Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stops functioning, you might be tempted to go to an authorized dealer to have it reprogrammed. Try some quick fixes in your home.

Start by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat watch-style batteries that are cheap and easy to find. Look over the key fob to find worn buttons or ones that are not in the right place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is a tiny electronic device that makes it easy to lock or unlock your car. It works by using a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries generally last a long time, but they can be wiped out at any point. Examine the LED light, or try pressing one of the buttons to determine whether the battery is dead. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and has to be replaced.

Change the battery on a key fob is easy and quick. It's typically a matter of opening the fob and pulling out the battery that was in use, and then installing the new one. Fobs have small batteries, similar to those found in hearing aids and watches, that are available at all kinds of stores and home improvement centers. They're typically shaped like a small coin, and feature plus and minus marks on the bottom. If you're not sure what type of battery your fob takes, consult the owner's manual or look at the fob's own for the label.

The fob you have been using for your key should function normal. If it's not working it could be due to an issue with your vehicle, or its system, that's causing it to not function correctly. If this is the case, you will need assistance from a roadside service.

You can purchase replacement keys from a retailer or online, depending on the model and make of your car. It's usually cheaper and more convenient to purchase a new key fob instead of to repair a damaged one.

Buttons Aren't Responding

It could be due to a worn button sensor if you've driven for a long time and you notice that your keys aren't functioning. The majority of fobs have buttons made of rubber that wear out over time, which can cause them to work correctly when they are pushed in a particular way or with extreme force. This is a problem that occurs with a lot of fobs and can be fixed by following some simple DIY steps.

The fob transmits an unlocking signal 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 your mechanic inspect the receiver to determine if there is damage. This service is often cost-free or just an amount that is based on the car's model.

Key fobs that are utilized daily receive lots of use and are often found in pockets and purses which is why it's not a surprise that they occasionally be finicky and only function properly when they are pressed a certain way. This is an easy fix for most fobs as the buttons can be strengthened and repaired quickly using silicone and a bit of work.

To get the buttons working again, first press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. This will need to be done several times to activate the button. Next, you will need to cycle your key into and out of the car's ignition several times more in order to reset the connection between the fob and the car. After the connection has been restored, you can remove the key from the ignition and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process until your fob is functioning again. If you are unable to fix the fob by following this process it could need to be replaced entirely. If you have to replace it, make sure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle make and model.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop is damaged it could separate from your keys and no longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.

Damage from water or moisture could also cause key fobs to fail, with symptomatic problems including a shortened range of operation or no function at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery could fix the issue however, nearby sometimes an expert repair car key remote or replacement is required.

Key fob buttons might get worn out over time, resulting in reduced functionality or unresponsiveness. This may require a new key fob case or button replacement, but 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 the vehicle and cause issues with locking or unlocking. This might require a diagnostic test performed at the dealership to identify and fix. This is often the case with older electric key fobs, which operate on infrared signals and require a clear line-of-sight in order to function, but most modern microchipped key fobs use radio frequency challenge-response authentication to communicate with your vehicle.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

Over time keys fob batteries deplete their charge. If the battery has lost all of its power the remote won't respond to commands. Replacing the battery will usually fix this problem, but you may also need to have the remote reprogrammed.

Key fobs used in modern vehicles can be used to control a variety of functions. They can raise and lower windows, turn off the alarm as well as turn on the interior lighting and even start some vehicles. It is easy for owners of vehicles to accidentally use the wrong buttons. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual nearby while using your key fob, so that you can refer to the specific sections that deal with the various functions of your vehicle.

A fob could stop working due to the remote's signal being damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs utilize sophisticated encryption techniques to prevent thieves from intercepting signals and creating unauthorized keys or remotes that can unlock a car. You'll likely need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to reprogram your fob and restore its function.

Certain automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs. These processes are typically simple enough to be done at home. However, this is generally not a good choice for beginners without extensive electronics experience. This type of work should be left to experts.

Key fobs are subject to wear and tear when they're used and handled frequently. The buttons on a fob can be pushed around, and the case can break or crack. Keep a spare fob on you at all times. This will help you save time should your remote break down while you're out and about. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so you can activate the panic button if you hear sounds at night.