Key Fob Repair Service

Key fobs take a beating. Depending on how they're stored and how often they're knocked around, their buttons may be damaged or stuck.

Luckily, most key fob issues are relatively simple to fix. Certain key fob issues are more serious, and require assistance from a professional. This is when locksmiths can help.

Dead Fob Battery

The key fobs for cars are quite smart However, that doesn't mean they do not sometimes get stuck in the "not responding zone". It's time to replace your battery when this occurs. This doesn't solve the problem because there could be a bad connection at one of the terminals on the battery connector.

Automobile manufacturers are aware of this issue, and they frequently put a spare mechanical key inside the fob to be used in this kind of emergency. To access this, you can locate the small release switch or latch on the back of the fob (check the user manual for specifics). By pressing this button, you'll be able to open the fob and reveal a physical key you can use to unlock your car.

You'll also need to be closer to your vehicle in order to lock and unlock it. This is due to the fact that the fob's transmitter loses strength as its battery ages, limiting its operating range.

Replacing the battery is easy and relatively inexpensive. You'll need the button-cell battery (which resembles a small silver coin) and follow the directions in the user guide to remove the old battery. Replace the battery in the same direction as the old one (the positive side facing up toward the buttons). After reassembling your fob, test its lock/unlock and start functions to ensure that the new battery was installed correctly.

You can unlock some key fobs by looking for the latch, screw, or switch at the back and then prying the fob apart. The fob will need to work with your vehicle, so make sure not to cause damage! You could also take the fob to a professional should you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself. Many auto shops will swap a fob's battery for a nominal fee, since it's such an often-used repair service. Some dealers may even offer it for free depending on the model and brand of your vehicle.

Fob Is Not Working

The first thing to do if your key fob isn't working is replace the batteries. This is the quickest solution and will fix the problem. If your device is not working after a change of battery, it could be due to damage or another issue that requires professional attention.

The damage to your car's key fob for many reasons including physical trauma, water exposure, or a corroded circuit board. These problems can prevent your key from transmitting the signal to the receiver inside your vehicle, which could cause your car's ignition to stop or doors from unlocking. If your fob is damaged, it's likely that you'll need an expert to repair or replace the component or the entire device.

Similarly, the buttons on your fob may have become worn out with repeated use. The rubber can wear out and make the buttons less responsive or clicky and may begin to fail to register your press accurately. You can try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, but it is usually best to have the fob professionally examined to make more extensive repairs.

Check that the battery you're using is compatible with your fob. You can find a list of compatible batteries online or at most hardware stores. You must always refer to your owner's manual or the engraving on the inside of your fob to determine what type of battery it needs. A battery that is not a perfect match can be unable to transmit powerful signals or providing sufficient power to the fob's internal components.

In rare cases it could be a problem with the vehicle's electronic components or receiver. If you have an inductive backup system and you want to test it, you can do so by opening the door using an actual key and start the car with the inductive backup (if there is). If your physical key doesn't open or start your car then a mechanic should inspect the electronic components and receiver of your vehicle to determine whether they're working properly.

Fob that is damaged

A key fob is made up of a variety of parts and one issue can cause other parts to fail. If a key fob ceases functioning, it is important to determine whether there's a cause obvious like a cracked case or a broken internal component. Examine the horn, lights and other components of the vehicle to ensure they're working properly.

It's better to replace the key fob if it is damaged than to attempt to repair it. The fob might require reprogramming in the vehicle and this cannot be done at home and requires special equipment to do this.

The buttons on a key fob make use of contacts to send signals to the circuit board on the key fob however, they can wear down over time. This is more common when you drop the device or leave it in a hot climate.

In time the internal wiring inside the key fob may become worn down. This could lead to a button not working when it's being pressed or only working when it's pressed extremely hard. It can also lead to the car not opening or locking when the fob is pressed.

Most fobs have a plastic cover that can be opened and safely cleaned with water and soap. This is a great way to bring a fob back to functioning properly, and it's a good idea to do this often to prevent dirt from harming the insides.

A bad battery is the main reason that a key fob won't turn on or work. The majority of mechanics and car key repairs near me dealers can change the batteries quickly however, if you're at ease doing it yourself, you can purchase a new battery from a hardware store or big-box retailer, and follow the instructions in your owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.

The worst-case scenario is that your key fob has internal damage, such as cracks small electronic components that aren't fully attached to the circuit boards or bent and corroded contact points on the battery. If you observe any of these issues you should contact an auto locksmith or a dealer to obtain a replacement key fob and help in programming it for your vehicle.

Fob is not programming

Car key fobs are an excellent feature that lets you unlock your car doors and start the engine. When they stop working or work intermittently, they can be quite frustrating. In some instances the issue could be as simple as replacing the battery, but in other situations it could require a more complicated repair. The first step is determining the reason for why the fob isn't functioning properly.

One of the most common reasons for a malfunctioning remote is that it is no longer able to recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote control car key repairs and your vehicle is interrupted. This connection can be reset without the need for costly key fob repair.

Other issues could arise when the key fob isn't able to sends an energizing signal. This could happen if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either event, try to resync your key with your vehicle. This can be accomplished by following the directions provided by the key fob. It's also a good idea to carry an additional key in case you need to use it in the event that the primary key isn't working.

It's possible that the fob isn't getting the signal sufficiently strong from the mobile car key repair. This could be due to weak car batteries, interference from wireless devices, or an antenna issue. You can test the fob to see whether this is the cause by using an external tester. If the tester does not illuminate when you press one of the buttons, it could be that the battery is in need of replacement or that the fob is broken.

Another reason why a fob not sending a strong enough signal is that the immobilizer system in your car is preventing it. This could happen if your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly or if there is a software problem.

If you're not able to resolve the issue, or it's not worth the hassle of trying to repair the fob, you should consider buying a new one. You can find low-cost options from numerous online retailers and some are even delivered to your doorstep.