Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

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

If the contacts on your key fob have damaged, a new replacement may not be enough to revive it. This is a simple fix you can do at home.

Replace the Battery

It's possible to change the battery in your key fob if it isn't working properly or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than usual. It's good news that replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the most simple tasks you can complete yourself. This is a straightforward fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealership or locksmith.

You can purchase a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts, home improvement, key Repair car or general store. The key fobs usually come with a slot for the batteries, and opening the case for battery replacement is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer you will need to use a screwdriver to open the compartment.

Certain key fobs have clips which hold the battery in place. If this is the case, gently lift these up with your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Remove the old battery and install an alternative one, and be mindful of its orientation to ensure that you put it in the correct place. It is important to avoid touching the batteries' flat surfaces, since finger marks can reduce their lifespan.

Close the case of the key fob and test its functionality by pressing the button. If it still doesn't work it may be necessary to open the case again and verify whether the new battery has been properly inserted.

It is also possible that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to fix the issue, like electrical damage or physical trauma. In this instance, you will be required to take your key fob to a dealer or auto service center to make repairs. Before you do that, there are four issues that replacing the battery won't fix. You should be aware of these issues, so that you can get help from a trained technician if you need it. You can also find out how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob to determine the reason why it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Cleaning your key fob is essential to its function and longevity. Over time, the natural oils of your fingertips and pocket lint can accumulate on the key fob's crevices and buttons and may cause keys to stop functioning completely. It's not difficult to fix, though all you need is ruby alcohol and a cotton swab.

Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery out with the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive sides) so that you can put it back in the correct way.

Then, wet a swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start cleansing the dirt off all the buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Pay particular attention to the battery's contacts, making sure they are free of any dirt or grease. Once you are done, be sure to let the fob and its components dry completely.

If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you might want to reset the system. Refer to the owner's manual of your device for instructions on how to do this, and follow them accordingly. This may be able to bring the key fob back to life if the issue was simply a dead battery.

After the key fob has been cleaned and resynched, it is a great idea to ensure regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can be sure that your key fob will perform well for years to come.

Reset the system

Even though today's high tech key fobs are equipped with more features that are safer, more secure, and are more convenient than they ever were, they can still encounter some issues. Most of the time these issues aren't too serious or difficult and can be fixed by simple procedures, such as changing the battery. If the issue is more serious or if the issue cannot be resolved with simple methods, a professional auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.

Getting your car to lock or unlock using the key fob is the principal function of the device, but it can also be used to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise a sunroof by using the key fob. This feature is very useful when you're stuck in traffic and require to open your roof. Similarly, the key repair keys near me car (http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw) fob can be used to call your vehicle when it is stuck in a parking location.

The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. It could be a sign of erratic behavior or total failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, as well as other sources of electromagnetic interference can interfere with the proper operation of a key fob. If your key fob has become wet or contaminated with dust, it's going to require cleaning prior to being used again.

Replacing the key fob battery or cleaning the contacts could help fix a malfunctioning device however, if it continues to malfunction you might need to do a factory reset. This can clear up system issues and restore operating efficiency of the device.

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

Contacting a mobile locksmith for cars in Apache Junction is another option to fix issues with your keyfob. These experts are able replace and program key fobs for key repair Car almost all models of automobiles. They can also repair key fob keys that have chips.