How to Repair a Car Key Fob

The key fob of yours is tossed around a lot, so its buttons can be damaged or stuck. Try giving it a thorough check and replacing the battery, if needed.

Most cars use the coin-style battery, which you can buy at pharmacies and big box stores, as well as home improvement stores. However certain models require special programming equipment that dealers only have.

Dead Battery

The car key repairs near me key fob makes it easier to start your car key fob repair and then get it started. What happens if you press the button a few times, but nothing happens? This usually happens due to an inactive or dying battery. The battery is easily replaceable. You can get replacements in supermarkets and auto parts stores as well as home improvement centers.

A few of the other features available through the key fob may not work. This could be due to a mechanical problem or an electrical problem inside the vehicle or even a deprogramming error in the car's receiver. In these instances, you should probably contact an expert.

Thankfully, most manufacturers still have a key slot that is mechanical inside the fob for use in case of a dead battery. In most instances, a cover is put on the handle of the fob in order to cover the key slot. You can insert the actual key into the slot to unlock your doors and start your vehicle. Make sure to insert the key fob back into the slot after you have started the car.

If you own a Ford equipped with SYNC Connect you can also start the car by using the key fob. Most of the SYNC Connect equipped Ford vehicles come with an alternative "E-blade" inside the cupholder. This is a key that's mechanical that can be used to press the starter button should your key fob not be able to start the vehicle. To get the most out of this feature, ensure that the car battery is fully charged and that you read your owner's manual to learn what the procedure.

If you're having problems with your car after replacing the battery in your key fob, it may be the right time to contact a locksmith or your dealership to have the battery replaced or repair the fob. In some instances the key fob could be programmed to your car with a new battery from the dealership or at certain Interstate All Battery Center locations. However, this is only possible in the event that the circuit board and antennas have not been damaged.

Damaged Buttons

In the course of its life, your car key fob's buttons are likely to be subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot time in pockets and purses. This jolting can cause internal components to loosen or become damaged, resulting in them not responding when you press them. Simple steps can often fix this problem, but occasionally, you might require taking your fob to an expert locksmith.

Aside from an inoperable battery, the most common reason a car key fob will not work is because it needs new batteries. These little coin-shaped batteries are quite affordable and are easy to find them at large-box stores or hardware stores. You can also find videos on YouTube and in your owner's manual that explain how to replace the battery on your key fob.

It is important to know that some keyfobs need an exact procedure to enter the necessary programming mode to change the batteries. In these cases, you will need to look up the owner's manual and/or an auto locksmith to make sure that you're following the correct procedure.

If the battery is not working, leaving your key fob exposed to extreme temperatures can cause it to stop working. In this case you'll need to contact an automotive locksmith or dealer to get an alternative fob.

If the buttons on your key fob still don't respond, it could be that the contacts inside are worn out. These contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electricity-conducting film, but they can start to wear out over time due to repeated use. You can attempt to repair this by disassembling the key fob and putting a piece metallic tape over the worn out contacts.

It is crucial to understand that some key fobs can be extremely difficult to open. They can only be opened safely with specialized equipment that can be purchased from a dealer. If you attempt to open it with a screwdriver or another tool it's possible to damage the internal circuit board and incur a more expensive repair bill than you needed.

Circuit Board Issues

The circuit board could be the cause of your key fob not working as well as it used too. The circuit board is an electronic car key repair near me chip inside the case. It sends signals to the car telling it if you wish to close the doors, lock the trunk or shut off the ignition. If the circuit board is damaged, your keyfob will not be able to send these signals.

If you have the technical know-how you can repair a damaged circuitboard yourself. Remove the battery, then take the rubber button assembly and holder from the circuit board. Make use of a cotton swab or some rubbing alcohol to scrub around the contacts and plastic frame. This should remove any corrosion that is inhibiting the circuit board from transmitting signals.

Once you've reassembled your key fob, make sure whether it's in programming mode. Usually this involves turning it on and off several times, car key repair so check your owner's manual to find specific instructions. Many car manufacturers have videos online that demonstrate how to accomplish this. If you're not confident enough to do it yourself, take your key fob to a locksmith who is specialized in the model of your vehicle.

Some of the newer key fobs have a receiver built in that lets you unlock your trunk, open your doors, and switch on your ignition from an extended distance. They are generally more reliable and can work with greater precision. If your key fob that is newer isn't working as far away as it used to it could be due to a faulty antenna or some other internal issue.

If you're having trouble getting your key fob to function The most likely cause is an inoperative battery. It's cheap and easy to replace. But if the fob's buttons or circuit board has been damaged, you'll need to have it professionally repaired and changed to a new program. This service is provided by most dealerships, but you can also find a shop specializing in your car brand.

Forgotten Key

If you've lost your car keys repair near me keys fob, it can be a nightmare. You can turn your home upside down, retracing your steps and searching everywhere including in bags, drawers or under couches, and even in your cat's bed. You'll eventually find it. Preventative measures are the best way to prevent losing your key fob. If you've even a touch of minor ADD or just not paying attention, make several copies and distribute them to close friends and family members, so that when you lose yours you don't spend 4 hours sweating and blaming yourself for the rest of your life.

Most cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your doors. You can also in some cases you can set off the alarm or open the trunk. Some of the more advanced models come with even more cool features like the ability call your car's location by pressing the button. This feature isn't available on all models however if your car is one of those that can do it - like the Genesis GV60 or Hyundai Sonata for instance and you're a lucky person, then you're in luck.

If you have an extra car key fob that has been programmed to your vehicle, you could make use of it in the event that you lose the original. You can also contact an automotive locksmith to design an electronic key fob that can be programmed for your vehicle. Contact your dealer to determine whether a replacement keyfob might be available for jobs sale at a lower cost.

If you don't own a spare alternative to start your car is to call an auto locksmith who will either replace your existing key fob or create a new one. Dealers can also do this however they'll need your vehicle to be towed and proof of ownership. These services are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the cost of replacing a key at your dealership.