How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Key fobs are susceptible to damage even if we use them a lot. In fact, they could be destroyed in a variety of ways.

Other issues can be more grave than the battery being dead. Fortunately, the majority of these can be fixed by a simple DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is likely the most common reason a car key fob stops working. Fob batteries are prone to draining quickly, especially when they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity or water. It is a good idea to keep an extra battery in your wallet in case.

You will usually know that the battery in your car key fob is dying by the fact that the LED light will cease to glow. It is also possible that the fob won't function at the same distance it used to. In this instance, it may be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it altogether.

Fortunately replacing the battery in a car key fob is simple. Find out the kind of battery used. The type should be engraved on the back of the fob. If you're unsure then an easy Google search can help. Once you have found the kind of battery you want, open the key fob at the junction. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to separate the two halves. Then, take out the old battery and insert an alternative one in its place. Then, insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers might not be aware that the fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons don't respond. This can be corrected by reprogramming the fob. However, it can be costly and time-consuming. You can also contact roadside assistance to see if they are able to jumpstart your car and get it back on the road.

If you've tried all three of these methods but your car won't start then it's time to call an expert. A qualified technician can determine the computer in your car key repair cost needs changing its programming, or if the fob simply needs an upgrade in battery. They can also recommend an auto shop to replace the key fob. In the end, though, sometimes a brand new fob is the best solution.

Damaged Circuit Board

The key fob isn't indestructible, but it can withstand a lot of physical harm. The battery, the circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear with time, so it's important to be vigilant and take care of them to keep your car key fob working efficiently.

Verify that the battery still working on your key fob. If it is replaced, check if it fixes your problem. If not, you may require opening the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be tricky since some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms to open them and you may end up damaging your key fob if try to force it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, but you must always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or defective key circuit board for the fob is another frequent issue. This can be caused by a number of things, such as moisture or dirt that gets into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your automotive key repair fob isn't working, you may think about getting it changed. This can be accomplished by a locksmith who specializes in this kind of work.

Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen if you have other wireless devices that transmit at the same frequency, for example, radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, you should inquire with the other manufacturers of the device to make sure that your key fob's signal isn't 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. There are online guides that show you how to repair car key fob to fix this yourself. It's important to be careful when you do this, as the circuit boards that are inside the key fob are tiny and easily break when handled rough. If you're doing this yourself, ensure you make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and put the switch in place correctly.

Worn Out Buttons

Car key fobs are prone to a lot of wear and tear. They're prone to being dropped, and they often are frequently being tossed around in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this can cause the buttons to become worn out or become stuck. Simple adjustments can resolve the issue.

The majority of modern key fobs have sensors on them that detect if they've been pressed. This is due to the fact that they decrease the chance of someone else stealing your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you press them, they're damaged and should be replaced.

The circuit board that is in the key fob also transmits signals to your car. Those signals include unlock and lock commands, as well as instructions to start your engine. If the circuit board within your vehicle is damaged, then your key fob might not allow you to unlock or start your engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt or something that scratches the circuit board.

If you're having to press the buttons more than normal to make them function, then your key fob buttons are becoming worn out. Additionally, your fob may stop sending a signal to the car or it'll have less range than before.

If you're not able to unlock your key fob, unlock or start your car, it's important to find a locksmith in your area immediately. They can determine if the key fob is damaged, or if the cylinder in your ignition is worn out.

Fortunately, most key fobs for cars problems aren't complicated or serious. The best way to avoid being caught off guard by an unresponsive key fob is to keep an extra in your pocket at all times. You won't be left stranded because of a malfunctioning or lost remote key repairs. If you lose your spare key, a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your vehicle's engine. They can also fix any internal damage to your key fob key repair near me.

Broken Case

The case of the key fob is more than just shield the buttons and batteries. The case also houses the circuitry that executes all the electrical magic whenever you press a key fob button. The circuit board relays the signal from your keyfob to your car.

The key fob won't work if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a dead key fob can be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can help you with.

Batteries could be the reason the key fob's not working. The battery can be replaced at home. The good thing is that you can locate the replacement battery online or at your local auto key repair near me parts store since these batteries aren't exclusive to key fobs.

There are many ways to open up a key fob and get inside it, based on the type. You can determine what kind of battery your key fob is using by conducting a quick internet search. You can then buy an alternative and take the old one out and put the new one into.

When fixing a damaged key fob, the most important concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons more. If you attempt to remove the fob using a hard edge like a screwdriver can cause damage to the case or damage the plastic. A replacement case isn't much and you can purchase the entire fob including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

So, if your key fob isn't functioning, check to see if the batteries are depleted or if the circuit board has become damaged. If that's not the case, a professional will repair it quickly and cheaply. Otherwise, it might be the time to purchase an upgrade. Be sure to check the warranty on any fob replacement or used that you purchase online.