Key Fob Repair Service - 5 Common Reasons Your Key Fob Won't Work
It can be a stressful experience when your key fob breaks down. Fortunately, most fob issues aren't serious or complicated 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 is suffering from physical damage or an inoperative battery. You can then reset the fob by following the instructions contained in your owner's manual.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
With a key fob you can open and start your vehicle without fumbling around with your keys. Many models unlock doors, trunks, and hatchbacks with pressing the button. A broken key fob is not as difficult to fix as it might seem. You can take your vehicle to an repair shop or a dealership for assistance. But did you know that you can fix your fob on your own?
The first thing you'll need is a brand new, fresh CR2032 battery. You can buy them in a multipack from most hardware stores. Then you can use an flathead screwdriver or watch to open the fob case. After you've widened the first gap then you can employ your pry tool to open the case. Be gentle; you don't want to break the fob's case or the circuit board that is inside.
Insert the new battery under the tabs indicated by yellow arrows in this image. Make sure to insert the battery past the two smaller tabs indicated by the green Arrows. Close your key fob after you have installed the new battery and test it. If the key fob still isn't working, you might need to contact a professional for a more detailed troubleshooting.
In rare instances replacement of a battery in the keyfob could result in a malfunctioning device. In this instance, there's probably something wrong with the device or vehicle. It's a good idea keep an extra key fob in hand so you can be prepared if the battery of your original fails or a different issue occurs.
In addition to battery replacement, you can also ask an expert to examine and make other repairs to your key fob. They can inspect for damaged buttons, contacts, and other parts. They can also carry out the reprogramming process or synchronization when your vehicle is experiencing trouble communicating with your key fob.
Damaged Key Fob Battery
The majority of key fobs utilize small batteries to power their internal components, including buttons that activate the chip and antenna to emit radio frequencies. The battery also powers plastic casings that protect these components. If the battery dies, your key fob will not function. The solution is easy and cost-effective: replace the battery. Many manufacturers have directions in their user's manuals on how to change the battery on the key fob. It may be a bit difficult, but it is easy to complete and you'll likely save money by doing it yourself rather than taking the fob to a dealership or auto shop.
If your key fob is not working after replacing the battery, it could be experiencing another issue. Examine the key fob to see if there are any physical damage, like cracks or dent. You can also inspect the circuit board by opening the case. If you feel comfortable, you can make use of a cotton ball that has been coated with alcohol to clean the contact points on the circuit board of the key fob. This will remove corrosion without causing damage to the fob.
Key fobs must also be programmed to connect to the vehicle's receiver. This is done to ensure that only people with keys for the same vehicle are able to unlock the car, and to prevent other key fobs from trying to access vehicles they were not designed for. If you've recently had your keyfob repaired or replaced, or if it's been unoccupied for a long time the transmitter and receiver could have become disconnected.
You can test this using a spare remote control that you own. This will tell you whether the issue is related to the key fob or the electrical system of your vehicle. A mechanic can help fix the problem by reconnecting any wires that are disconnected. Try connecting More Help with another receiver and see if this fixes the issue. If you're not able to do this, you may have to bring your key fob into an auto dealer or repair shop for more thorough repairs.
Damaged Key Fob Transmitter
When your car key fob fails to function, it can be a major inconvenience. The majority of car key fobs can be easily repaired by following a few simple instructions. First, look over the fob for physical damage and make sure it's not simply dead. If a replacement battery doesn't solve the issue it could be a more serious issue.
It's not surprising that key fobs for cars wear out with time. They're made of a variety of moving parts. A damaged fob transmitter can stop your vehicle from starting or from unlocking the doors. Furthermore a damaged transmitter may affect the radio signals sent between your key fob and the receiver inside the vehicle. If you suspect that your key fob's transmitter has been damaged, bring it to a local mechanic for an inspection and repair.
Batteries are usually the reason of a key fob not working. Key fob batteries typically last between three and five years, so it's a good idea to purchase fresh batteries on a regular basis.
Replacing a key fob's battery is a simple task that anyone can complete at home. All you need is a screwdriver with a flat head to open the case, then you can replace the battery with a new one. Most key fobs are powered by 3V button cell batteries that are sold at most auto parts stores.
Another reason that your key fob may not be responding is because it has an ineffective receiver. This could be a frustrating issue, because it usually happens when you're driving. If you find that your key fob doesn't receive any signal from the vehicle, try putting it inside the driver's door lock.
A damaged receiver can also cause your key fob to behave in a strange manner, for example, switching off or locking the vehicle whenever you press one of its buttons. If you have an extra key fob, you can try using it to see if it will respond to the vehicle's commands. If you don't have a spare key fob, call your dealer for service. In certain cases, a new-car dealership may be able to provide an alternative for free when your current fob is covered by warranty.
Key fob receiver damaged
Key fobs are great convenience tools that let us lock and unlock our vehicles, they are susceptible to a range of issues. If your remote key fob for your vehicle isn't working correctly it's possible to contact a locksmith or an auto dealer. Fortunately, many common issues with keys are easily resolved without having to pay for an expensive replacement. Here are five of the most commonly-cited reasons why your key fob may not be working:
Key Fob Needs Re-Programming
In time the transmitter and receiver of a key fob for your car can become out-of-sync. To resolve this problem, you will need to re-sync the key fob with its receiver by following the instructions for reprogramming your car. You can find these instructions in the owner's manual, or ask your dealer in person for assistance.
If reprogramming the keyfob does not solve the issue, there might be damage or interference with your keyfob or receiver. Fortunately, this is usually easy to fix by opening your key fob to get a closer view of the inside. Look for signs of damage like cracks in the circuit board, tiny electronic components that aren't attached to the circuit board, or bent or oxidized battery contacts. If you find any of these, you can repair your key fob by replacing the damaged parts.
If you have to repair or replace your key fob, the ideal solution depends on the cause of the issue and how much you value convenience and price. If your key fob is damaged or has been dropped, it could be more cost-effective to replace it by a professional. In any event, take good care of your keyfob to ensure it continues to function smoothly for a long time. By regularly cleaning it and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or electromagnetic fields, you can ensure it will last for as long as is possible. Additionally, by selecting an expert with a lot of experience working with your particular car's model and make, you can rest assured that your key fob will always perform exactly as you intended it to.