Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs may be affected by issues such as losing functionality. While some issues may require professional attention, the majority are fixable at home.
The battery replacement is usually the first step. The majority of fobs have batteries with a flat design that are easy to find at auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
When a key fob battery fails, it can be a major inconvenience, especially if you're away from home. Fortunately, there are ways to get back on the road even when your car's keyless entry doesn't work.
The first thing to test is to see if the buttons on the fob still work. If they do, the issue may be with the car's locks instead of the fob.
If your keys will not unlock, you might find a mechanical slot in the trim around your door handles or elsewhere in your car (consult the 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 it remotely. For instance the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app, and myMazda app permit owners to open their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps have a monthly fee.
It is also important to ensure that your key fob isn't draining the car's battery by resting on it. A dead key fob can drain your battery, particularly when you utilize its remote functions while watching TV or talking on the phone.
The key fob should be held right towards the start button may cause an ignition key fob with low battery. This simple fix can save you from a trip to your dealer or to certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
You can also determine whether your key fob is actually dead by trying it in a different vehicle that has push-button ignition. If it's not working it's likely that the battery requires replacement. This is why it's a good idea keep an extra key fob in the bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
It is possible that your key fob is damaged and has a button. Your key fob likely contains an electronic circuit board that has "contact pads" for each button. These little pads are coated with an electricity conducting film that wears away over time. The wear may cause your fob to react more slowly, or even not at all.
The good news is that the pad in the key fob of a car is easy to replace, and is done with the help of a flathead screwdriver. If, however, the key fob has been badly damaged or broken in any way, it could be more difficult to remove the case, and you'll need to take the fob into an auto repair shop to be repaired.
It's not uncommon for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, walked on, or exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to keys, including bending or snapping them.
This can also affect the internals of the fob, which could lead to an issue. It's a good idea that's why you should always carry an additional fob in your purse or pocket in the event that the one you're using fails.
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding in the way they should, first make sure the battery is in good condition. Keep in mind that key fobs aren't a special type of electronic device - most of them run on the same two-dollar batteries that are used in hearing aids and watches, which are readily accessible at hardware stores, drug stores, and even online.
If the battery is functioning properly, the buttons may be worn or dirty. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If the buttons still don't work, try an alternative car key fob. This will help determine if the problem is yours or a specific model. If the other fob works then it's likely your key fob needs to be reprogrammed or even replaced completely.
Reprogramming
The secret world of car keys fobs is much more complicated than most myths suggest. The basic fobs operate on unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific vehicles. The fobs need to be correctly programmed to allow unlocking and starting the vehicle. Unfortunately it's not as simple as pressing a few buttons, and with very few exceptions it must be handled by the dealer.
The procedure for reprogramming the fob is based on the model and model year of your vehicle It is therefore essential to refer to the owner's manual to get step-by-step instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes, use proprietary technologies that only dealers are capable of creating a new key fob and resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops may offer this service, so check reviews and prices before choosing a shop.
Certain models of cars erase all other fobs if they are reprogrammed. This means you'll need to have additional fobs programmed by professionals. This is a costly proposition, especially if you're down to just one working fob. It's always recommended to have at least one spare mechanical key that you can use to open the doors and trunk even if it's not able to start the car.
Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you opt to reprogram your fob yourself. There are many guides online that promise to work but you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides are written by people who have no knowledge of this field, and they're often founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car key fob with just the click of a button. This is a false claim.
key fob repair of key fobs are secured by a plastic clip which is easy to remove, however, the battery is within the circuit board, so you'll need to carefully pry it out using a tool. You should be able find the button battery. This is usually an insignificant battery for a watch, which is available at most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. It's generally easy to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole unit, it's worth trying first.
Replacement
If a car key fob is damaged or fails to function it is important to know there are a few ways to remedy the problem. It is possible to repair the issue quickly by replacing the battery or programming your key fob. However an extensive repair may be required. It is also helpful to have a spare key fob in case one gets lost or stolen.
The majority of modern key fobs have the physical key in addition the electronic components, making them both pricier and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart fobs" even come with a remote starter. As such, it's important to understand that it can take up to an hour to get a new key fob cut and programmed for your vehicle.
Fobs use a small radio transmitter mounted on circuit boards to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing the button triggers the transmitter, which sends a unique RF signal to the car's receiver. The receiver detects the signal and verifies it against the preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to unlock the car and begin it from a distance, without putting the key in the ignition or turning a lock.
If your key fob buttons aren't working or responding in a sporadic manner, they may be damaged by water. It is possible to repair the fob by disassembling it and examining it for broken or unresponsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the problem, try reprogramming the fob or purchasing an entirely new fob.
You should check with a local auto dealer or a locksmith before purchasing a replacement keyfob to make sure it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. You can find aftermarket fobs cheaper, but it's essential to look up the brands and read reviews before trying to program them. Some fobs can be changed by a locksmith who is reputable and other models require programming equipment that only a car technician or dealer can use.