Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
If your remote key fob stop working, you may be tempted to visit a dealership to have it changed. Instead, you can try some simple fixes at home.
Begin by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat-watch-style batteries that are affordable and easy to locate. Examine the key fob for worn buttons or ones that are not in the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a small electronic device, allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. It works by using a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver inside your car. Key fob batteries last for a lengthy period of time, but can end up dying at any time. You can tell if the battery has been drained by looking at the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery is dead and needs to replaced.
It's simple and quick to replace the battery on your key fob. It's typically an issue of opening the fob, pulling out the old battery before putting in a new one. Fobs have small batteries, like the ones found in hearing aids or watches, that are available at general stores and home improvement stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. If you're not sure of the type of battery your fob uses, refer to the owner's manual or look at the key fob itself for an identification label.
Your key fob should work normal. If it does not then there could be a issue with your vehicle or its system that's causing the fob not to work properly. If this is the case, you'll need help from a roadside service to resolve the issue.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you might be able to purchase replacement fobs for your keys online or from a dealer. It's usually cheaper and more convenient to purchase an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a broken one.
Buttons aren't responding
It could be worn out button sensor if you've driven for a long time and notice that your keys aren't working. remote key fob repair made of rubber on a majority of fobs will wear down with time. This could cause them to function correctly if you press them in a certain manner or with extreme pressure. This is a common problem for many fobs and is easily fixable with a few DIY steps.
The fob sends an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it will not receive the signal and will prevent the key from working to open or start the vehicle. The best way to resolve this is to have a local mechanic inspect the receiver for damage. This is usually free or costs only a small amount depending on your car's make.
The key fobs used daily get many uses and are often jostled around in pockets and purses and purses, so it's no surprise that they sometimes be finicky and function properly if they are placed in a specific way. It is easy to fix most fobs because the buttons are reinforced by using silicone and a bit of effort.
Press and hold the lock/unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the car sound. It is necessary to do this multiple times to trigger the button activate. Then, you need to cycle your key in and out of the ignition for a few times to reset the fob's connection with the vehicle. Once the connection is restored, release the key and you should be able unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the procedure as needed to make sure your fob is working again. If you cannot repair the fob by this procedure, it may be required to replace it. If you decide to replace the fob, make sure that it is programmed for your vehicle's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the plastic loop of the key fob breaks it will not work to lock or unlock your vehicle. Replacing the keychain loop is an easy solution.
Key fobs can also malfunction due to moisture and water damage. The signs include a decreased range of operation, or no function at any time. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery may fix the issue however sometimes a repairs or replacements by a professional are required.
Key fob buttons might become worn out over time, resulting in decreased functionality or inability to respond. It may be necessary to replace the key fob button or the case however, reprogramming may solve the issue. Occasionally signal interference from nearby electronic devices can affect the connection between the key fob and the vehicle which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. This could require a diagnostic test at the auto dealership to determine the cause and solve. This is typically the case with older electric keys that rely on infrared signals to operate and require an optical line of sight. Modern microchip keys communicate with your vehicle using radio frequency to authorize a challenge.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
Over time, keyfob batteries lose power. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote might not respond to commands. This issue is usually solved by replacing the battery, but it may also be necessary to re-program the remote.
Modern cars have key fobs that control a variety of functions. They can lower or raise the windows, activate alarms, turn on interior lights, or even start certain vehicles. It is possible for owners to use the wrong buttons due to accident. Keep the owner's manual close to hand when using your keyfob so you can easily refer to the sections that address your car's features.
Another common reason for a fob to stop working is that the signal has become damaged or lost. Certain of the latest key fobs use sophisticated encryption technology to keep thieves from intercepting the signals and creating unauthorized key fobs or remotes that allow you to unlock your car. You'll probably have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to re-program your fob and restore its functionality.
Some automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming the key fob of their vehicles. Most of the time, these procedures are easy enough to be performed at home. However, the process is usually not a good choice for beginners without extensive knowledge of electronics. This kind of work is best left to professionals.
Key fobs can suffer wear and tear if frequently handled and used. The buttons of a key fob can be pushed around and the case may break or crack. It is essential to have a spare key fob with you at all times, since it can help you save time and hassle if your remote stops working while you are out and out and about. It is recommended to keep it close to your bed during the night, as it will allow you to hit the panic button in case you hear noises coming from the house at night.