Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You may be tempted, if your remote key fob isn't working to take it to the dealership to have it reset. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.

Begin by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are inexpensive and readily available in hardware stores. Examine the key fob for worn buttons or ones that are out of place.

Dead Battery

The key fob, a tiny electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It uses a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver in your vehicle. The batteries inside key fobs last for a long period of time, but they can end up dying at any time. Look for the LED light or press one of the buttons to determine whether it's dead. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery is dead and requires to replaced.

Change the battery on the key fob is simple and quick. It's usually a matter of opening the fob and pulling out the old battery, then putting in a new one. Fobs are powered by small batteries, similar to the ones found in hearing aids or watches which are sold at general stores and home improvement centers. They're usually shaped like tiny coins with a plus and minus symbol on the bottom. Check out the owner's manual or the label on your key fob if you aren't sure which batteries your fob has.

After you have changed the battery the fob's key should function as usual. If it does not, there may be another issue with your vehicle or the system that is causing the fob not to function properly. If this is the situation you'll need roadside assistance.

You could be able to purchase replacement key fobs through a dealer or online, based on the make and models of your car. The purchase of a new key fob is the most efficient alternative, since it will save your time and money when compared to having to fix an old one by yourself.

Buttons aren't responding

If you have been driving around for a while, and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't functioning, it could be an issue with worn-out buttons or sensors. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which may cause them to not function correctly if they are pushed in a particular way or with extreme force. This is a common problem for a lot of fobs and can be easily solved with a few simple DIY steps.

To unlock the car the fob sends an alert to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged it may not receive the signal and nearby the key won't operate to unlock or start your car. The best solution for this is to have your local mechanic check out the receiver for damage. This service is typically free or only costs little, depending on the make of your vehicle.

It is not surprising that key fobs are often used and are often tossed into pockets and purses. They can become a bit finicky and only function properly when pressed in a certain manner. This is an easy fix for the majority of fobs, as the buttons can be strengthened and repaired quickly with some silicone and a bit of effort.

To enable the buttons again, first press and hold the locks and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. 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 for a several times to reset the fob's connection with the vehicle. Once the connection is restored, unlock the key and you will be able to unlock your car key fob repairs with the remote. Repeat the process until the fob is functioning again. If you are not able to fix the fob following this method it could need to be replaced completely. If you decide to replace it, be sure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle's model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

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

Key fobs can also malfunction due to moisture and water damage. Symptoms include a reduced range of operation, nearby or even no function at all. The problem can be resolved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in some instances, repair or replacement by a professional might be required.

Over time keys fob buttons may wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. This could necessitate the purchase of a new case for your key fob or replacement of the button, however most of the time, the issue is solved by changing the program. Signal interference from electronic devices nearby could affect the connection between your key fob and vehicle, causing problems in unlocking or locking. This may require a diagnostic test by the dealership in order to troubleshoot and solve. This is typically the case with older electronic key fobs that use infrared signals. They require a clear line-of-sight in order to function however modern microchip key fobs rely on challenge-response authentication over radio frequency to communicate with your vehicle.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted

Over time the batteries of key fobs lose their charge, and if the battery has lost all of its power, the remote will not respond to commands. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the battery however, it could be necessary to re-program your remote.

Key fobs found in modern cars are capable of controlling lots of functions. They can lower and raise windows, trigger the alarm, switch on the interior lights and even start certain vehicles. It is easy for car owners to accidentally use the wrong buttons. Keep your owner's guide close to hand when using your keyfob so you can easily refer to the sections that pertain to the features of your car.

Another reason that causes a fob's malfunctioning is that the signal has become corrupted or lost. Some of the more recent key fobs employ sophisticated technology for encryption of signals to stop thieves from stealing signals and creating unauthorized key fobs or remotes that allow you to unlock your car. You'll probably have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to reprogram your fob and restore its functionality.

Some automakers provide their own instructions for reprogramming the key fob of their vehicles. These processes are typically simple enough to perform at home. However, the procedure is generally not a good option for those who are not experienced with electronics experience. It is better to leave this type of work to experts.

Key fobs can suffer more wear and tear if they're used and handled regularly. The buttons on a fob could be pushed and the case could crack or break. It is essential to have a spare key fob with at all times since it can save you time and stress if your remote stops working while you are out and wandering around. It is a good idea to keep it by your bed at night since it will allow you to hit the panic button if you hear noises coming from the house during the night.