocking and starting the vehicle. Reprogramming a key fob is not as simple as pressing a few keys. It's usually handled by the dealer.
Consult your owner's guide for detailed instructions. Some manufacturers, like Mercedes have proprietary technology that only dealerships are capable of creating a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. However certain independent shops provide this service as well and you should check reviews and prices before choosing a shop.
Certain car models wipe out all other fobs when they're reprogrammed, which means you'll need any additional fobs programmed professionally. This can be expensive especially if the fob has stopped working. It's always wise to have at least one spare mechanical key you can use to unlock the trunk and doors even if it's not able to start the car.
Be prepared for a frustrating experience if you decide to reprogram your fob yourself. You'll be disappointed by numerous guides on the internet that claim to be successful. Many of these guides were created by people who have no knowledge of this field and are often founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some even claim that you can program your own car key fob in just a few clicks, which is extremely false.
The battery is typically held in place with an elastic clip that is easily removed. However, the circuit board contains the battery, and you'll need to pry the battery out using the aid of a tool. You should be able to locate the button battery. It's usually an insignificant battery for a watch, which can be purchased at any pharmacies or at home improvement stores. It's generally easy to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole unit, you can try replacing the button cell first.
Replacement
If the car key fob has been damaged or fails to function, it's important to know that there are several options to remedy the problem. It may be possible to repair the issue quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming your key fob. However an extensive repair might be required. A spare fob is useful in the event that one is lost or stolen.
Most modern key fobs include an incredibly small physical key, in addition to the electronic components which makes them more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart" fobs include a remote starter built-in. It's important to know that it can take an hour or more to cut and program a replacement fob for your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car's receiver by using a small radio transmitter built into the circuit board. By pressing a button the transmitter emits an RF signal specific to the car receiver. The receiver recognizes the signal and verifies it against preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to unlock the car and start it from a distance, without putting the key in the ignition or turning a lock.
If the buttons on the fob you have purchased fail to respond or work sporadically, it can indicate that they have been damaged by water or other causes. It is possible to repair the fob by disassembling it and looking for any damaged or non-responsive buttons. If this does not solve the issue, try reprogramming or buying an entirely new fob.
Before purchasing a replacement key fob online, seek out a professional locksmith or your local auto dealer to ensure that it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. You can find aftermarket fobs cheaper, but it's important to study the brands and read reviews prior to trying to program them. Certain fobs can be programmed by an experienced locksmith however, other models require programming equipment that only a mechanic or dealer can use.