Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

When they are tossed around in pockets and purses keys fobs can deteriorate and fail to register presses reliably. This problem can be fixed by replacing the small battery that is typically found in the snap-out case that comes with the majority of car fobs.

If the contacts in the key fob are damaged, a replacement might not be enough to make it work again. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix that you can try at home:

Replace the Battery

It could be time to replace the battery in your key fob if it isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than usual. Luckily, replacing a key fob's battery is among the simplest tasks you can tackle yourself. This is a simple fix that will save you money when you go to the dealership or locksmith.

The majority of key fobs need the use of a coin-type battery (CR2032 or similar) which you can purchase at any general store or home improvement center or auto parts stores. Key fobs typically come with a slot for the batteries, and opening the case to replace batteries is relatively simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you may require an instrument such as a screwdriver to open the cover of the compartment for batteries.

Some key fobs have clips that hold the battery in place. If this is the case then gently lift them up with your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Install the new battery, making sure to install it correctly. Be aware of its orientation when you remove the old one. It is crucial to avoid touching the batteries' flat surfaces, as finger marks can shorten their life.

Close the case of the fob's key and test the functionality by pressing the button. If it's still not working it may be necessary to open the case again and make sure whether the new battery has been properly inserted.

It is also possible that a simple battery replacement will not be enough to resolve the issue, like physical or electrical trauma. In this case, you'll need to bring your key fob to a dealer or automotive key repair service center for repair. However, before you do this, you should be aware of four issues that a battery replacement can't solve. It is important to be aware of these issues, to be able to seek help from a qualified technician when necessary. You can also find out how to fix the faulty transmitter of a key fob in order to determine the reason why it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

It is essential to keep your keys clean to ensure their function and durability. Over time, the natural oils of your fingertips and pocket lint can build up on the crevices and buttons and even cause keys to cease working completely. It's not difficult to fix, though all you need is cleaning alcohol and a cotton swab.

First, open the key fob by gently prying the battery out with a coin or screwdriver. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive sides) to ensure you install it correctly.

After that, make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and surrounding areas of the fob. Pay special attention to the battery contacts, making sure that they are clean of grease or dirt. Once you are done, be sure to let the fob and its components dry completely.

If your fob still won't function after cleaning it, it may be a good idea to reset the system. Consult your owner's manual for the instructions on how to do this and follow them. This could be able to bring the key fob back to life if the problem was simply due to an unresponsive battery.

After the key fob has been cleaned and resynched, it is a great idea to ensure regular maintenance. You can keep your key fob working well for many years by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the system

Despite the fact that today's high-tech key fobs are more powerful, secure, and convenient than ever, it is possible that they have certain issues. The majority of these problems aren't major or Car Keys Repairs Near Me complicated and can be fixed by simple procedures, such as changing the battery. If the issue is more serious or the issue cannot be resolved using simple methods, a professional auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.

The device's primary function is to lock or unlock your car, but you can also use it to activate certain vehicle features. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof using the key fob. This feature is useful if you need to open the roof while you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. The key fob is also helpful in bringing your car to life if it's parked in a shady spot.

The key fob's internal circuitry and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. Symptoms may include unpredictable behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, or other sources of electromagnetic interference can affect the operation of a key fob. If your key fob has become dirty or wet, or is contaminated by dust, it will require cleaning prior to being used again.

If the device continues to behave in a strange manner after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you might have to perform a factory resetting. This can clear up system issues and restore performance of the device.

If you're unsure of how to perform the factory reset on your device, consult the device manufacturer's website or your owner's manual. Certain models require a specific tool to complete the reset however, you should be able to find instructions that apply to the specific model you have.

Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to fix issues with your key fob. They are able to replace and program key fobs for almost all models of automobiles. Additionally, they can also fix car keys that have chips inside them.