How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Even though we test them a lot, key fobs are not indestructible. They are able to be destroyed in various ways.

While the most common issue is a dead battery however, other issues could be much more serious. Fortunately, many of them can be resolved by a simple DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most frequent cause of the key fob not functioning. Fob batteries are prone to draining quickly, especially if they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or water. It's a good idea to keep an additional fob battery in your wallet in case.

The LED light will generally stop blinking when the battery in your car key fob is running low. The fob may also stop working at the same distance it used to. In this case the key fob could need to be reprogrammed or replaced entirely.

Fortunately the replacement of the battery in a car key fob is easy. First, determine what kind of battery is being used. The type of battery you are using should be embossed in the side of your key fob. If you are not sure then an easy Google search will help. Once you've identified the kind of battery you want you want to use, open the key fob at the seam. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to break the two halves. Then, you can remove the old battery and insert a new one in its place. Then, insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers may not realize their fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons don't respond. This can be corrected by reprogramming your fob. However, it can be time-consuming and expensive. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they can jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.

If you've tried both solutions and your vehicle still won't turn on, it's time to contact a professional. A trained technician can tell whether your car's computer requires reprogramming, or if the fob simply needs replacement batteries. They can also recommend a reliable auto shop to replace your key fob. Sometimes it is possible that a new fob may be the best solution.

Damaged Circuit Board

A key fob is not indestructible, but it is able to be able to withstand a variety of physical harm. The battery, circuit board buttons, and other components all suffer their fair amount of wear and tear with time and it's crucial to be aware and take care of them in order to keep your car key fob functioning well.

The easiest way to test is to make sure the battery in the key fob isn't dying. If it is then replace the battery and determine if this fixes the problem. If this does not work, you may need to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge because some key fobs don't have a release mechanism that is easy to open them up and you may harm your device if you attempt to break it. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but you must always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.

Another problem that is frequently encountered is a damaged or corrupted circuit board on the key fob. This can be caused by a number of things, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software, hardware issues, or even an accidental firmware update. If your key fob is not functioning, you might be interested in having it changed. This can be done by a locksmith who is skilled in this kind of work.

Radio interference is also a possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob, like a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, you should check with the other manufacturers of the device to make sure that your key fob isn't being affected by their signals.

It's also possible that your key fob may have an unreliable switch or electrical component that should be replaced. There are online guides that will guide you through the process of fixing this yourself. You should be careful, however, as the circuit board that is inside your key fob is small and is prone to breaking when handled rough. If you do this yourself, be sure to use a high quality SMT switch and then solder it into place properly.

Out Buttons Out Buttons

Car key fobs can suffer a lot of wear and wear and tear. They're prone to being dropped and spend a lot of time moving around in your pocket or purse. Sometimes, this jostling can cause buttons to wear out or snagged. If this happens an easy adjustment could be all it takes to make it work again.

Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can tell if they've been pressed. They're designed to detect this to decrease the chance of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you press them, that's an indication that they're worn-out and need to be replaced.

The circuit board that is in the key fob transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well commands to start the engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged then the key fob you have may not be able to unlock your vehicle or even start the engine. Typically, this type of damage is caused by water, force blunt or G28Carkeys a scratch on the circuit board.

If you're having to press the buttons harder than normal to make them function, then your fob's buttons are getting worn out. Additionally your fob could stop transmitting a signal to the car or have less range than before.

Contact a locksmith right away when you're unable to use your key fob to start your vehicle. They'll be able determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or if your ignition cylinder has worn down.

Fortunately, the majority of car keyfob problems aren't complicated or serious. Keep an extra key fob in your car key fob repairs at all times to avoid being thrown off by a malfunctioning one. This will ensure that you're not left stranded somewhere due to the loss or malfunction of your key. If you have lost your spare key, a professional locksmith can rekey it to work with your car's engine. They'll also be able to repair any internal damage that may have been caused to your key fob.

Broken Case

The case of a key fob does more than protect the batteries and buttons. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic when you press a key fob button. This board takes the signal from your key fob and sends it to your car.

If the board is damaged or dead, your key fob won't be able to operate. A dead key fob may only need to be reprogrammed by a local auto locksmith, or dealership.

Batteries could be the reason your key fob's battery not working. The battery can be replaced at home. You can purchase the replacement battery from the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries aren't only for key fobs.

There are a variety of ways to open a key fob to get inside it, based on the type. You can find out what kind of battery your key fob uses by conducting a quick internet search. You can then purchase an alternative and take the old one out and then put the new one in.

If you are repairing a damaged key fob, the primary concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons in any way. When you try to break the key fob using a sharp edge, such as screwdrivers can damage the case or even crack the plastic. A replacement case isn't expensive and you can find the entire fob including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

If your key fob isn't working look into whether the batteries are dead or whether the circuit board has become damaged. If this is not the case, you can have it repaired quickly and easily by a professional. If not, it could be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check the warranty on any fob replacement or used purchased online.