Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

The buttons on key fobs may become damaged and stop working after being jostled in purses and pockets. This issue can be addressed by replacing the battery that is usually found in the snap-out case of the majority of car fobs.

If the contacts in your key fob are damaged, a new replacement may not be enough to bring it back to life. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix that you can do at home:

Replace the battery

If your key fob feels sluggish or takes longer than usual to unlock or lock your remote car key repairs, it might be time to replace the battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the easiest tasks that you can do yourself. It's a simple fix that will save you money when you go to the dealer or repair key a locksmith.

You can purchase a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts, home improvement, or general store. Key fobs typically have a slot to accept these batteries and opening the case for battery replacement is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to use an instrument such as a screwdriver to open the cover of the compartment for batteries.

Some key fobs have clips that secure the battery in place. if so you can gently lift them up with your fingers or a non-metallic device. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Take note of the orientation when removing the old one. It is important to avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces since scratches from fingers can decrease their lifespan.

Close the case of the key fob and test the functionality by pressing the button. If the key fob isn't working, you might need to open it again and verify that the battery is correctly inserted.

It is also possible that a simple battery replacement will not be enough to resolve the problem, such as physical or electrical injury. In this instance, you will need to take your key fob to a dealer or auto service center to make repairs. Before you do, there are four issues that the replacement battery can't fix. You must be aware of these issues, to be able to seek assistance from a certified technician if needed. You can also find out how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob in order to discover the reason it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Maintaining your key fob's cleanliness is essential to its function and life. Over time the natural oils on your fingers and pockets can build up in the key fob's buttons and in the crevices. This can lead to keys to not function. All you need is rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab and some alcohol rubbing.

Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery away with either a screwdriver or coin. Note the nature of the battery (negative and positive sides) to ensure you reinstall it correctly.

Then, wet a small or swab with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start taking off the dirt from all buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Pay special attention to the battery contacts, making sure they are free of grease or Repair Key dirt. Once you're done cleaning the fob, let it and all its components completely dry.

If your device isn't working even after cleaning, you might want to reset the system. Consult your owner’s manual to find out how to reset the system. If the key fob is dead, this might be enough to bring it back to life.

It is important to maintain the key fob regularly after it has been cleaned and resynchronized. By wiping it clean with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can be sure that your key fob will continue to perform well for the years to come.

Reset the system

Although today's modern key fobs have more features that are safer and more convenient than they ever were but they are still susceptible to some issues. Fortunately, most of the time, these issues aren't serious or complex and are usually resolved with simple techniques such as replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or isn't resolved with simple techniques, an auto Repair key shop will replace and reset your key fob.

Getting your car to lock or unlock using the key fob is the primary function of the device, but it can also be used to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof by using the key fob. This feature is beneficial if you need to open the roof when stuck in traffic or when your hands are full. The key fob can be used to call your vehicle when it is stuck in a parking location.

The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. Symptoms may include erratic behavior or total failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources may sometimes interfere with the proper function of the keyfob. If your key fob has been contaminated with dust or has become wet, it should be cleaned before you can use it again.

Replacing the key fob battery or cleaning the contacts could fix a malfunctioning device, however, if it persists to operate in a erratic manner you might need to do a factory reset. This will eliminate system bugs and restore the operation of the device.

If you're unsure of how to perform a factory reset on your device, check the device manufacturer's website or the owner's manual. Some devices require a special tool to complete the reset, however, you should be able locate instructions that are applicable to the model you're using.

Another option to resolve problems with your key fob is to contact an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These professionals are able to replace and program key fobs for almost all car models. In addition, they can also repair keys for cars that have chips inside them.