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How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Although we use them many a times, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. In fact, they can break down in a variety of ways.
Other issues can be more important than the battery being dead. Luckily, most of these issues can be solved with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common reason why a car key fob stops working. Fob batteries can be drained quickly, particularly if they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity or water. It's a good idea keep an extra fob battery in your wallet in case.
It is easy to tell that your car key fob's battery is running low because the LED light will cease to blink. The key fob could also stop working at the same distance it was previously working to. In this case the key fob might need to be reprogrammed or replaced entirely.
Fortunately the replacement of a car key fob battery is simple. First, you need to determine the kind of battery is being used. The type should be embossed on the back of the fob. If you are not sure, an easy Google search will be helpful. The key fob can be opened along the seam once you've identified the type of battery. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail, to break the two halves. Remove the old battery, and replace it with a new one. Make sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up toward the buttons in the fob.
Some drivers might not be aware that the fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons aren't responding. In some cases this issue can be resolved by reprogramming the fob, but that can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to call roadside assistance and ask them to jump your car and get you back on the road.
If you have tried all three of these methods and your car still won't start then it's time for a professional. A certified technician will be able to determine whether your car's computer system needs reprogramming or the fob simply requires an upgrade in battery. They can also recommend an auto shop to replace the fob that you use to access your car remote key repair. In the end sometimes, a brand new fob is the most effective solution.
Circuit Board Damage
Key fobs aren't indestructible, but it is able to withstand a lot of physical harm. The battery, circuit board buttons, and other components all suffer their fair share of wear and tear over the course of time, so it's important to be aware and take care of them to ensure that your car key fob working well.
The easiest thing to check is to make sure the battery in the key fob isn't dying. Replace the battery to see if it fixes your issue. If this doesn't work, you may need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open some key fobs since they don't have an easy-release mechanism. You may cause damage to the fob by trying to force it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, however you should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.
Another common problem is a damaged or damaged circuit board on the key fob. It can be caused by various factors, including dirt or moisture entering the battery compartment. Software issues or an unintentional firmware update may be the cause of this. If your key fob has stopped functioning completely, you should consider having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this kind of work.
Radio interference is another possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices operating at the same frequency as your key fob, for instance radar detectors, home security systems. If this is the situation, you should contact the manufacturer of the other device to make sure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.
You may also need to replace a switch or other electrical component of your key fob. This is a difficult fix however, you can find guides online that show you how to do it yourself. It's important to be careful when you do this it is important to be careful, since the circuit boards in your key fob are tiny and easily break in the event of rough handling. If you do this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and solder it to the correct place.
Worn Out Buttons
Car key fobs are prone to a lot of wear and tear. They're prone to being dropped and often are frequently jostled around in your purse or pocket. The constant jostling can cause the buttons to wear out or become stuck. When this happens it's possible that a simple adjustment will be all that's needed to make it work again.
Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can detect if they've been pressed. They're made to do this to decrease the chance of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't work when pressed, they are worn out and need to be replaced.
Key fobs also have a circuit board inside them that transmits signals to the car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well commands to start your engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged then your key fob might not allow you to unlock your car or start the engine. This type of damage is typically caused by water or blunt force.
If you have to press the buttons harder than normal to get them to function, then your key fob buttons are wearing out. Additionally your fob could stop sending a signal to the car or it'll have less range than before.
If you're unable to get your key fob to unlock or start your car, it's important to call a locksmith in your area immediately. They can determine if your key fob is damaged or if the cylinder of your ignition is worn out.
Fortunately, most car key fob issues aren't serious or complicated. Keep a spare key fob in your car always in case you end up being shocked by a malfunctioning key. This will ensure that you're never left stranded somewhere due to a lost or malfunctioning key. If you do lose your spare car keys repairs key, a locksmith will be able to reset it to work with your car's ignition. They'll also be able fix any internal damage that has occurred on your key fob.
Broken Case
The case for your key fob provides more than just protection for the battery and buttons. The case also houses the circuitry that executes all the electrical magic whenever you press the key fob button. This board receives the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to your car key repair cost.
Your key fob will not work if this board is damaged. Sometimes, a key fob that is dead can be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can assist you with.
Another reason why your key fob might not be working is that the batteries are dead. This is a simple fix that you can do at home by replacing the battery. You can purchase the replacement battery from the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries aren't just for key fobs.
Depending on the kind of key fob you have, there are various ways to open it and access the insides. A quick search on the internet will show you which type of key fob yours is and what kind of battery it requires. You can then purchase an alternative and take the old one out and then insert the new one into.
The main concern when you repair an old car key fob is that you don't want to harm the circuit board or buttons any further. If you attempt to remove the fob using a hard edge like screwdrivers can damage the case or even scratch the plastic. Luckily, a replacement case is cheap and you can purchase a whole fob assembly with the electronic components from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
So, if your key fob isn't working look into whether the batteries are dead or whether the circuit board is damaged. If that's not the situation, a professional could repair it for you quickly and cheaply. Otherwise, it might be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check the warranty on any fob replacement or used that you purchase online.