Key Fob Repair Service

Key fobs are exposed to a lot of abuse. Buttons can get stuck or break, depending on how they are stored and how often they are thrown around.

Luckily, most issues with key fobs are simple to solve. Some key fob issues are more severe and fob require professional assistance. This is when locksmiths can help.

Dead Fob Battery

Car key fobs have become quite smart however, it doesn't mean they can't occasionally find themselves in the "not responding" zone. When this happens, it's time to replace the battery. It's not a solution because it could be due to an issue with one of the terminals on the battery connector.

The car makers are aware of the possibility of a problem, and they often include a mechanical key inside the fob to be used in such an emergency. To gain access to this, find the small release button or latch behind the fob (check the user's manual for specifics). Pressing this button, fob you will be able to open the fob to reveal a physical key that you can use to open the car.

You will also need to be closer to your car to lock and unlock it. This is because the fob's transmitter loses strength as its battery ages which limits the range of operation.

Replacing the battery is easy and relatively cheap. You'll need to purchase the button-cell battery (which looks like an elongated silver coin) and then follow the instructions in the user's guide to remove the old battery. Then, simply replace the new battery in the same way that the old one was inserted (the positive side should be facing upwards towards the buttons). Test the lock/unlock, and start functions of the fob after reassembling it to ensure the battery has been installed correctly.

Some key fobs can be a little tricky to open however, you should be able to open them by locating the latch, switch or screw on the back of the fob and then tearing it apart. Be careful not to break the fob, since you'll need it to operate your vehicle! You can also take your key fob to an expert if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Most auto shops will swap batteries for fobs at a minimal cost as it's an everyday repair service. Some dealers will even do it for free depending on the model and brand of the car.

Fob Is Not Working

Replace the batteries in your key fob if it doesn't work. This is the quickest solution and will fix the problem. If your device still doesn't work after replacing the battery, it could be caused by damage.

The car key fob could be damaged due to many reasons, including physical injury, exposure to water, or a corroded board. These problems can prevent your key from sending the signal to the receiver in your vehicle, which could then prevent your car's ignition or doors from locking. It is possible that you will need to have a professional replace your fob if it is damaged.

Similarly, the buttons on your device may have become worn out with repeated use. Rubber can wear out making the buttons less 'clicky' or springy. They also may cease to register your presses. You can try wiping the buttons and adjusting them to see if this resolves the problem however, it's recommended to send the fob to have it professionally evaluated for more thorough repairs.

Check that the battery you are using is exactly right for your fob. You can find a list with acceptable batteries online or at most hardware stores, and you should always consult your owner's manual or the engraving on the inside of the fob to determine the type of battery it needs. A battery that isn't an ideal match could have issues transmitting powerful signals or providing sufficient power to the internal components of the fob.

In rare instances the issue could be with the vehicle's electronic components or receiver. If you have an inductive backup system you can test it by opening the door with a physical key repair shops near me and then starting the car using the inductive backup (if available). If your key's physical counterpart does not open or start your car, you should have a mechanic inspect the electronic components and the receiver to ensure that they are working properly.

Fob Damaged

A key fob is composed of many parts, and one malfunction can cause other parts to fail. If a key fob stops functioning, it is important to determine whether there's an obvious cause like a cracked case or a broken internal component. It's also crucial to examine other parts of the vehicle such as the lights and horn to determine whether they're working as expected.

If the key fob is damaged, you should find a replacement at your dealership or an auto locksmith instead of attempting to fix it. It may be necessary to reprogramme the fob to connect to your car. This isn't something you can do at home and requires special equipment.

The buttons on a key fob make use of contacts that transmit signals to the circuit board of the key fob however, these contacts can wear down over time. This is especially true when you drop the device or leave it outside in hot weather.

In time, the internal wiring in the key fob could become worn down. This can result in the button not working when it's being pressed or only working when pressing very hard. It could also result in the vehicle not being able to start or unlock after the fob has been used.

The majority of key fobs have the cover in plastic, which can be removed and cleaned safely by using soap and warm water. This is a great way to bring a fob back to proper function and it's a good idea to do it regularly to prevent dirt from damaging the insides.

A damaged battery is the most common reason why the key fob will not turn on or work. The majority of mechanics and car dealers can replace the batteries quickly, but if you feel at ease doing it yourself, you can purchase a battery at an hardware store or big-box retailer and follow the instructions in your owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.

The worst case scenario is that your key fob is damaged internal damages, such as cracks or tiny electronic components that are not completely connected to the circuit boards, or bent and corroded contact points for batteries. If you find any of these problems, you should consult an auto locksmith or dealer to obtain a new key fob and assistance in programming it for your vehicle.

Fob Isn't Programming

Car key fobs are a handy feature that lets you unlock your car's doors and begin the engine. They can also cause frustration when they stop working or seem to function intermittently. In some instances the issue may be as simple as replacing the battery, but in other situations, it could involve a more complicated repair. The first step is to identify why the fob doesn't work properly.

The most frequent reason for a fob to malfunction is that it fails to recognize your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your vehicle is interrupted. You may be able to reset the connection without the need for a key fob repair service.

When the key fob is not sending a strong signal, other problems could occur. This could be the result of a key has been damaged or if the battery is not functioning properly. In either case, you should try to resync your key with your car. This can be done by following the instructions included with the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key, so that you can utilize it in the case that your primary key isn't working.

The fob may not receive a strong signal from the vehicle. This could be due to a weak car battery or interference from wireless devices, or an antenna issue. You can test the fob to see if this is the issue by using the remote tester. If the tester doesn't light up when you press any of the buttons, it could be a sign that the battery needs to be replaced or the fob is broken.

Another possible reason for a fob not sending a strong enough signal is that the car's immobilizer system is blocking it from sending a strong signal. This could happen if the fob isn't properly programmed to your vehicle or if there is a software problem.

If you can't fix the fob, or it's not worth the trouble to try to repair it, you should purchase an entirely new one. Many online retailers offer cheap options and some are delivered directly to your home.