How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Even though we test them a lot keys aren't indestructible. They can actually be destroyed in various ways.

While the most common problem is the battery being dead however, other issues could be much more grave. Fortunately, many of these issues can be solved by a simple DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is probably the most common reason the car key fob stop functioning. Fob batteries tend to drain quickly, especially when they are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, humidity or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.

It is easy to tell the moment the battery in your car key and repair key fob is dying because the LED light will cease to glow. It is also possible that the fob won't function at the same distance it used to. In this instance, it may be necessary to re-program your key fob or replace it altogether.

Fortunately replacing a car key fob battery is easy. Find out the kind of battery used. The type of battery should be embossed in the back of your key fob. If you are not sure, a quick Google search will help. Open the key fob along the seam once you've identified the battery type. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to separate the two halves. Then, take out the old battery and insert the 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 don't realize that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their car and the buttons no longer work. In some instances, this can be solved by reprogramming your fob, but that can be costly and time-consuming. You can also call roadside assistance to see whether they are able to restart your car and get it back on the road.

If you have tried both of these solutions but your car won't start then it's time to call an expert. A qualified technician can determine if the car's computer system needs to be reprogrammed or if the fob requires a new battery. They will also suggest a reputable auto repair shop to replace your fob's keys. In the end it is not always the case that a new fob is the best solution.

Circuit Board Damage

The key fob isn't impervious to destruction, but it can be able to withstand a variety of physical damage. The battery, circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear with time It is therefore essential to be aware and take care of them to ensure that your car key fob working efficiently.

The easiest way to test is to ensure that the battery inside your key fob isn't depleted. If it is then replace the battery and check if it fixes your problem. If not, you'll have to remove the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be difficult since some key fobs don't have a release mechanism that is easy to open them up and you may damage your fob if you try to pull it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but it is recommended to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.

Another common problem is a damaged or corrupted circuit board inside the key fob. This can be caused by various factors, including dirt or moisture entering the battery compartment. Issues with software or an accident firmware update could be the cause of this. If your key fob isn't functioning, you might think about getting it reprogrammed. This can be accomplished by a locksmith who is skilled in this type of work.

Radio interference is another possibility. This could happen if you have other wireless devices that transmit at the same frequency, like radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the situation you need to contact the other device manufacturer to ensure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.

It is also possible to replace a switch or other electrical component inside your key fob. This is a harder fix, but you can find guides online that explain how to fix it yourself. You should be careful when doing this, however, because the circuit board inside your key fob is very small and could easily break when handled rough. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and solder the switch in place correctly.

Buttons that are worn out

Car key fobs are prone to a lot wear and tear. They are prone to being dropped and are frequently being tossed around in your pocket or purse. This jostling can sometimes cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. A simple adjustment can fix the problem.

Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can detect when they've been used. This is because they lower the chances of someone stealing your vehicle. If your key fob's buttons aren't responding when you press them it's a sign that they're worn out and require to be replaced.

Key fobs also have a circuit board inside them that sends signals to the car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock, as well as instructions to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, your key fob may not allow you to unlock your car or start the engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force, or something scratching the circuit board.

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

If you're unable to get your key fob to unlock or start your electronic car key repair near me, it's important to contact a locksmith in your area immediately. They can determine if the key fob is damaged, or if your ignition cylinder is worn out.

Luckily, most car key fob issues aren't serious or complicated. Keep an extra key fob in your car always in case you end up being thrown off by a malfunctioning device. This will ensure that you're never trapped in a place because of the loss or malfunction of your key. If you have lost your spare key, an expert locksmith can rekey it to work with your car's engine. They'll also be able to repair any internal damage that's occurred to the key fob.

Broken Case

The case for your key fob does more than just protect the battery and buttons. It also houses the circuit board responsible for all the electrical magic when you press a button on your key fob. The circuit board receives the signal from your key fob and transmits it to your car.

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

Batteries could be the reason of your key fob not working. The battery can be replaced at your home. You can find an alternative battery at the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries are not just for key fobs.

Depending on the type of key fob, there are various ways to open it up and get inside. A quick search online should show you which type of key fob yours is and the type of battery it takes. From there, you can buy an alternative and then simply pop the old one out, and then the new one in.

When fixing a damaged key fob, the primary concern is not to damage the circuit or buttons further. If you attempt to remove the key fob using a hard edge like a screwdriver could cause damage to the case or crack the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement for the case isn't expensive and you can get a whole fob assembly with 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 been damaged. If this isn't the case, you can have it repaired quickly and inexpensively by an expert. Otherwise, it might be time to invest in a replacement. Make sure to verify the warranty of any replacement or used fobs that you purchase on the internet.