Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be tempted, when your remote key fob doesn't working, to bring it to a dealer to get it changed. Try a few quick fixes at your home.
Start by replacing a battery. Hardware stores carry flat watch-style batteries that are affordable and easy to locate. Look over the key fob to find buttons that are damaged or aren't in the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob is a tiny electronic device that makes it easy to lock or unlock your car. It uses a short-range radio transmitter to transmit distinct codes to the receiver inside your vehicle. Key fob batteries usually last a long time, but they can end up dying at any time. Look for the LED light or try pressing one of the buttons to determine whether the battery is dead. If the key fob does not respond, the battery has died and must be replaced.
Changing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's usually just a matter of opening the fob, pulling out the old battery, then inserting a new one. Fobs have tiny batteries, similar to those used in hearing aids or watches, that are available in general stores and home improvement stores. They're usually shaped like small coins with plus and minus symbol on the bottom. If you're not sure of the kind of battery your key fob is using, check the owner's manual or look at the key fob itself for a label.
Your key fob should now function normally. If it doesn't work it could be due to an issue with your vehicle, or its system, that is making it not work correctly. If this is the case, you'll need to get roadside assistance to help with the issue.
You may be able order replacement keys through a dealer or online, based on the make and models of your vehicle. It is often cheaper and less expensive to purchase an entirely new key fob rather than to fix a damaged one.
Buttons are not responding
If you have been driving around for a while and notice that the buttons on your keys aren't working it could be an issue with worn button sensors. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs can wear out with time. This can cause them to function correctly when you press them in a certain manner or with extreme pressure. remote key fob repair is a common issue for many fobs and is easily fixed with some simple DIY steps.
The fob sends an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged it may stop receiving the signal, and the key won't operate to unlock or start your vehicle. This can be fixed by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to check for damage. In many instances, this will be cost-free or at a minimal cost depending on the make of your car.
It is not surprising that key fobs are often utilized and tossed around in pockets and purses. They can become finicky and only function when they are pressed in a particular manner. This is a simple fix for the majority of fobs, as the buttons can be strengthened and fixed very quickly with a little silicone and a little effort.
Press and hold the lock or unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the vehicle sound chime. This should be done several times to activate the button. Next, you will need to turn your key in and out of the ignition in your car several times more to reset the connection between the fob and your car. Once the connection is restored, you can release the key and you should be able to unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the process as necessary to make sure your fob is working again. If you're unable to repair the fob following this process, it may need to be replaced completely. If you decide to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle make and model.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the plastic loop of the key fob breaks, it will no longer function to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop is easily replaced.
Key fobs may also fail due to moisture and water damage. Signs of this include a diminished range of operation, or no functionality at any time. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can fix the issue however, sometimes an expert repair or replacement is required.
Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It may be necessary to replace the key fob's button or case however reprogramming is often able to solve this issue. Sometimes signal interference from nearby electronic devices could cause interference between the key fob and the vehicle which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. This could necessitate a diagnostic test at the auto dealership to identify and resolve. This is often the case with older electric key fobs that use infrared signals and require clear line-of-sight to work however, the majority of modern microchip keys use radio frequency challenge-response authentication to communicate 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. This issue is usually fixed by replacing the battery however it could also be necessary to re-program the remote.
The key fobs in modern vehicles can perform a range of functions. They can lower or raise windows, trigger alarms, turn on the interior lights, and even start some cars. It is common for owners of vehicles to make a mistake and use the wrong buttons. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual nearby when you are using your key fob, so that you can refer to the specific sections that address the different features of your vehicle.
A fob may stop working because the remote signal is damaged or lost. Some of the more modern key fobs use sophisticated signal encryption technologies to prevent thieves from intercepting the signals and generating remotes or key fobs that are not authorized that allow you to unlock your car. You'll probably have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer in order to re-program your fob and restore its function.
Some automakers provide their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs yourself. In most cases, these processes are simple enough to be done at home. This process is not recommended for those who do not have extensive experience in electronics. It is best to leave this sort of work to professionals.
Key fobs are subject to lots of wear and tear, particularly when they are often used and handled. The buttons on a key fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case itself may break or crack. It is essential to keep a spare key fob with you at all times because it will save you time and stress if your remote stops working while you're out and wandering around. It is a good idea to keep it near your bed during the night because it will permit you to hit the panic button if you hear noises in the house during the night.