Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

The buttons on key fobs can become damaged and stop working after being tossed around in pockets and purses. Replacing the small battery, which a majority of car fobs are equipped with in a snap-out bag, can fix this problem.

If the contacts in your key fob are worn, a new replacement might not be enough to revive it. This is a simple fix that you can do at home.

Replace the battery

It could be time to replace the battery if your key fob isn't working properly or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than it does on a regular. Replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the easy tasks you can do yourself. It's also a cost-effective fix that could save you a trip to an expert locksmith or a dealership.

You can buy a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general retailer. Key fobs typically have a slot that can accept the batteries, and opening the case for battery replacement is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to use a screwdriver or other tool to remove the cover from the battery compartment.

Certain key fobs have clips which hold the battery in place. if so, gently lift these up with your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Install the new battery, taking care to put it in the right place. Be aware of its orientation when you remove the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as this could reduce their lifespan.

Close the case of the key fob and test its function by pressing the button. If it doesn't work you might need to reopen the fob and check whether the new battery has been properly installed.

It is also possible that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to solve the issue, like physical or electrical trauma. In that case, you'll need to bring your key repair shops near me fob to an auto service or dealer center to repair. However, before you do so, there are four common issues that a replacement battery won't fix. It is important to be aware of these issues to be able to seek help from a qualified technician if needed. You can also read how to fix the defective transmitter of a key fob in order to determine the reason why it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Keeping your key fob clean is essential to its function and life. Over time, natural oils from your hands and pockets can build up on the crevices and buttons and even cause keys to cease working altogether. All you need is rubbing alcohol the cotton swab, and some alcohol to rub it on.

First, open the key fob by gently prying the battery away with either a screwdriver or coin. Make sure you note the kind of battery it is (negative and positive sides) so that you can insert it again correctly after you are finished.

Then you can use a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons as well as the surrounding areas of the fob. Be particular about the battery's contacts, ensuring that they are free of dirt or grease. Once you are done, be sure to allow the fob and its components dry completely.

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

After the key fob's been cleaned and resynched it is a great idea to maintain regular maintenance. You can keep your key fob functioning for many years by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the system

Despite the fact that today's modern-day key fobs are more efficient, secure, and convenient than ever, it is possible to run into certain problems. Most of the time, these issues aren’t serious or complex and can be solved with simple procedures, such as changing the battery. If the problem is more serious, or if the issue cannot be resolved using simple methods an expert auto repair key shop can repair and replace the key fob.

The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to enable certain vehicle features. One example is the ability to lower or raise a sunroof using the key fob. This feature is very useful when you are stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. The key fob can be used to call your vehicle when it is stuck in a parking place.

The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs are erratic behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, as well as other sources of electromagnetic interference could interfere with the operation of the key fob. If your key fob has been dirty or has become wet, it must be cleaned prior to attempting to use it again.

Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts could help fix a malfunctioning device but if the device persists to operate in a erratic manner you might need to do a factory reset. This can fix system-related issues and improve device performance.

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

Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to solve issues with your key fob. These experts can repair and program keyfobs for nearly all car models. Additionally, Repair Key they can also repair keys for cars with chips in the keys.