Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Key fobs can have issues with time, like an inability to function. While some issues may require professional attention, the majority can be fixed at home.
The first step is generally to replace the battery. Most fobs run on a flat watch-style battery, which is easily available at auto parts or hardware stores.
Dead Battery
If a key fob battery dies, it can be a major inconvenience, especially if you're away from home. There are ways to get back on the road if your car's keyless entry isn't working.
car key repair of the first things you should be sure of is whether the buttons on your key fob work. If they do not then the issue could be in the car's locks.
If the keys aren't unlocking try looking for a key slot with a mechanical lock located in the trim of your door handle or in another location on the car (consult your owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails certain cars come with an app that can open doors remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for example allow owners to open their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps are subject to an annual cost.
Also, make sure whether your key fob won't take the car's battery away by sitting on them. A dead key fob can drain your battery, particularly when you use its remote features while watching TV or talking on the phone.
Holding the key fob right to the car's start button may cause the key fob that has an empty battery. This simple fix can save you from having to visit your dealer or Interstate All Battery Centers.
If your key fob doesn't work try testing it in a vehicle with a push-button starter. If it's not working the battery of the fob needs replacement. This is why it's a good idea keep a spare key fob inside the bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
It's possible that your key fob has a damaged button. Your key fob is likely to have a circuit board with "contact pads" for each button. These tiny pads are coated with a conductor of electricity that wears away over time. This wear could cause your fob to react less quickly, or not to respond at all.
The good news is that the contact pad on the key fob of a car is easy to replace, and can be done so using a flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged it may be difficult to open. It is necessary to take it to an auto repair shop to repair the fob.
It's not unusual for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, trodden on, or exposed to water. These events can cause physical damage to keys, including bending or snapping them.
It could also affect the internals of the fob and could cause a malfunction. This is why it's always a good idea to carry a spare key fob inside your purse or pocket in the event that you damage the one you own.
Examine the battery first to determine If your key fob's buttons aren't responding in the way they should. Be aware that key fobs don't come with a particular kind of electronic device; most of them run on the same two-dollar batteries that are used in hearing aids and watches, which are readily available at hardware stores, drug stores, and on the internet.
If the battery is fine it's possible that the buttons are worn down or dirty, and can be cleaned by using a damp cloth to wipe them down. If they're still not responding, test a different key fob to determine if the problem is with yours or with a specific type of car key fob. If the other key fob works, then yours might need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
Reprogramming
The hidden world of car keys fobs is more complicated than most myths suggest. Basic fobs work with radio frequency signals that are unique to each car. The fobs must be programmed correctly in order to be able to open and start the vehicle. Reprogramming a key fob not as easy as pressing a few keys. It's usually done by the dealer.
Refer to the owner's manual for detailed instructions. Certain manufacturers, such as Mercedes, use proprietary technologies that only dealers are capable of creating a brand new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. However certain independent shops provide this service as well and you should review reviews and prices prior to selecting a shop.
Some car models will erase all other fobs once they are changed. This means you'll need to have additional fobs programmed by an expert. This is a costly proposition especially if you're only down to one functioning fob. Even when the mechanical key doesn't work to start the car, it's a good idea to have a backup key that can open the trunk and doors.
Be prepared for a frustrating experience if you opt to reprogram your fob by yourself. There are many guides online that promise to work, but you'll likely be disappointed. Many of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated assertions. Some of them even state that you can program your own car key fob in only a few clicks, which is very misleading.
Most key fobs are held by a clip made of plastic which is easy to remove, however, the battery is located inside the circuit board, which means you'll need to carefully pull it out with a tool. You should be able to locate the button cell battery. It's usually an insignificant battery for a watch that is available at most pharmacies or home improvement stores. It's typically easy to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole device, you should try it first.
Replacement
There are several methods to fix a broken or damaged car key fob. It is possible to resolve the issue quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob. However an extensive repair might be required. A spare fob can be useful in the event one is lost or stolen.
Most modern key fobs include a small physical key, in addition to the electronics, making them both pricier and more difficult to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart fobs" even come with a remote starter. It's important to understand that it can take an hour or more to cut and program an alternative fob for your vehicle.
Fobs use a small radio transmitter mounted on circuit boards to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing a button activates the transmitter, and it transmits an RF signal that is unique to the car's receiver. The receiver recognizes the signal and verifies it against preprogrammed codes. This lets the driver unlock the vehicle and begin it from a distance, without inserting the key into the ignition or turning a lock.
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding or working intermittently, they may have been damaged by water. You may be able to fix the fob by removing it and inspecting for any broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't solve the problem, try reprogramming or buying an entirely new fob.
Before you purchase a replacement fob on the internet, seek out an expert locksmith or your local dealer to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle's security systems. There are a variety of aftermarket key fobs available cheaper, but it's important to look up the brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them. Certain fobs can be programmed by a locksmith who is reputable, but other models require programming equipment that only a mechanic or dealer can use.