How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Although we use them a lot keys aren't indestructible. They can be destroyed in various ways.

Other issues can be more grave than the battery being dead. Luckily, most of these issues can be solved with a quick DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is probably the most common reason why a car key fob stops working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, particularly if they are exposed or cold temperatures, humidity, or water. It is a good idea to keep an extra fob battery in your wallet in case.

The LED light will typically stop blinking when the battery in your car key fob is low. The fob might also stop working at the same distance it used to. In this scenario it might be necessary to reprogram the key fob or even replace it entirely.

Fortunately, replacing a car key fob battery is easy. First, determine what type of battery is used. The type of battery you are using should be stamped on the side of your key fob. Google can help when you're not sure. Unlock the key fob along the seam after you've identified the battery type. Use a flathead screwdriver, or your fingernail to break the two halves. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. Make sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing towards the buttons in the fob.

Some drivers might not be aware that their fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons do not respond. This can be corrected by reprogramming the fob. However, it can be costly and time-consuming. You can also call roadside assistance to determine if they are able to start your car and get it back on the road.

If you've tried both solutions but your vehicle doesn't start, it's time to contact a professional. A qualified technician can determine the computer in your car needs reconfiguring, or if your key fob simply needs replacement batteries. They can also recommend a reputable auto repair car key Fob shop to replace your fob's key. In the end it is not always the case that a new fob is the most effective solution.

Damaged Circuit Board

The key fob isn't impervious to destruction, but it can be able to withstand a variety of physical harm. The battery, the circuit board buttons, and other components all suffer their fair amount of wear and tear over the course of time and it's crucial to be on guard and take care of them to keep your car key fob operating well.

The easiest thing to check is to ensure that the battery inside the key fob isn't dying. Replace the battery to see if it solves the issue. If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be tricky since some key fobs do not have a release mechanism that is easy to unlock them, and you can easily end up damaging your key fob if try to pull it apart. You can purchase a specific tool to open your key fob, however you must always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or corrupted key fob circuit board is another frequent issue. It can be caused by various factors like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software, hardware issues or even an accidental firmware update. If your key fob has stopped working completely, you should think about having it reprogrammed with a locksmith that specializes in this type of work.

Radio interference is a different possibility. This could happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency as your key fob, such radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, you should consult with other manufacturers of the device to make sure that your key fob isn't affected by their signals.

You may also need to replace a switch or an electrical component of your key fob. This is a difficult fix however, you can find online guides that will show you how to do it yourself. You should be careful when doing this, however, because the circuit board inside your key fob is very small and is prone to breaking if handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, be sure to make use of an SMT switch of good quality and solder the switch in place correctly.

In a state of wear Out Buttons

Car key fobs can get quite a bit of wear and wear and tear. They are susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot of time being tossed around in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this jostling can cause the buttons to become worn out or become stuck. Simple adjustments can resolve the problem.

Most modern key fobs have sensors that tell if they've been pressed. They're designed to detect this to reduce the likelihood of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key repairs near me fob aren't responding when pushed it's a sign that they're worn out and need to be replaced.

Key fobs also contain an electronic circuit inside that sends signals to the car. These signals include unlock and lock commands and also instructions to start your engine. If the circuit board within your vehicle is damaged, then your key fob may not allow you to unlock or start your engine. This type of damage is usually caused by blunt force or water.

If you're having to press the buttons harder than usual in order to get them to function If this is the case, then your key fob's buttons are becoming worn out. In addition your fob could cease transmitting signals to the car or it'll have less range than it did prior to.

Contact a locksmith right away in the event that you are unable to use your key fob for your vehicle. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob is damaged or the ignition cylinder is worn out.

Fortunately, most car key fob issues aren't too serious or complex. The best way to avoid being surprised by an issue with your key fob is to keep a spare in your possession at all times. You'll never be stranded due to an unresponsive or lost key. If you have lost your spare key, a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your vehicle's engine. They'll also be able repair any internal damage that's been caused to the key fob.

Broken Case

The case of the key fob is more than just protect the buttons and batteries. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic whenever you press the key fob button. The board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car.

If this board is damaged or dead your key fob will not be able to operate. A dead key fob may only need to be reprogrammed by a local auto locksmith or dealership.

Another reason why your key fob may not be functioning is that the batteries are dying. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. The positive side is that you can locate an alternative battery on the internet or at a local auto parts shop since these batteries are not exclusive to key fobs.

There are many ways to open up a key fob and get inside, based on the kind. A quick search online should identify the type of key fob you have and what kind of battery it uses. From there, you can purchase an alternative and then simply pop the old one out and put the new one in.

The biggest concern when repairing a broken car key fob is that you don't want to harm the circuit board or buttons further. If you attempt to pull away the key fob with the screwdriver or another sharp edge, it could crack the plastic or break the case. A replacement case isn't much and you can purchase a complete fob assembly including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for under $40.

If your key fob won't function, make sure you have damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and inexpensively by an expert. If not, it might be time to replace the fob. Just be sure to check for a warranty on any used or repair car key fob replacement fobs that you purchase online.