Key Fob Repair Service - 5 Common Reasons Your Key Fob Won't Work
Having your key fob break down is a frustrating situation. Fortunately, the majority of fob problems aren't major or difficult and can be resolved at home or by an auto locksmith close to you.
The first step is to check the fob for physical damage as well as an unresponsive battery. You can then reset the fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual.
Dead Key Fob Battery
With a key fob you can start and unlock your vehicle without having to fumble around with your keys. Some models can even unlock hatchbacks, doors and trunks with the push of a button. A dead key fob isn't as difficult to fix as it might appear. Most car owners know that they can go to a dealership or repair shop to get help but did you know that you can also try to fix your own fob at home?
The first thing you'll need is a brand new, fresh CR2032 battery. Most hardware stores sell them in multipacks. Then you can use a watch or flathead screwdriver to the case of the fob. After you've widened the first gap, you can use your pry tool to further open the case. You should be gentle in order not to damage the fob or its circuit board.
Once you've got your case open, put the new battery underneath the tabs that are highlighted by yellow arrows in the photo. Make sure that it is over the two tabs pointed to by green arrows. Close your key fob after you have installed the new battery and then test it. If it's still not working then it's the right time to contact an expert for more thorough troubleshooting.
In rare instances, replacing the battery in the fob's key can leave you with a nonfunctional device. In this situation it's likely that there's a problem with the fob or vehicle. It's a good idea keep an extra key fob on the shelf so that you are prepared if the battery of your original dies or another problem strikes.
You can also ask a professional to carry out other repair services for your key fob. They can check for damage to buttons or contacts as well as other components and also do reprogramming and synchronization if the vehicle is having a difficult communicating with your key fob.
Damaged Key Fob Battery
The majority of key fobs are powered by a tiny battery that powers the internal components. This includes the buttons that turn on the antenna and chip to release a radio frequency. The battery also powers the plastic casings to protect the components. Your key fob will not function if the battery is dead. Fortunately, the solution is easy and cheap: just replace it. In their owner's manual the majority of manufacturers offer instructions on how to replace the key fob batteries. It's not difficult to do and you can save money by doing it yourself instead of taking the fob to a dealer or auto shop.
If your key fob still not working after replacing the battery, it could have another issue. Examine the key fob to check whether there are any physical damages, such as cracks or dent. 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 dipped into alcohol to clean the contact points on the circuit board of the key fob. This will remove corrosion without causing damage to the fob.
Key fobs should also be programmed to connect to the vehicle's receiver. This is to ensure that only persons with keys for the same vehicle are able to unlock the car and to keep other key fobs out of attempting to access vehicles that they are not intended for. If you have recently had your keyfob repaired or replaced or it's been unused for a long time, the transmitter and receive may have become disconnected.
A good way to test this is using a spare key fob that you have. This will help you determine if the issue is with the keyfob, or the electrical systems of your vehicle. A mechanic can assist you to solve the issue by reconnecting any wires that are disconnected. You can also try connecting the key fob with an alternative receiver to check if that fixes the issue. If you're not able to do this, you may need to take your key fob to a car dealer or auto repair shop for more thorough repairs.
Key Fob Transmitter Damaged
When your car key fob stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. Most key fobs for cars can be easily repaired by following a few easy instructions. Check the fob to see if it has any physical damage and make sure that it is not just dead. A new battery may be all you need but if it's not enough to fix the issue, there could be a larger issue with the fob's transmitter.
Car key fobs have lots of moving parts, and it's normal to expect them to suffer wear and tear over time. A damaged transmitter for your key fob could hinder your car from starting or unlocking the doors. key repair service damaged transmitter could also affect radio signals sent from your key fob to the receiver inside the car. Bring your key fob to a technician for repair and inspection when you think that the transmitter may be damaged.
One of the most common reasons that a key fob ceases working is that its batteries are dying. Key fob batteries typically last between three and five years, so it's a good idea purchase fresh batteries on a regular basis.
Replacing the battery of a key fob is a simple task that most people can do at home. All you need is a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the case and then replace the battery with a brand new one. The majority of key fobs utilize 3V button cell batteries that are readily available at many auto parts stores.
A defective receiver could also be the reason behind your key fob not responding. This is a frustrating problem, as it usually occurs while you are driving. If your key fob doesn't seem to be receiving any signals, try placing it in the driver's side of the door lock.
A damaged receiver may also cause your keyfob to act erratically. For example it might close or shut off the vehicle when you push one of its buttons. Try using an alternative keyfob to see whether the vehicle responds. If you don't have an additional key fob, call your dealer for assistance. If your current key fob is still under warranty, some new-car dealers may be able provide a replacement at no cost.
Key fob receiver damaged
Key fobs are fantastic devices that allow us to lock and unlock our automobiles, they are susceptible to a range of problems. If the remote key fob for your vehicle isn't working correctly it's likely that you need to contact a locksmith or an auto dealer. Many common key fob problems can be easily fixed without the need to purchase an expensive replacement. Here are five of the most commonly-cited reasons why your key fob might not be working properly:
Key Fob Needs Re-Programming
As time passes the receiver and transmitter of a car key fob can become out-of-sync. To resolve this issue, you'll need to re-sync the key fob with its receiver by following the instructions for reprogramming your vehicle. These instructions are found in your owner's manual or you can ask the dealer near you to assist you.
If the re-programming of your key fob fails to solve the issue, there could be a different cause of damage or interference to the key fob or its receiver. Luckily, this is often easy to fix by opening the key fob to take a closer inspection of the inside. Look for indications of damage, such as cracks in the circuit board, teeny electronic components that aren't fully connected to the circuit board or bent or the battery contacts are oxidized. If you find any of these, you can fix your key fob by replacing the damaged components.
The best option for you depends on your budget and the convenience. However, if your key fob has been damaged by a fall or various physical harms, it may be easier and more affordable to have it replaced by an expert. In any case, you must take good care of your key fob so that it can function smoothly for a long time. You can extend the life of your key fob by regularly cleaning it and avoid extreme temperatures or electromagnetic fields. Additionally, by selecting a professional with plenty of experience working with your particular car's model and make and model, you can be confident that your key fob will always function exactly as it was intended to.