20 Fun Informational Facts About Car Key Fob Repair
Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Key fobs may experience issues over time, such as a loss of functionality. While key fob repair may require professional attention, the majority are fixable at home.
Changing the battery is often the first step. Most fobs utilize flat watches that are easy to find in hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
If the battery for a key fob dies, it can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you're away from home. There are solutions to get your vehicle back on the road if you're keyless entry system isn't working.
The first thing to test is if the buttons on the fob still work. If they aren't, the problem could be in the car's locks.
If your keys don't work you need to look for a key slot with a mechanical lock concealed in the door handle trim or on another part of the vehicle (consult your owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, some cars come with an app that allows you to unlock the door remotely. For example the FordPass Connect app, the myChevrolet mobile app, and myMazda app permit owners to open the doors using smartphones. However, these apps have a monthly fee.
It is also important to ensure that your key fob does not take the car's battery away by sitting on them. A dead fob will drain your battery fast, especially if it is used to control your phone or TV while you are watching.
Holding the key fob up to your car's start button can sometimes start an ignition key fob with low battery. This simple fix can save you from a trip to your dealer or certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
If your key fob doesn't work You can test it in a vehicle that has an electronic starter button. If it fails the battery of the fob requires replacement. This is why it's a good idea keep a spare key fob in the bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob is unable to unlock doors or start your car remotely, it's likely that one or more of its buttons is damaged. Your key fob is equipped with an electronic circuit that has "contact pads" which are covered by an electrically conductive film. The film wears away over time. This wear can cause your device to respond less quickly, or not to respond at all.
The contact pad on a car keyfob can be easily replaced using the flat-head screwdriver. If, however, the key fob is severely damaged or broken in any way, it may be more difficult to open up the case, and you'll need to take the fob to an auto repair shop for repairs.
It's not uncommon for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, tripped on or exposed to water. All of these events can cause physical damage, including breaking the keys and snapping them.
It can also cause internal damage to the fob, which could cause an issue. This is why it's always a good idea to carry a spare key fob inside your purse or pocket in case you break the one you already have.
Make sure the battery is charged first If your key fob's buttons are not responding in the way they should. Key fobs do not require any special electronic device. They utilize the same two-dollar battery that is used in hearing aids and watches. The batteries are available at drug, hardware, and online stores.
If the battery is in good condition it is possible that the buttons are worn or dirty. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If the buttons still don't work, you could try a different car key fob. This will help determine if the problem is yours or an specific model. If the other fob functions then it's likely the key fob you have needs to be reprogrammed or perhaps replaced entirely.
Reprogramming
The world of car key fobs is more complex than some myths suggest. Basic fobs work with radio frequency signals that are specific to each vehicle. The fobs have to be programmed to unlock and start the vehicle. Unfortunately the process of reprogramming a fob isn't as simple as pressing a few buttons and with a few exceptions, it needs to be handled by a dealer.
The process of reprogramming a fob depends on the make and model year of your vehicle It is therefore essential to refer to the owner's manual for step-bystep instructions. Some manufacturers, like Mercedes have proprietary technology that only dealers are able to create a new key fob and resync it to your vehicle. However, some independent shops can provide this service as well and you should look up reviews and prices prior to selecting the shop.
Some car models will erase all other fobs if they're changed. This means that you'll have to have any additional fobs programmed by an expert. This is an expensive proposition particularly if you're just one functional fob. Even in the event that the mechanical key will not start the vehicle, it's a good idea to have a backup option that can open the trunk and doors.
Be prepared for a frustrating experience if you decide to reprogram your fob by yourself. There are many guides on the internet that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides were written by people with no prior experience in this field and often are founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can easily program your car's key fob yourself with the click of a button. This is misleading.
The battery is usually held in place with clips made of plastic, which can be easily removed. However the circuit board is home to the battery, and you will need to carefully pry the battery out using an instrument. Once you've gotten inside, you'll be able locate the button cell battery which is typically a tiny watch battery that can be found in most pharmacies or home improvement stores. Replacing the battery is usually simple, and it's always a good idea to test this first before replacing the entire device.
Replacement
There are several methods to fix a broken or non-functioning car key fob. It may be possible to fix the problem quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming your key fob. However it is possible that a more extensive repair might be required. A spare fob is helpful in the event that one is stolen or lost.
Modern key fobs are more expensive and harder to replace because they contain the physical key and electronics. Some "smart" fobs also have a built-in remote starter. As such, it's important to know that it can take up to an hour to have a replacement key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Fobs make use of a tiny radio transmitter on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing the button triggers the transmitter, which transmits an RF signal unique to the car's receiver. The receiver is able to recognize and compare the signal to preprogrammed codes. This allows drivers to start the vehicle from a distance without having to put the key in the ignition.
If the buttons on your key fob fail to respond or function intermittently it could mean that they have been damaged due to water or other elements. It is possible to repair the fob by taking it apart and examine for damaged or non-responsive buttons. If this does not solve the issue, try reprogramming or buying an entirely new fob.
Before buying a replacement key fob online, you should seek out a professional locksmith or your local dealer to ensure that it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. The fobs from the aftermarket can be less expensive however, you must study the brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them yourself. Certain fobs can be modified by a locksmith who is reputable however, other models require programming equipment that only a mechanic or dealer can use.