Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You may be tempted, when your remote key fob is not working to bring it to a dealer to get it reset. Try a few fixes at your home.

Start with a replacement battery. Flat-watch-style batteries are affordable and easy to find in hardware stores. Check the key fob for worn buttons or those that aren't in place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is an electronic device that makes it easy to lock or unlock your car. It works by using a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver within your vehicle. Key fob batteries generally last a long time, but they may die at any time. Look for the LED light or press one of the buttons to determine if it's dead. If the key fob won't respond it means the battery has failed and needs to be replaced.

It's simple and quick to change the battery in your key fob. It is usually as simple as opening the key fob, removing the battery that was in use and replacing it with a fresh one. Fobs have small batteries, like the ones found in hearing aids or watches which are sold in general stores and home improvement centers. They're typically shaped like small coins with a plus and minus symbol on the bottom. Check out the owner's manual or the label on your key fob if you aren't sure what type of batteries your fob has.

After changing the battery the fob's key should work as normal. If it doesn't work it could be because of another issue with your car, or its system, that's the reason it isn't functioning properly. If this is the situation, you'll need help from a roadside service to help with the issue.

You could be able to purchase replacement keys through a dealer or online, depending on the make and models of your vehicle. It is often cheaper and more convenient to purchase a new key fob instead of to repair a damaged one.

Buttons Aren't Responding

It could be due to a worn button sensor if you've been driving for a long period of time and you notice that your keys aren't functioning. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which can cause them to work properly if they are pushed in a particular manner or with a lot of force. This is a common problem with a lot of fobs and can be solved by following a few DIY steps.

The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the car's receiver. If the receiver is damaged it may stop receiving the signal, and the key will not be able to open or start your vehicle. This can be resolved by having a mechanic look over the receiver to look for damage. In most cases, this is free or a small fee according to the make of your car.

It's not surprising that key fobs are commonly utilized and tossed around in pockets and purses. They can become finicky and only function properly if pressed in a specific way. This is a simple fix for the majority of fobs, as the buttons can be strengthened and fixed quickly with some silicone and a bit of effort.

Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the vehicle sound. You will need to do this multiple times in succession to get the button to activate. The next step is to rotate your key in and out of the ignition for a few times to reset the fob's connection with the vehicle. After the connection has been restored, you are able to remove the key from the ignition and then open your car with the remote. Repeat the process as necessary to get your fob working again. If you're unable to fix the fob by following this procedure, it may need to be replaced entirely. If you have 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 separate from your keys and no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.

Damage from water or moisture could also cause key fobs to malfunction, with symptomatic problems including a shortened range of operation or no function at all. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, but in certain cases, professional repair or replacement may be required.

Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. This could require an entirely new key fob case or button replacement, but most of the time, the issue can be resolved by changing the programming. Signal interference from nearby electronic devices can sometimes affect the connection between your key fob and your vehicle, causing problems in unlocking or locking. It could be necessary to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership in order to troubleshoot. This is usually the case for older electric keys that use infrared signals to operate and require the use of a line-of-sight. The majority of modern microchip keys communicate with your car via radio frequency to authorize a challenge.

Pairings that are corrupted or lost

Over time the batteries of key repairs near me fobs lose their charge. If the battery has lost too much of its power the remote won't respond to commands. Replacing the battery will usually fix this problem, but you may also need to get the remote reprogrammed.

Modern cars come with key fobs that control various functions. They can lower and raise the windows, activate the alarm and turn on the interior lighting and even start certain vehicles. It can be easy for owners to press the wrong buttons by accident. Keep the owner's guide close at hand when you use your keyfob so you can quickly refer to the sections that address the features of your car.

A fob might stop working because the remote signal has been damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs use sophisticated signal encryption technology to stop thieves from stealing signals and creating unauthorized keys or remotes that can unlock a car. To reprogram the fob you will need to visit an auto key repair locksmith or dealer.

Some automakers provide their own instructions for key fob reprogramming. These procedures are usually simple enough to be done at home. However, the process is generally not a good option for those who are not experienced with electronics experience. This type of work is best left to professionals.

Key fobs can suffer a lot more wear and tear if they're used and handled regularly. The buttons on a fob may be tossed around and the case could crack or break. Keep a spare remote with your person at all times. This will save you time should your remote break down when you're out and out and about. It is ideal to keep it close to your bed in the evening since it will allow you to press the panic button if you hear sounds in the house at night.