How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Key fobs can become damaged even if we use them a lot. In fact, they could break down in many different ways.

While the most common issue is an unresponsive battery but other issues can be much more serious. Fortunately, the majority of these can be fixed by making a quick DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is probably the most frequent reason the car key fob stops working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, particularly if they are exposed or humid temperatures, or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.

The LED light will generally stop blinking when the battery in the car key fob is running low. The fob might also stop working from the same distance it used to. In this case, it may be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it altogether.

It is simple to replace a car keyfob battery. First, find out what type of battery is used. The type of battery should be stamped on the back of your key fob. If you're not sure it is, doing a quick Google search will be helpful. Open the key fob along the seam once you've identified the type of battery. You'll need an small screwdriver with a flat head or even your fingernail to pry the two halves apart. Then, you can remove the old battery and put a new one in its place. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers may not be aware the fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons do not respond. In some instances this issue can be resolved by reprogramming the fob but that can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to call roadside assistance and see if they are able to jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.

If you've tried both solutions and your vehicle still won't start, it's the right time to call an expert. A trained technician can tell the computer in your car needs reprogramming, or if the fob only requires a new battery. They can also recommend a reputable auto repair car key fob shop to replace your key fob. Sometimes an entirely new fob could be the best option.

Damaged Circuit Board

A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and is not impervious to destruction. The battery, circuit board buttons, and other components all suffer their fair share of wear and tear over the course of time, so it's important to be aware and take care of them to ensure that your car key fob working well.

The easiest way to test is to make sure the battery in your key fob isn't dead. If it is, replace the battery and determine if this fixes the issue. If this does not work, you may need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be tricky since some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms to open them and you could harm your device if you try to force it apart. You can buy a tool for opening your key fob. However, you must follow the directions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.

Another common problem is a damaged or damaged circuit board on the key fob. This can be due to a number of things, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob is not functioning, you might want to consider having it changed. This can be accomplished by a locksmith that specializes in this kind of work.

Radio interference is a different possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency as your key fob, like a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, you should contact the manufacturer of the other device to make sure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.

You may also need to replace a switch or other electrical component of your key fob. There are online guides that guide you through the process of fixing this yourself. It's important to be careful when doing this, though it is important to be careful, since the circuit boards that are inside your key fob are tiny and are susceptible to breaking when handled rough. If you're doing this yourself, be sure to use a good quality SMT switch and then solder it to the correct place.

Buttons that are worn out

car key fob repair service key fobs are prone to lots of wear and wear and tear. They are prone to getting dropped and spend a lot time being jostled in your pocket or purse. The constant jostling can cause the buttons to wear down or get stuck. In this case an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to restore the button's functionality.

Modern key fobs come with sensors that detect when they've been hit. They're designed to do this to reduce the likelihood of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If your key fob's buttons aren't responding when pushed this is a sign that they're worn-out and need to be replaced.

Key fobs also contain a circuit board inside them that sends signals to the car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well as commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside is damaged, then your key fob may not allow you to unlock or start your engine. Typically, this type of damage is caused by water, force blunt or a scratch on the circuit board.

You'll notice that the buttons on your key repair service fob are wearing down if you find yourself pressing the buttons more than normal in order to get them working. Your fob could not be sending signals to your car or have a smaller range.

If you're not able to unlock your key fob, unlock or start your car, it's important to call an emergency locksmith in your area. They can tell if the key fob is damaged or the cylinder of your ignition is worn out.

Luckily, most key fob issues in cars aren't serious or complicated. The best way to ensure you don't get caught off guard by an unresponsive key fob is to keep an extra key in your possession at all times. This will ensure that you're not stuck in a bind due to the loss or malfunction of your key. Of course, if you do lose your car key spare, a locksmith can help change the key to ensure it is compatible with your car's ignition. They'll also be able to fix any internal damage that may have occurred to the key fob.

Broken Case

The case of the key fob does more than just protect the buttons and batteries. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for doing all of the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. This board takes the signal from your key fob and sends it to your car.

If the board is damaged or dead the key fob won't be able to operate. Sometimes a dead key fob may need to be reprogrammed, which is something your local auto locksmith or the dealership can help you with.

Another reason why your key fob may not be working is because the batteries are dying. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. The good thing is that you can find an alternative battery online or at your local auto parts shop since these batteries aren't exclusive to key fobs.

Depending on the kind of key fob you have, there are various ways to open it up and access the insides. You can find out what kind of battery your key fob has by conducting a quick internet search. You can then buy an alternative and take the old one out and put the new one into.

When fixing a damaged key fob, the most important goal is not to harm the circuit or buttons in any way. If you attempt to pry away the key fob with an instrument like a screwdriver or any other sharp edge, it could break the plastic or break the case. Luckily, a replacement case is cheap and you can buy an entire fob with the electronic components from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

If your key fob doesn't work look into whether the batteries are depleted or if the circuit board has become damaged. If that's not the case, a professional will repair it for you quickly and cheaply. If not, it could be time to replace the fob. Make sure to verify the warranty on any fob replacement or used that you purchase online.