Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stops working, you may be tempted to go to an authorized dealer to get it reprogrammed. Try a few quick fixes at your home.

Begin by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat-watch-style batteries that are affordable and easy to find. You can then take a look at the key fob and check for buttons that are worn out or out of the right place.

Dead Battery

The key fob, which is a tiny electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It is an electronic radio transmitter that sends codes to a receiver within your car. Key fob batteries usually last for a long period of time, but they could end up dying at any time. You can usually detect if the battery been drained by looking at the LED light or attempting to press one of the buttons. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery is dead and requires to be replaced.

The process of replacing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's usually as easy as opening the key fob, removing the old battery and replacing it with a new one. Batteries for fobs are small, similar to the ones used in watches or hearing aids. They can be found in home improvement stores and general stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin with plus and minus symbol on the bottom. If you're not sure what type of battery your fob uses, refer to the owner's manual, or look on the fob's own for the label.

After you change the battery the fob's key should work as normal. However, if it doesn't, there may be another issue with your vehicle or its system that is causing the fob to not work properly. If this is the situation you'll require assistance at the roadside.

Based on the model and make of your vehicle, you might be able to purchase replacement keys online or from a dealer. The purchase of a new key fob is typically the best option, since it will save you time and money as opposed to having to fix a broken one by yourself.

Buttons Aren't Responding

It could be a worn-out button sensor if you've been driving for a long time and you notice that your keys don't work. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which may cause them to only work correctly if they are pushed in a certain way or with extreme force. This is a problem that occurs for many fobs, and can be easily fixed with some simple DIY steps.

The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it will stop receiving the signal, and stop the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. This can be resolved by having a mechanic examine the receiver to determine if there is damage. In most cases, this will be cost-free or at a minimal cost depending on the make of your vehicle.

It's not a surprise that key fobs are commonly used and are often tossed into pockets and Remote Key Fob Repairs purses. They can become a bit finicky and only function properly if pressed in a specific manner. This is an easy fix for most fobs since the buttons can be strengthened and fixed very quickly using silicone and a bit of work.

Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the car chime. It is necessary to do this multiple times in order to get the button to activate. Then, you'll need to switch your key into and out of the ignition in your car several times more in order to reset the connection between the fob and your car. Once the connection is restored, unlock the key and you will be able to unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the procedure as needed to ensure that your fob is functioning again. If you cannot fix the fob using this procedure, it may be required to replace it. If you decide to replace it, be 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 gets damaged, it can break off from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. Replacing the loop on your keychain is an easy fix.

Key fobs can also malfunction due to water and moisture damage. The signs include a decreased range of operation, or no functionality at all. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in some instances, repair car key fob or replacement by a professional might be required.

Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. This could require the purchase of a new case for your key fob or button replacement, but most of the time, the issue can be solved by changing the programming. Occasionally signals from nearby electronic devices may 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 auto dealership to identify and solve. This is usually the case for older electric keys that use infrared signals to operate and require an optical line of sight. The majority of modern microchip keys communicate with your vehicle using radio frequency to authorize a challenge.

Pairings that are lost or damaged

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

Modern cars have key fobs that allow for a variety of functions. They can lower and raise the windows, activate the alarm and turn on the interior lighting and even start certain vehicles. This means it can be easy for owners to use the wrong buttons due to accident. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual handy when you use your key fob so that you can refer to the specific sections that deal with the different features of your car.

A fob could malfunction because the remote signal has been damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs use sophisticated technology for encryption of signals to keep thieves from intercepting signals and creating unauthorized remotes or key fobs that can unlock a car. To reprogram the fob, you'll need to visit a dealer or auto locksmith.

Some automakers provide their own instructions available to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are often easy enough to do at home. However, the process is generally not a good choice for beginners without extensive electronics experience. This type of work should be left to professionals.

Key fobs can suffer wear and tear if frequently handled and used. The buttons on a key fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case may crack or break. Keep a spare fob with your person at all times. This will help you save time should your remote break down when you're out and about. It is ideal to keep it by your bed during the night because it will permit you to activate the panic button when you hear sounds in the house during the night.