Car Key Fob Repair Service

If your car key fob isn't working you may be in a bind. While replacing it with a brand new key fob can be expensive but sometimes it's the most cost-effective alternative.

But before you go to the dealer to have one reprogramed there are a variety of locations that will save you money.

Dead Battery

A dead battery for a fob is among the most common problems with key fobs. It can be a surprise to people, especially when it happens when you leave to work or going to a social event. While you may have an alternative plan in place like a spare key or a phone number to call roadside assistance, you will likely require the fob to be repaired or replaced. The good news is that most car key fob battery issues are easily fixable with the right tools.

Many modern cars come with an emergency backup system to protect the possibility that the fob's battery may fail. If you attach a dead fob to the ignition, you are able to usually start the car. If you own a vehicle that has push-to-start it will also open your doors. The owner's manual for your vehicle will provide specific instructions on how to use the key fob.

Other causes for a key fob that won't respond or turn on to button press events include buttons that aren't being depressed completely, a battery with low capacity, or a remote key repair control that needs to be reprogrammed. In some instances cleaning your key fob may be enough to make it work again. Since key fob buttons are pressed repeatedly, dirt can build up and stop them from being pressed all the way.

You can use the end of a clip to swiftly clean your key fob. This can be used to safely open the case and remove the battery. Keep an extra battery and any tools you'll require to open the key fob's case at hand. This way, you can be prepared for any issue with your key fob, so that it doesn't disrupt your day and cause you to have need to call for roadside assistance. You can also keep a spare car key in your pocket to avoid getting taken by surprise if you have an issue with your key fob.

Button Issues

The buttons on a key fob transmit signals to the remote's circuit board when they are press. If these buttons wear out, the signals may not be transmitted and your fob will stop working. This can occur over time or may be due to another issue with the car or fob. A professional can repair or replace the button if it's worn out.

Key fobs typically see quite a bit of abuse. Every day, they are damaged, thrown around and exposed to heat and cold. They're also quite fragile and can be easily broken. The inside of the fob has parts like a circuit board and battery contacts that can be damaged if they are subjected to enough abuse.

Change the battery inside your key fob will usually be enough to resolve most issues, but some issues are more complicated than the others. You can test the battery using a screwdriver in order to open the fob case and determine whether it's required to be replaced or cleaned. The most common batteries used in key fobs are 3V button batteries that can be bought in almost any retailer.

Even a small amount of force can harm the fob. This can be a concern when you accidentally wash your key fob or swim with it in your pocket. This can damage the chip and prevent the key fob from working.

A professional locksmith is the best option if you're having an issue with buttons. They can fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also fix other electrical problems, like a broken light or a sound horn that isn't working.

It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and equipment for your car. Cars can be expensive. If you don't, your vehicle won't function correctly and you'll be having a harder getting to where you want to go. Faulty technology and equipment can also pose a risk to safety, as it can result in serious mechanical problems in the future.

Broken Battery Terminals

If your fob isn't working when you attempt to start your vehicle it could be because the battery terminals have broken. To unlock and start your vehicle, the fob needs to be able communicate with the central system of your vehicle. This communication is made through a tiny transmitter that is located inside the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted to the internal G28 Car Keys key (if there is one) which then opens the doors and starts the engine. The fob is designed to send this signal at distances of up 50 feet, however the transmission may not function in the event that the battery terminals are broken.

These are simple fixes. It's usually simple to replace the battery. Simply take out the old one, determine what type of batteries you require, and go to an auto parts store or online retailer to purchase the appropriate batteries. It can be difficult to open key fobs to access the batteries. Be careful not to scratch any item.

Then, test the key fob once more. If it doesn't work it could be because the key made of metal inside the fob is damaged or the key fob repairs has been programmed. Modern keys must be programmed to work with specific vehicles, and a certain error codes can affect the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogram the key to the vehicle.

A damaged fob is a second possibility, especially if the fob was dropped or left in the rain. It could also be that the key fob was subjected to extreme heat or other issues that caused the circuit board to fail. Sometimes, this can be the result of having work done on your vehicle that exposed wires. This could cause other problems, like a malfunctioning horn or malfunctioning key fob. It is essential to examine your key fob for damages and repair or replace it if needed, as not having an operational key can be extremely stressful and potentially dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are a great convenience to have however, they can also cause issues that require professional repair. Fortunately, the majority of problems that could be afflict the car key fob are relatively simple and inexpensive to repair. Here are some of most common problems with their possible solutions.

A dead battery

Smart Key fobs have a shorter lifespan than most basic remotes. Fob batteries typically need to be replaced every three or four years, and they will cease to function when they're old. Fortunately it is a simple problem to solve - simply buy a new replacement battery and then install it.

Damaged receiver

To start and open your vehicle the transmitter inside your keyfob needs to receive a signal from the receiver in your car. If this receiver is damaged, signals will not be able to pass through and will remain unreadable. This is a simple issue to diagnose, but it may be necessary to replace the entire receiver if it is too damaged.

Not programmed

Certain cars of the present require a chip that is included in the key fob to allow it to start. This chip communicates to the car using an exclusive code that is only known by the manufacturer. In the majority of cases, a replacement fob needs to be programmed by the dealer. You can find aftermarket fobs that are compatible with a variety of vehicles.

Not working

If your car key fob does not work after having replaced the battery and buttons, it could be due to an electrical issue or a different problem that requires a professional fix. A professional locksmith can check for this type of problem and fix your key fob back in good working order in a short time. This service is usually less expensive than a trip to the dealership. The cost of a replacement fob can vary based on the model of your vehicle and your local locksmith. You can contact a few companies in your area to know the cost prior to booking an appointment.