Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs may be affected by issues such as losing functionality. While some issues may require professional attention, many can be fixed at home.
Change the battery is often the first step. The majority of fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which can be easily found at auto parts or hardware stores.
Dead Battery
It can be an incredibly problem when a key fob's battery is dead. This is particularly true when you're away from home. There are ways to get your car back on the road if your keyless entry system has stopped working.
One of the first things you should examine is to determine if the buttons on your key fob work. If they do, the issue could be in the locks of your car instead of the fob.
If the keys won't unlock you need to look for a mechanical key slot located in the door handle trim or on another part of the car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this doesn't work there are some cars that have an app that allows you to unlock doors remotely. FordPass Connect MyChevrolet Mobile Application and myMazda apps, for example allow owners to open their doors with their smartphones. These apps charge monthly subscription fees.
It is also important to ensure that your key fob isn't draining your car's battery by being plugged into it. A dead fob will drain your battery fast, especially if it is used to control the TV or phone while you are watching.
Holding the key fob right towards the start button may cause the key fob that has low battery. This simple fix can save you from a trip to your dealer or certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
If your key fob does not work You can test it in a car with a push-button starter. If it fails it's likely that the battery needs replacement. It's a good idea to keep a spare key fob in your bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
It's possible that your key fob has a damaged button. Your key fob is likely to have circuit boards with "contact pads" for each button. These little pads are coated with a conductor of electricity that wears away over time. This wear could cause your fob to respond slower, or not at all.
The good news is that the pad on the car key fob is simple to replace and is done using a simple flathead screwdriver. If, however, the key fob is badly damaged or broken in any way, it might be more difficult to remove the case, and you'll be required to take the fob to an auto repair shop to be repaired.
It's not unusual for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, trodden on, or exposed to water. These incidents can cause physical damage, including breaking the keys and snapping them.
This can also cause internal damage to the fob and lead to an issue. This is why it's an ideal idea to keep a spare key fob inside your purse or pocket in the event that you damage the one you own.
If your key fob's buttons aren't responding as they should, first verify that the battery is in good working condition. Key fobs don't need a special type of electronic device. They use the same battery for two dollars that is used in hearing aids and watches. The batteries are available at hardware, drug, and online stores.
If the battery is in good condition it's likely that the buttons are just worn down or dirty and can be easily cleaned using a damp cloth to wipe them clean. If the buttons don't work, you can test another car key fob. This will help determine whether the issue is yours or a particular model. If the other key fob is working, then yours might need to be reset or replaced.
Reprogramming
The secret world of car keys fobs is much more complicated than most myths suggest. The basic fobs function using radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs need to be programmed correctly for them to open and start the vehicle. Reprogramming a key fob is not as simple as pressing a few keys. It's usually handled by the dealer.
The procedure for reprogramming the fob is dependent on the manufacturer and model year of your car and it's essential to refer to the owner's manual to get step-by-step instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that only dealerships are capable of creating a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops might offer this service, so make sure to check reviews and prices prior to selecting the right shop.
Some car models will wipe out all other fobs when they're reprogrammed, which means you'll need to get any additional fobs professionally programmed as well. This is a costly proposition especially if you're only just one functional fob. It is always advisable to have at least one spare mechanical key that 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. There are countless guides on the internet that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides are written by people with no knowledge of this field, and they're often founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some even claim that you can program your own car key fob in only a few clicks, which can be very false.
The majority of key fobs are held in place by a plastic clip which is easy to remove, however, the battery is located inside the circuit board, which means you'll have to carefully pry it out using a tool. You should be able find the button battery. It's usually tiny batteries for a watch, which can be purchased at any home improvement or pharmacies. It's usually simple to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole device, you should try it first.
Replacement
If your car key fob is damaged or isn't functioning, it's important to know that there are several options to fix the issue. It could be possible to resolve the issue quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming your key fob. However, a more extensive repair might be required. It is also helpful to keep a spare fob in case one gets lost or stolen.
Most modern key fobs include an incredibly small physical key, in addition to the electronics, making them both pricier and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart" fobs even include a remote starter built-in. As such, it's important to know that it can take up to an hour to have a new key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car receiver by using a small radio transmitter built into circuit boards. When you press a button, the transmitter emits an RF signal that is unique to the car's receiver. The receiver receives the signal and validates it against preprogrammed codes. This allows drivers to start the car from a distance without the need to insert the ignition key in.
If the buttons on your key fob are not responding or working intermittently, they could have been damaged by water. It is possible to repair the fob by removing it and inspecting for any broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try reprogramming your fob or purchasing another one.
It is recommended to consult a local auto dealer or a locksmith before buying a replacement keyfob on the internet to ensure that it is compatible with the security system of your vehicle. Fobs purchased from a third party can be cheaper but you should research brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them yourself. While key repairs near me are able to be replaced by a trusted locksmith, others require special equipment for programming that can only be used by a professional auto dealer or auto technician.