Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stops functioning, you might be tempted to visit an authorized dealer to get it reprogrammed. Try some quick fixes in your home.

Begin by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat-watch-style batteries that are cheap and easy to locate. You can then take a look at the fob that you have purchased and look for buttons that are worn out or out of place.

Dead Battery

The key fob, a small electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It makes use of the radio transmitter of a short range to send unique codes to the receiver inside your vehicle. Key fob batteries usually last for a long time, but they may be wiped out at any point. Examine the LED light, or try pressing one of the buttons to determine whether the battery is dead. If the key fob will not respond, then the battery is dead and needs 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, then removing the old battery and replacing it with a fresh one. Fobs use tiny batteries, similar to those used in hearing aids and watches which are sold at general stores and home improvement stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin, and feature plus and minus marks on the bottom. If you're unsure of the type of battery your fob is using, check your owner's manual or check the key fob for an identification label.

Your key fob should now function normally. If it doesn't work it could be due to an issue with your vehicle or its system which is making it not work properly. If this is the situation, you'll need to get roadside assistance to resolve the issue.

Based on the model and make of your vehicle, you may also be able to order replacement fobs for your keys through the internet or from a dealership. It's typically cheaper and less expensive to purchase a new key fob key repair instead of to repair a damaged one.

Buttons Aren't Responding

If you have been driving your car for a while and notice that the keys' buttons are not functioning it could be an issue with worn buttons or sensors. The buttons that are made of rubber on most fobs wear out over time. This could cause them to function correctly when pushed in a certain way or when pressure is high. This is a common problem with a lot of fobs and can be easily repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.

The fob sends an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it could stop receiving the signal and will prevent the key from functioning to open or start the vehicle. The best option is to have a local mechanic examine the receiver for damage. In many cases, this will be free or a small fee depending on the make of your vehicle.

Key fobs that are used daily get a lot of use and are often tossed around in purses and pockets which is why it's no surprise that they sometimes be finicky and function properly when they are press in a certain manner. It is not difficult to fix most fobs as the buttons are easily strengthened by using silicone and a bit of effort.

Press and hold the lock or unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the car chime. This must be repeated several times in order to activate the button. The next step is to rotate your key in and out of the ignition a couple of times to reset your fob's connection with the vehicle. Once the connection is restored, you can release the key and you will be able to unlock your car key button repair with the remote. Repeat the procedure until your fob is functioning again. If you are unable to fix the fob with this procedure, it may be necessary to replace it. If you decide to replace the fob, you must make sure it's programmed for your vehicle's model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop breaks off it will separate from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop is easily replaced.

Key fobs may also fail because of water or moisture damage. The signs include a decreased range of operation, or no functionality at any time. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, however in some instances, repairs or replacements by a professional may be required.

Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It is possible to replace the key fob's button or case however, reprogramming may resolve this problem. Occasionally signal interference from nearby electronic devices may affect the connection between the key fob and your car which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. It could be necessary to conduct a diagnostic test at the dealership to troubleshoot. This is often the case with older electronic key fobs, which operate on infrared signals and require a clear line of sight to function however, the majority of modern microchipped key fobs use the challenge-response method of authentication using radio frequency to communicate with your vehicle.

Corrupted or lost pairing

Over time keys fob batteries deplete their charge. If the battery has lost too much of its power, the remote won't respond to commands. Replacing the battery will usually solve the issue, however you may also need to change the programming of the remote.

Key fobs found in modern cars are capable of controlling lots of functions. They can lower and raise windows, trigger the alarm, turn on the interior lighting and even start certain vehicles. It is not uncommon for owners of vehicles to accidentally use the wrong buttons. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual nearby when you use your key fob to be able to refer to the specific sections that deal with the various functions of your car.

A fob might not function because the remote signal is corrupted or has been lost. Some of the newer key fobs use sophisticated signal encryption technologies to keep thieves from intercepting the signals and creating remotes or keys that aren't authorized which can unlock your vehicle. To reprogram the fob, you will need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer.

Certain automakers offer their own instructions to do-it-yourself key fob programming. Most of the time, these procedures are simple enough to do at home. However, this is generally not a good choice for beginners without extensive electronics experience. It is recommended to leave this kind of work to professionals.

Key fobs are subject to more wear and tear if used and handled frequently. The buttons on a fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case itself may break or crack. Keep a spare fob with you at all time. This will save you time should your remote break down while you're out and about. It is ideal to keep it by your bed during the night, as it will allow you to press the panic button in case you hear noises coming from the house at night.