Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
If your remote key fob stops working, you may be tempted to visit an establishment to have it reset. Try a few fixes at your home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are cheap and easy to find at hardware stores. Look over the key fob to find worn buttons or ones that are out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a tiny electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It is a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last a long time, but they could die at any time. It is easy to tell if the battery has died by checking the LED's light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob doesn't respond, the battery has died and needs to be replaced.
The process of replacing the battery in the key fob is simple and quick. It's as easy as opening the key fob, removing the battery that was in use and replacing it with a brand new one. Fobs use small batteries, similar to those used in hearing aids or watches and are available in general stores and home improvement stores. They're typically shaped like small coins with plus and minus symbol on the bottom. If remote key fob repair 're not sure of the type of battery your fob uses, refer to the owner's manual, or look on the fob's own for the label.
After you have changed the battery the fob's key should function as usual. However, if it doesn't then there could be a issue with your vehicle or its system that is causing the fob to not work properly. If this is the situation, you'll have to get roadside assistance to assist you with the issue.
Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you may also be able to order replacement fobs for your keys online or from a dealer. It is often cheaper and less expensive to purchase a new key fob than to repair a damaged one.
Buttons Are Unresponsive
If you've been driving for a while and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't working, it could be an issue with worn button sensors. Most fobs have rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which can cause them to work correctly if they are pushed in a particular manner or with a lot of force. This is a problem that occurs with many fobs, and can be fixed by following some simple DIY steps.
The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it will stop receiving the signal and will prevent the key from functioning to open or start the vehicle. This can be fixed by having a mechanic look over the receiver to check for damage. This service is typically free or only costs a small amount depending on the car's model.
The key fobs that are utilized daily receive lots of use and are often jostled around in pockets and purses which is why it's no surprise that they occasionally be finicky and only function properly if they are press in a certain manner. It is not difficult to fix most fobs, since the buttons can be reinforced with silicone and a bit of effort.
Press and hold the lock/unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the car sound chime. It is necessary to do this several times in a row to trigger the button activate. The next step is to switch your key into and out of the ignition in your car a few more times to reset the connection between the fob and the car. Once the connection is restored, unlock the key and you should be able unlock your vehicle with the remote. Repeat the process until your fob is working properly. If you're unable to fix the fob following this method, it may need to be replaced completely. If you decide to replace the fob, you must make sure it's programmed to match your vehicle's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's plastic keychain loop is damaged, it can be separated from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop is easily replaced.
Water damage and moisture can also cause key fobs to malfunction with a variety of symptoms, including reduced range of operation or no function at any time. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can solve the issue however sometimes a professional repair or replacement is required.
Key fob buttons can wear out over time, leading to reduced functionality or unresponsiveness. It may be necessary to replace the key fob's button or case, but reprogramming can often resolve this problem. Sometimes, signal interference from nearby electronic devices can interfere with the connection between the key fob and your vehicle which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. This might require a diagnostic test at the dealership to troubleshoot and resolve. This is typically the case for older electric keys that use infrared signals to operate. They require a line-of-sight. The majority of modern microchip keys communicate with your car via radio frequency to authorize a challenge.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
Over time, keyfob batteries lose power. If the battery has lost a significant amount of its charge, the remote may no longer respond to commands. This issue is usually fixed by replacing the battery but it may also be necessary to re-program your remote.
Modern cars have key fobs that can control a variety of functions. They can raise or lower the windows, activate alarms, turn on interior lights, or even start certain cars. It is easy for car owners to use the wrong buttons. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual nearby when you are using your key fob, to be able to refer to the specific sections that deal with the various functions of your car.
Another common reason for the fob to cease working is that the remote's signal has been corrupted or lost. Some of the newer key fobs use sophisticated encryption techniques to keep thieves from intercepting the signals and making unauthorized key fobs or remotes which can unlock your vehicle. To reprogram the fob you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer.
Some automakers make their own instructions to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are usually easy enough to do at home. This process is not recommended for those who do not have extensive experience in electronics. It is recommended to leave this type of work to experts.
Key fobs can suffer more wear and tear if frequently handled and used. The buttons on a fob may be tossed around and the case could crack or break. Keep a spare fob on you at all time. This will help you save time if your remote breaks down when you're out and about. It is ideal to keep it near your bed in the evening because it will permit you to press the panic button if you hear noises coming from the house during the night.