See What Key Fob Repair Tricks The Celebs Are Utilizing
Car Key Fob Repair Service
While a car key fob may seem a bit of an incidental item, if it stops working properly you could find yourself in a tricky spot. It's costly to replace it, but in some cases it's the most effective solution.
But before you head to the dealer to have one reprogramed There are other places that will save you money.
Dead Battery
One of the most frequent problems with key fobs is batteries that are dead. It can make people feel a bit uneasy and is most likely to happen when you leave for work or heading out to a social gathering. Even if you have a backup plan in place for fob emergencies, like an extra key or phone number for assistance on the road it is likely that you will need to get the fob fixed or replaced. It's a good idea to know that most battery issues for car keys are easily fixable with the right knowledge.
A majority of modern vehicles have a backup system in place that accounts for the possibility of fob batteries going out of service. Usually, if you hold the dead fob up to the ignition button, you'll be able to start the car. If you own a vehicle that uses push-to-start, this will also unlock your doors. The owner's guide for your vehicle will include specific information on where to place the fob that will start it.
Other causes for a key fob not responding to button presses or turning on could be a button which isn't pressed all the way or a battery that isn't fully charged or a remote which requires programming. In some cases, cleaning your key fob may be enough to make it work again. Since key fob buttons are pressed repeatedly, dirt can build up and stop them from being fully pressed.
A quick method to clean your key fob in a pinch can be to make use of the end of a paper clip. This can be used to safely open the case and remove your old battery. You should also consider keeping an additional battery in your bag along with any tool you'll need to open up the case for your key fob. This way, you can be ready for a problem with your key fob so that it won't disrupt your day and result in having need to call for roadside assistance. Alternately, you can keep an extra key in your purse so that you don't get caught off guard by a key fob issue.
Button Issues
When they are pressed, the buttons on a remote control send signals to its circuit board. If these buttons wear out, signals may not be sent and your fob will stop functioning. This can happen over time or be caused by an issue with your car or fob. If the button is worn out, a professional can replace or repair it.
Key fobs often get lots of abuse. Every day, they are damaged, thrown around and exposed to cold and heat. They're also extremely fragile and can easily be broken. The inside of the fob is filled with components like a circuit board and battery contacts, which can be damaged if they are subjected to enough abuse.
Change the battery inside your key fob will usually be enough to fix most problems however certain issues are more complex than that. You can test the battery using a screwdriver to open the case of the fob and determine whether it's required to be cleaned or replaced. The most common batteries used in key fobs are 3V button cell batteries, which can be purchased in nearly any store.
Even a tiny amount of water can damage the fob. This could be a problem when you accidentally wash your key fob or go swimming with it in your pocket. This can damage the chip and stop the key fob from functioning.
If you're experiencing a button issue, your best option is to contact a professional locksmith. They will be able to fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also address other electrical issues, such as the broken light or Horn that isn't working.
It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and tools for your vehicle. Cars can be expensive. If you don't, the vehicle won't function as it should and it will be much difficult to get to where you need to be. It's also a big safety issue to have faulty equipment and technology because it could cause more serious mechanical problems later on.
Broken Battery Terminals
If your fob doesn't work when you attempt to start your car key remote repair it could be because the battery terminals are damaged. The fob needs to be capable of communicating with the vehicle's central system in order to unlock it and start it. The communication happens through a small radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent to the car key's internal circuit (if there is one), which in turn unlocks the doors and starts the engine. The fob can transmit the signal as far as 50 feet away. However, when the terminals on the battery are damaged, the transmission might not work.
Luckily, these are easy solutions. The process of replacing the battery is usually as easy as removing the old battery, figuring out which type of replacement batteries are needed and then going to an auto parts store or online retailer to purchase the correct batteries. It can be a challenge to open key fobs to get to the batteries. Be careful not to break any item.
The next step is to try the key fob a second time. If it's still not working, it is possible that the metal key itself inside the fob has been damaged or that the key has been reprogrammed. Modern keys are programmed to work with specific automobiles, and certain errors in the code can corrupt the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogramme the key for the vehicle.
Another possibility is that the fob itself is damaged, particularly when it was dropped or left in the rain. It is also possible that the key fob was exposed to extreme heat or other issues that caused the circuit board to fail. This could happen when you have work done to your vehicle and accidentally exposed wires. This could cause other issues, such as a damaged key fob or a damaged horn. Make sure you check your key fob, and replace or repair it if required. Not having a working key can be stressful and potentially dangerous.
Other Problems
Car key fobs can be a great convenience, but they may also cause problems that require professional assistance. Fortunately, the majority of issues that can plague keys for cars are relatively easy and cheap to repair. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues and solutions for them:
A dead battery
The majority of basic remotes last for a long period before needing replacement batteries, however the life span of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries typically need to be replaced every three or four years, and can easily stop working when they're too old. Luckily it is a simple issue to fix - just buy a new replacement battery and put it in.
Damaged receiver
The transmitter in your key fob needs to receive a signal from the receiver in your vehicle to allow it to open and start it. If the receiver is damaged, the signals will be unable to pass through and remain inaccessible. This is a simple issue to diagnose however it may be necessary to replace the whole receiver if it's too damaged.
Not programmed
Some modern cars require a specific chip in the key fob in order to start. This chip communicates with the car via a unique code that only the manufacturer knows. In the majority of instances, a replacement key fob needs to be programmed by the dealer. You can find replacement fobs that work with a variety of vehicles.
Not working
If you have tried replacing the battery and buttons, but your car key fob still isn't working it could be due to an electrical issue or some other kind of problem that requires professional fix. A locksmith professional will be able to check for this kind of issue and get your key fob back to working order quickly. This service is usually cheaper than going to a dealer. The cost of a new fob depends on the model of your vehicle and the locksmith you choose to use locally. You can get a good idea of the costs by speaking with a few local companies before making a booking.