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, the majority of fob problems aren't major or difficult and can be fixed at home or with an auto locksmith near you.
The first step is to check the fob's keypad for physical damage and a dead battery. Then, you can try resetting the fob by following the instructions from your owner's manual.
Dead Key Fob Battery
A key fob lets you to unlock and even start your vehicle without having to fiddle using your keys. Many models unlock doors, trunks, and hatchbacks with pressing a button. A lost key fob is not as difficult to fix as it might seem. The majority of car owners know they can go to a dealership or repair shop for help, but did you realize that you could also attempt to fix your own key fob at home?
You'll first need a brand new CR2032. You can buy them in a multipack at many hardware stores. Then make use of a watch or flathead screwdriver to pry the case of the fob. There's usually an opening or slot to begin and after you've created the first gap, you'll be able to wedge your pry tool like you would peel an orange or apple to open the case more. Be gentle since you don't want to damage the fob, or its circuit board.
The new battery should be placed under the tabs marked with yellow arrows on this image. Make sure that it is between the two smaller tabs indicated by the green arrows. Close your key fob after installing the new battery, and then test it. If it still doesn't work it could be the right time to contact an expert for more detailed troubleshooting.
In rare instances replacing the battery on a key fob can still leave you with a nonfunctional device. If this happens, it's likely that something else is wrong with your fob or the vehicle itself. It's a good idea to keep an extra key fob in the shelf so that you are ready if the original battery fails or a different issue occurs.
You can also ask a professional to perform other key fob repair procedures. They can look for damaged buttons as well as contacts and other parts. They can also do the reprogramming or synchronization process if your vehicle is having difficulties communicating with your keyfob.
Damaged Key Fob Battery
The majority of key fobs are powered by a small battery, which powers their internal components. This includes the buttons that activate the antenna and chip for releasing the radio frequency. The battery also powers the plastic casings to protect these components. If the battery fails and your key fob stops working, it will not function. The solution is simple and affordable to replace it. A lot of manufacturers provide instructions in their owner's manuals on how to replace the battery of the key fob. The procedure isn't easy, but it is not difficult to accomplish and you'll probably save money by doing it yourself, rather than taking the fob to the auto shop or dealership.
There could be a second issue if your key fob still does not work after replacing the batteries. Examine the key fob for indications of physical damage, like cracks or scratches. You can also check the circuit board by opening the case. If you're at ease, 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 eliminate corrosion without causing any damage to the fob.
Key fobs must also be programmed to connect to the receiver of the vehicle. This is done to ensure that only those with the keys to the same vehicle can unlock the vehicle and to prevent key fobs that are not meant for that vehicle from opening it. If you've recently had your key fob repaired or replaced or if it's been unoccupied for a while the transmitter and receiver could have become disconnected.
An effective method to test this is using an extra key fob you have. This will tell you if the issue is with the keyfob, or the electrical system of the vehicle. A mechanic can help you resolve the issue by reconnecting any wires that have been disconnected. Alternatively, you can try to connect the key fob to a different receiver in your vehicle and see if that resolves the problem. If you're unable to accomplish this, you may need to bring your key fob into a car dealer or auto repair shop for more in-depth repairs.
Key Fob Transmitter Damaged
If your car's 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 steps. First, look over the fob for physical damage and make sure it's just dead. A new battery could be all you need, but if it doesn't solve the issue, it may be a bigger issue with the fob's transmitter.
It's not a surprise that car key fobs wear down with time. They're made of a variety of moving parts. A damaged transmitter could stop you from starting your car or unlocking the doors. A damaged transmitter may also interfere with radio signals transmitted from your key fob to the receiver inside the car. Bring your key fob to a professional to be repaired and inspected when you suspect that the transmitter is damaged.
Batteries are often the cause of a key fob not working. Key fob batteries generally last between three and five years, so it's recommended to buy new ones on a regular basis.
Most people can replace the battery on the key fob at home. All you require is a flat-head screwdriver to open the case, and then replace the battery with a new one. Most key fobs use 3V button cell batteries, which are available at most auto parts stores.
car keys repairs could be the reason behind your key fob not responding. This could be a frustrating problem because it is most likely to occur when you're driving. If you notice that your key fob isn't receiving an alert from your vehicle, try putting it in the door of the driver's lock.
A damaged receiver may cause your key fob to behave uncontrollably, such as switching off or locking the vehicle whenever you press one of its buttons. If you have an extra key fob, try using it to see if it is able to respond to the vehicle's commands. Contact your dealer if don't have a spare keyfob. If your current key fob is in warranty, a few new-car dealers might be able to provide a replacement at no cost.
Key fob receiver damaged
Key fobs can be prone to a number of problems. They are useful tools that allow us to lock and unlock our cars. If your car's remote key fob isn't working properly it's time to call a locksmith or your auto dealer for help. Most common problems with key fobs can be fixed without the need 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
Over time, a car's key fob transmitter and receiver could get out of sync with one other. To resolve this issue, you'll need to sync the key fob to its receiver by following the reprogramming instructions for your vehicle. You can find these instructions in your owner's guide or contact your dealer in person for assistance.
If reprogramming your keyfob does not solve the issue, there may be damage or a problem with your receiver or keyfob. Luckily, this is often easy to repair by opening your key fob to get a closer inspection of the inside. Find indications of damage, such as cracks in the circuit board, tiny electronic components that aren't completely attached to the circuit board, or bent or oxidized battery contacts. You can repair the key fob if you find any of the above.
The best option for you depends on your budget and convenience. If your key fob is damaged or has been dropped, it might be more economical to replace it by a professional. In any event, take good care of your key fob so that it can perform smoothly for a long time. You can extend its life by cleaning it regularly and avoid extreme temperatures or electromagnetic fields. Additionally, by selecting a professional with plenty of experience working with your particular vehicle's make and model you can be sure that your key fob will always work exactly as intended.