How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Key fobs can be damaged, even if we use them often. In fact, they are able to be destroyed in a variety of ways.
Other issues can be more serious than a dead battery. Luckily, most of these can be fixed by a simple DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the main reason for the key fob not functioning. Fob batteries tend to drain quickly, especially when they are exposed or humid temperatures or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.
You can usually tell that the battery of your car key fob is depleted because the LED light will cease to glow. It's also possible that the fob won't work at the same distance it did in the past. In this instance it might be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it completely.
It is simple to replace a car keyfob battery. Find out the type of battery used. The type of battery you are using should be stamped on the back of your key fob. Google can help you when you're not sure. Once you've found the type of battery, open the key fob at the junction. You'll need an small screwdriver with a flat head or your fingernail to pry the two halves apart. Then, take out the battery that was removed and replace it with a new one in its place. Make sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing upwards towards the buttons in the fob.
Some drivers don't even realize that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their car, and the buttons don't work anymore. In some instances this problem can be resolved by reprogramming the fob, however, it can be costly and time-consuming. You can also call roadside assistance to find out whether they can jumpstart your car and get it back on the road.
If you've tried all the options but your vehicle doesn't turn on, it's time to contact a professional. A qualified technician can determine the computer in your car needs changing its programming, or if the fob simply needs replacement batteries. They may also recommend an auto shop that will replace your key fob. In the end, sometimes a brand new fob is the best solution.
Circuit Board Damage
The key fob isn't impervious to destruction, but it can withstand a lot of physical harm. The circuit board, battery and buttons are all subject to wear and wear and tear. It is crucial to take care of these parts to ensure your key fob remains in good working order.
Make sure that the battery still functioning on your key fob. If it is, replace the battery and see if that fixes your problem. If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. It is sometimes difficult to open some key fobs due to the fact that they do not have an easy-release mechanism. You can cause damage to your fob by trying take it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, however it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging it.
why not check here damaged or defective key fob circuit board is a common problem. This can be due to a number of things, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment, software issues or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob has stopped working completely, you should consider having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this type of work.
Radio interference is another possibility. This could happen if there are other wireless devices transmitting on the same frequency as your key fob, for instance radar detectors, home security systems. If this is the situation you need to contact the manufacturer of the other device to make sure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key fob has a bad switch or other electrical component that needs to be replaced. This is a harder fix, but you can find online guides that will show you how to fix it yourself. Be cautious when doing this, however, because the circuit board that is inside your key fob is small and could easily break if handled with care. If you do this yourself, make sure to use a high quality SMT switch and solder it into place properly.
Worn Out Buttons
Car key fobs are subject to a lot wear and tear. They are susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot time being tossed around in your purse or pocket. This jostling can sometimes cause the buttons to wear down or become stuck. In this case an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to restore the button's functionality.
Modern key fobs are fitted with sensors that detect when they've been pressed. They're designed to do this because they can help lower the risk of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when pushed this is a sign that they're worn out and need to be replaced.
The circuit board in the key fob also transmits signals to your car. Those signals include commands to unlock and lock and commands to start your engine. If the circuit board within your vehicle is damaged, then your key fob may not unlock or start your engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force or a scratch on the circuit board.
You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing out if you find yourself pressing the buttons more than usual in order to get them working. Your fob might also stop sending an alert to your vehicle or have a shorter range.
Contact a locksmith right away if you are not able to use the key fob to access your car. They can tell if the key fob is damaged or if the cylinder of your ignition is worn out.
Fortunately, most car key fob issues aren't a major or difficult issue. Keep a spare key fob in your car at all times to avoid being thrown off by a malfunctioning device. This will ensure that you're not left stranded somewhere due to the loss or malfunction of your key. If you lose your spare key a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your car's engine. They can also fix any internal damage to the key fob.
Broken Case
The case of the key fob is more than protect the batteries and buttons. It also houses the circuit board responsible for performing all the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. The circuit board receives the signal from your key fob and transmits it to your car.
Your key fob won't work if this board is damaged. A dead key fob may only need to be reprogrammed by a local auto locksmith or dealership.
Batteries may be the cause the key fob's not working. The battery can be replaced at home. The good thing is that you can find a replacement battery on the internet or at your local auto parts shop since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open up a key fob and get inside it, based on the kind. You can find out what kind of battery your key fob uses by conducting a quick internet search. You can then purchase a new one, take the old one out and put the new one into.
If you are repairing a damaged key fob, the main concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons in any way. If you attempt to remove the key fob using an edge that is sharp like a screwdriver can cause damage to the case or scratch the plastic. Luckily, a replacement case is inexpensive and you can buy an entire fob with the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob won't work, you should check if you have damaged the circuit board or batteries. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and easily by a professional. If not, it could be time to consider a replacement. Make sure you check for a warranty on any used or replacement fobs that you purchase online.