How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Key fobs are susceptible to damage even if we use them a lot. In fact, they can break down in a variety of ways.

Other issues could be more grave than a dead battery. Fortunately, the majority of them can be resolved by making a quick DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most frequent cause of the key fob not functioning. Fob batteries can be drained quickly, especially if they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or water. It's a good idea keep an additional fob battery in your wallet just in case.

It is easy to tell that the battery of your car key fob is depleted by the fact that the LED light will cease to glow. The fob may also stop working at the same distance it was previously working to. In this instance the key fob might require reprogramming or replaced entirely.

Fortunately the replacement of a car key fob battery is simple. First, determine what kind of battery is being used. The type of battery should be engraved on the side of the fob. Google can help when you're not sure. Once you've identified the battery type, open the key fob near the seam. You will need to use small flathead screwdrivers or even your fingernail split the two halves. Then, you can remove the old battery and insert the new one in its place. Insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers might not be aware that their fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons do not respond. 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 find out if they are able to start your car and get it back on the road.

If you've tried both solutions and your car still doesn't start, it's time to call an expert. A certified technician can determine whether your vehicle's computer system requires reprogramming or the fob simply requires a new battery. They can also recommend a reliable auto repair shop to replace your key fob. In the end it is not always the case that a new fob is the best solution.

Damaged Circuit Board

A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and isn't indestructible. The battery, circuit board and buttons are all susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is important to take care of these components to keep your key fob in good condition.

Check that the battery is still functioning in your key fob. If it is, replace the battery and see if that fixes your problem. If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be a challenge since some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms to unlock them, and you can easily end up damaging your key fob if try to force it apart. You can purchase a specific tool for opening your key fob. But, you must adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or corrupted key circuit board for the fob is another frequent issue. It can be caused by a number of things like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment, software issues or even an accidental firmware update. If your key fob isn't functioning completely, you should consider having it reprogrammed by a locksmith that specializes in this type of work.

Radio interference is another possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices transmitting on the same frequency your key fob, such radar detectors, home security systems. If this is the case, you should contact the other device manufacturer to ensure that your key fob won't be affected by their signals.

It's also possible that your key fob is equipped with an issue with the switch or another electrical component that should be replaced. This is a difficult fix, but you can find guides online that explain how to fix it yourself. It is important to be cautious when you do this it is important to be careful, since the circuit boards in your key fob are small and easily break in the event of rough handling. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and then solder it in place correctly.

Buttons that are worn out

Car key fobs are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are prone to being dropped, and they often spend a lot of time being tossed around in your pocket or purse. Sometimes, this jostling can cause the buttons to become worn out or become stuck. A simple adjustment can solve the problem.

Modern key fobs come with sensors that detect when they have been pressed. They're designed to do this so that they can decrease the chance of thieves stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you press them this is a sign that they're worn out and need to be replaced.

The circuit board in the key fob transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well commands to start the engine. If the circuit board inside is damaged, your key fob may not unlock or start your engine. Typically, this type of damage is caused by water, force blunt or something that scratches the circuit board.

You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are deteriorating if you find yourself pressing them harder than usual to get them to work. The fob may also stop sending an alert to your car or have a lower range.

Contact a locksmith right away if you are unable to use your key fob to access your vehicle. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob is damaged or your ignition cylinder has worn down.

Fortunately, most car key fob issues aren't a major or difficult issue. Keep a spare key fob in your car at all times to avoid being thrown off by a malfunctioning key. You'll never be stranded because of an unresponsive or lost key. Of course, if you do happen to lose your car key spare, repair car key a locksmith will be able to rekey it so that it works with the ignition of your car. They can also repair any internal damage to the key fob.

Broken Case

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

Your key fob will not work if this board is damaged. A key fob that is dead may only need to be reprogrammed by your local auto locksmith or repair car key dealership.

Another reason why your key fob might not be working is that the batteries are not working. This is a simple fix that you can do at home by replacing the battery. The good news is that you can locate the replacement battery on the internet or at a local auto parts store since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs.

Depending on the kind of remote key repairs fob, there are various ways to open it up and gain access to the inside. A quick internet search should show you which type of key fob you have and what kind of battery it uses. From there, you can buy a replacement and easily pop the old one out and put the new one in.

When fixing a damaged key fob, the most important concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons in any way. If you attempt to remove the key fob using an edge that is sharp like screwdrivers can damage the case or even damage the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement for the case isn't expensive and you can purchase an entire fob with the electronic components from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

If your key fob does not work, you should check if you have damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and inexpensively by a professional. Otherwise, it might be time to invest in an upgrade. Make sure you check for a warranty on any used or replacement fobs you purchase on the internet.