Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

The buttons on key fobs can become damaged and stop working after being jostled in purses and pockets. This problem can be fixed by replacing the battery that is usually found in the snap-out case of most car fobs.

If the contacts inside the key fob are damaged, a replacement may not be enough to bring it back to life. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix that you can try at home:

Replace the Battery

It could be time to replace the battery in your key fob if it isn't working properly or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than usual. Replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the easy tasks you can complete yourself. It's a simple fix that will save you money when you go to the dealership or a locksmith.

You can purchase a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general retailer. The key fobs usually have a slot to accept these batteries and opening the case to swap out batteries is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use an instrument such as a screwdriver to remove the cover from the battery compartment.

If your key fob comes with clips that hold the batteries in place, gently take them off them using your fingers or other non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to place it in the correct way. Be aware of its position when you take out the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries since this could reduce their lifespan.

Close the case of the fob's key and test the function by pressing the button. If it doesn't work you might need to reopen the fob and verify that the battery is properly inserted.

It could also be that simply replacing the battery is not enough to resolve the issue. This could be caused by physical or electrical trauma. In this scenario you'll be required to bring your key fob to a dealer or auto service center to make repairs. However, before doing this, you should be aware of four common problems that a replacement battery won't solve. It is essential to be aware of these issues so that you are able to seek out a qualified technician if necessary. You should also read about how to repair a key fob's defective transmitter to find out more about why it may not be working correctly.

Clean the Contacts

Cleaning your key fob is crucial to its function and lifespan. Over time, the natural oils of your hands and pockets can accumulate on the key fob's buttons and crevices and may cause the keys to stop working altogether. It's simple enough to fix all you need is rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery out using either a screwdriver or coin. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive sides) so you can put it back in the correct way.

Then, wet a swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start cleaning away the dirt from all of the fob's buttons and the surrounding areas. Be particular about the battery's contacts, making sure they are clean of dirt or grease. After you're done, make sure to let the fob as well as its components dry completely.

If your fob still won't function after cleaning it, it could be an idea to reset the system. Check the owner's manual to learn how to reset the system. If the key fob was just dead, this might be enough to bring it back to life.

It is essential to keep the key fob in good condition after it has been cleaned and synchronized. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can ensure that your key fob will work well for long time to come.

Reset the system

Even though today's high tech key fobs have more features that are safer and more convenient than ever, they can still encounter some problems. Fortunately, most times, these issues aren't serious or complex, and can be solved with simple solutions like replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or Repair Car Keys if the issue isn't resolved with simple methods such as a professional auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.

The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to activate certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof with the key fob. This feature can be very beneficial if you need to open the roof when you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. The key fob can also be helpful in bringing your car to life if it's parked in an awkward spot.

The internal circuitry of the key fob may fail because of manufacturing defects or wear and tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or the complete inability to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can sometimes affect the function of the keyfob. If your key fob is damp or contaminated by dust, it's going to require cleaning prior to being used again.

If the device continues to behave unpredictably after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you may require an initial reset. This can clear up bugs in the system and restore the performance of the device.

If you're unsure the best way to perform a reset, consult your device's owner's manual or the manufacturer's site. Certain devices require specialized tools to reset them, but you'll find instructions specific to the model you have.

Contacting a mobile car key repairs near me locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to resolve issues with your key fob. These professionals are able to replace and program key fobs for almost all makes of cars. They can also repair car keys with chips in the keys.