Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

Being tossed around in purses and pockets, key fob buttons can get damaged and Repair Car Keys stop registering presses reliably. Replacing the battery, which most car fobs are equipped with in a snap-out case, can fix this issue.

If the contacts inside the key fob are worn, a new replacement might not be enough to revive it. There's an easy fix that you can try at home:

Replace the Battery

If your key fob seems sluggish or takes a longer time to unlock or lock your car, it may be time to replace the battery. Replacing a key fob's battery is one of those simple tasks that you can perform yourself. This is a simple fix that will save you money on a trip to the dealership or locksmith.

The majority of key fobs require a coin-style battery (CR2032 or similar) which can be found at any general store, home improvement center, or auto parts stores. The key fobs come with an opening for these batteries, and it is easy to replace the battery. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to use a screwdriver or another tool to remove the cover from the compartment for batteries.

Some key fobs come with clips which hold the battery in place. If so then gently lift them up using your fingers or a non-metallic device. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Take note of the position when you take out the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as they can cause damage to their lives.

Close the case of the key fob and test the functionality by pressing the button. If the key fob isn't working, you might have to reopen it and make sure the battery is inserted correctly.

It's also possible that a simple battery replacement isn't enough to fix the issue, for instance physical or electrical injury. In this scenario, you'll have to bring your key fob into a dealer or automotive service center to repair. Before you do that, there are four issues that a replacement battery cannot solve. You should be aware of these issues, so that you can seek assistance from a certified technician if you need it. You should also read about how to repair a defective key fob transmitter to find out more about the reasons it may not be functioning properly.

Clean the Contacts

It is essential to keep your keys clean to maintain their functionality and longevity. Over time the natural oils on your fingers and pocket dust can build up in key fob buttons and crevices. This can lead to the keys not to work. It's easy enough to fix, though all you need is some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

Then, open the key fob by popping the lid off with the help of a coin or screwdriver and gently removing the battery. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive sides) so that you can put it back in the correct way.

Then you can apply a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and surrounding areas of the fob. Make sure to pay special attention to the contacts of the battery and make sure they are clean. Once you are done, be sure to let the fob as well as its components dry completely.

If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you might be required to reset your system. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to do this, and follow them accordingly. This could be able to bring the key fob back to normal if the issue was simply due to the battery being dead.

After the key fob has been cleaned and resynthesized, it is a great idea to keep up with regular maintenance. You can ensure that your key fob is in good working order for a long time by wiping it clean using a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the system

Despite the fact that today's high-tech key fobs are more capable, secure, and convenient than ever before, it's possible for them to encounter certain issues. Fortunately, most of the time, these issues aren't serious or complex, and can be fixed with simple methods like replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or is not resolved with simple methods such as auto keyless entry repair shops, they will replace and reset your key fob.

The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however 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 extremely useful when you are stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. In the same way, the key fob can be used to summon your car when it's located in a tight place.

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

Replacing the key fob battery or cleaning the contacts can fix a malfunctioning device, but if it continues to run erratically it may be necessary to do a factory reset. This can fix system-related issues and How to repair broken car key restore device performance.

If you're unsure of how to do the factory reset on your device, refer to the website of the manufacturer of your device or the owner's manual. Certain devices require specialized tools to reset them, but you should find instructions specific to the model you have.

Another option to resolve issues with your key fob is to contact an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These professionals are able to replace and program key fobs for nearly all car models. They can also repair car keys that have chips inside them.