How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Even though we use them many a times, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. They can break down in different ways.
Other issues can be more serious than the battery being dead. Luckily, most of them can be resolved with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is likely the most common reason the car key fob stops working. Fob batteries tend to drain quickly, particularly if they are exposed to hot or humid temperatures, or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.
You can usually tell the moment the battery of your car key fob is depleted because the LED light will cease to blink. The key fob could also stop working at the same distance that it used to. In this instance it could be necessary to re-program your key fob or even replace it entirely.
It is easy to replace the battery in a car keyfob. First, you need to determine the kind of battery is being used. The type of battery you are using should be engraved on the side of your key fob. Google can help if you're not sure. Unlock the key fob along the seam after you've identified the type of battery. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to separate the two halves. Then, remove the old battery and insert the new one in its place. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers may not be aware their fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their car and the buttons don't respond. This can be fixed by reprogramming the fob. However it could be time-consuming and expensive. You can also contact roadside assistance to see whether they can restart your car and get it back on the road.
If you've tried all the options but your vehicle doesn't start, it's the right time to contact a professional. A certified technician can determine if your vehicle's computer system requires reprogramming or the fob simply requires an upgrade in battery. They can also recommend an auto repair shop that can replace the key fob. Sometimes, however, a new fob might be the best option.
Circuit Board Damage
A key fob can take some physical abuse and is not indestructible. The circuit board, battery and buttons are all susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is important to take care of these components to ensure that your key fob is in good working order.
The easiest thing to check is to make sure the battery in the key fob isn't dying. If it is, replace the battery and check if it fixes your issue. If this does not work, you may need to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open certain key fobs since they don't have an easy-release mechanism. You can harm the fob by trying to take it apart. You can buy a tool to open your key fob. But, you must adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer to avoid damaging the.
A damaged or damaged key fob circuit board is a frequent issue. It can be caused by many things like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software, hardware issues or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob isn't working, you may think about getting it changed. This can be done by a locksmith that specializes in this kind of work.
Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency your key fob, for instance a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the situation, you should contact the other device manufacturer to make sure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.
There may be a need to replace a switch or an electrical component in your key fob. This is a difficult fix, but you can find guides online that explain how to do it yourself. Be cautious when doing this, however, because the circuit board that is inside your key fob is very small and could easily break if handled with care. If you're doing it yourself, make sure to make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and then solder the switch into the correct position.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are prone to being dropped, and they often are frequently moving around in your pocket or purse. The constant jostling can cause the buttons to wear down or get stuck. When this happens an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to restore the button's functionality.
Most modern key fobs have sensors on them that can detect if they've been pressed. This is due to the fact that they decrease the chances of someone stealing your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when you press them, they're worn out and need to be replaced.
Key fobs also have a circuit board inside them which transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock and also commands to start your engine. If the circuit board within your vehicle is damaged, your key fob will not unlock or start your engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force or something that scratches the circuit board.
If you're forced to press the buttons more than usual to activate them the key fob buttons are becoming worn out. In addition your fob could cease transmitting signals to the car or have less range than it did prior to.
Contact a locksmith immediately if you are not able to use your key fob for your vehicle. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or your ignition cylinder is worn out.
Luckily, most key fob issues in cars aren't a major or difficult issue. The best way to avoid getting caught off guard by an unresponsive key fob is to have an extra key in your possession at all times. You won't be left stranded due to an unresponsive or lost key. If you lose your spare key an expert locksmith can rekey it to work with your car's engine. They'll also be able to repair any internal damage that has occurred to the key fob.
Broken Case
The case for your key fob does more than just protect the battery and buttons. key car repair houses the circuit board responsible for doing all of the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. This board transmits the signal from your key fob to your car.
Your key fob won't work if the board is damaged. A key fob that is dead may require reprogramming by a local auto locksmith or dealership.
Batteries could be the reason the key fob's not working. The battery can be replaced at your home. You can purchase an alternative battery at the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries aren't only for key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open a key fob to get inside it, depending on the type. You can determine what kind of battery your key fob uses by conducting a quick online search. From there, you can buy the replacement and simply 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 a screwdriver or other hard edge, it can crack the plastic or damage the case. Luckily, a replacement case is cheap and you can buy the entire fob and the electronic components from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob won't work, you should check if you've damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If that's not the case, a professional will fix it quickly and inexpensively. If not, it could be time to consider an upgrade. Be sure to check the warranty on any replacement or used fobs that you purchase online.