Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You may be enticed if your remote key fob isn't working, to take it to a dealership to get it changed. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.

Start by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat-watch-style batteries that are cheap and easy to locate. Then take a close look at the fob that you have purchased and look for buttons that are worn or out of place.

Dead Battery

The key fob, a tiny electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It uses the radio transmitter of a short range to send unique codes to the receiver within your vehicle. Key fob batteries generally last for a long period of time, but they could end up dying at any time. You can detect if the battery died by checking the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.

Changing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's as easy as opening the key fob, removing the battery that was in use and replacing it with a fresh one. Fobs use small batteries, similar to the ones found in hearing aids and watches which are sold at all kinds of stores and home improvement stores. They're usually shaped like a small coin, and feature plus and minus marks on the bottom. Consult your owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't certain which batteries your fob has.

The fob you have been using for your key should work normally. If it doesn't then there could be a issue with your car or its system that is causing the fob to not perform as it should. If this is the case, you'll need help from a roadside service to help with the issue.

You could be able to purchase replacement keys through a dealer or online, depending on the make and models of your car. The purchase of a new key fob is typically the best alternative, since it will save you time and money compared to fixing a broken one by yourself.

Buttons aren't responding

If you have been driving for a while and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't working it could be an issue with worn-out buttons or sensors. Rubberized buttons on most fobs wear out over time. This could cause them to only function correctly when pushed in a certain way or with extreme pressure. This is a common issue with a lot of fobs and is easily repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.

To unlock the vehicle the fob transmits an alert to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged it may stop receiving the signal and the key won't operate to unlock or start your car. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine the receiver to determine if there is damage. In most cases, this will be free or for a small cost dependent on the model of the car you own.

The key fobs that are frequently used get a lot of use and are often found in pockets and purses, so it is no surprise that they sometimes be finicky and function properly if they are press in a certain manner. This is a simple fix for most fobs as the buttons can be reinforced and fixed quickly with some silicone and a bit of effort.

To enable the buttons once more, press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. This must be repeated several times to activate the button. Next, you will need to turn your key in and out of the ignition in your car several times more in order to reset the connection between the fob and your car. After the connection has been restored, you can remove the key from the ignition and then open your car with the remote. Repeat the process until the fob is working again. If you cannot fix the fob with this method, it could be necessary to replace it. If you decide to replace the fob, you must make sure that it is programmed for your car's model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop breaks off, it can break off from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your repair car keys. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.

Moisture and water damage might also cause key fobs to malfunction with symptoms that include a shortened range of operation or even no function at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery could solve the issue however sometimes a repairs or replacements by a professional are required.

Key fob buttons may wear out over time, remote Key fob repairs resulting in reduced functionality or unresponsiveness. This might require a new key fob case or replacement of the button, however usually, the issue can be solved by reprogramming. Occasionally signal interference from nearby electronic devices could interfere with the connection between the key fob and your vehicle and cause issues with locking or unlocking. This may necessitate a diagnostic test at the dealership to determine the cause and solve. This is usually the case for older electric key fobs that use infrared signals. They require a clear line of sight to function however, the majority of modern microchip keys use challenge-response authentication over radio frequency to connect with your vehicle.

Corrupted or lost pairing

Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote may not respond to commands. This issue is usually solved by replacing the battery, however, it could be necessary to re-program your remote.

Modern cars have key fobs that control various functions. They can adjust the height of the windows, activate alarms, switch on interior lights, and even start certain vehicles. It is common for car owners to press the wrong buttons. It is a good idea to keep your owner's manual nearby when you are using your key fob, so that you can refer to the specific sections that deal with the various functions of your car.

Another reason that can cause a fob's malfunctioning is that the remote's signal has been corrupted or lost. Some of the more modern key fobs utilize sophisticated signal encryption technologies to prevent thieves from intercepting the signals and creating remotes or key fobs that are not authorized that can unlock your car. To reprogram the fob, you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer.

Certain automakers offer their own instructions available to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are often simple enough to be done at home. This process is not recommended for Remote Key Fob Repairs beginners who do not have extensive experience in electronics. It is best to leave this type of work to professionals.

Key fobs are subject to more wear and tear when they're used and handled regularly. The buttons on a fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case could crack or break. It is important to have a spare key fob with at all times because it will save you time and trouble in the event that your remote ceases to function when you are out and wandering around. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so that you can press the panic button in case you hear noises during the night.