Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You might be enticed, if your remote key fob isn't working, to take it to a dealership to have it changed. Try a few quick fixes at your home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat-watch-style batteries are affordable and easy to find at hardware stores. Look over the key fob to find buttons that are damaged or are not in the right the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob is a small electronic device that makes it easy to lock or unlock your vehicle. It uses a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver within your car. The batteries inside key fobs last for a long amount of time, but they can die at any moment. You can tell if the battery has died by checking the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and has to be replaced.
It is quick and easy to replace the battery on your key fob. It's usually an issue of opening the fob, pulling out the old battery before putting in the new one. The batteries for fobs are small, like those found in hearing aids or watches. They can be found in home improvement stores and general stores. They're typically shaped like tiny coins with a plus and minus symbol on the bottom. Refer to the owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't sure which batteries your fob uses.
The fob you have been using for your key should function normal. If car key fob repair doesn't work it could be because of another issue with your car or its system which is the reason it isn't functioning properly. If this is the situation, you'll need to contact roadside assistance to assist you with the issue.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may also be able to order replacement fobs for your keys through the internet or from a dealership. It's typically cheaper and easier to buy a new key fob instead of to repair a broken one.
Buttons are not responding
If you've been driving around for a while, and you notice that the buttons on your keys are not functioning it could be an issue with worn out button sensors. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs wear out over time. This may cause them to work correctly if you press them in a certain manner or under extreme pressure. This is a common issue with many fobs, and can be easily solved by following a few DIY steps.
To unlock the car, the fob sends a signal to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged it might not receive the signal, and the key won't be able to open or start your vehicle. This can be fixed by having a mechanic examine the receiver to look for damage. In many cases, this is cost-free or at a minimal cost according to the make of the car you own.
It's not surprising that key fobs are often used and are often tossed into pockets and purses. They can be finicky and only function when pressed in a certain way. This is a simple fix for most fobs as the buttons can be reinforced and repaired quickly with a little silicone and a bit of effort.
To get the buttons working again, press and hold the locks and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a chime in your vehicle. You will need to do this multiple times to trigger the button activate. Then, you'll need to turn your key in and out of the car's ignition several times more in order to reset the connection between the fob and the car. Once the connection has been restored, you are able to remove the ignition key and then unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the process until the fob is working properly. If you are unable to repair the fob by this method, it could be necessary to replace it. If you decide to replace it, be sure that the new key is programmed to work with your car make and model.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's keychain loop gets damaged, it can separate from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop is easily replaced.
Moisture and water damage might also cause key fobs to malfunction with symptoms that include a reduced range of operation or even no function at any time. The issue can be fixed by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in some cases professional repair or replacement may be required.
Key fob buttons can become worn out over time, leading to less functionality or a lack of responsiveness. It could be necessary to replace the key fob button or the case, but reprogramming can often solve this issue. Signal interference from nearby electronic devices may affect the connection between the key fob and the vehicle, causing problems in unlocking or locking. This might necessitate a diagnostic test at the dealership to determine the cause and resolve. This is often the case with older electronic key fobs, which operate on infrared signals. They require a clear line of sight to function, but most modern microchip keys use the challenge-response method of authentication using radio frequency to connect with your vehicle.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
Over time, key fob batteries lose their charge. If the battery has lost all of its power, the remote won't respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to fix this problem, but you may also need to get the remote reprogrammed.
Key fobs used in modern cars can be used to control a variety of functions. They can lower or raise the windows, activate alarms, turn on interior lights, and even start some cars. It is easy for car owners to accidentally press the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's guide close at hand when you use your keyfob to easily reference the sections that pertain to your car's features.
A fob could malfunction due to the remote's signal being corrupted or has been lost. Some of the latest key fobs use sophisticated technology for encryption of signals to stop thieves from stealing signals and creating unauthorised key fobs or remotes that can unlock a car. To reprogram the fob you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer.
Some automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs. These processes are typically simple enough to be done at home. However, the process is generally not a good option for people who have no prior electronic experience. This kind of work is best left to experts.
Key fobs undergo plenty of wear and tear, particularly when they are often used and handled. The buttons of a key fob may be jostled and the case may crack or break. Keep a spare fob with your person at all times. This will help you save time should your remote break down while you're out and about. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so that you can press the panic button in case you hear noises during the night.