Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stop working, you may be tempted to visit an establishment to have it reset. Try a few fixes at your home.

Start by replacing the battery. Flat-watch-style batteries are affordable and readily available at hardware stores. Check the key fob for worn buttons or ones that are not in the right place.

Dead Battery

The key fob, which is a tiny electronic device, allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. It utilizes the radio transmitter of a short range to send distinct codes to the receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last for a long period of time, but they could die at any time. It is easy to detect if the battery died by checking the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery has failed and requires replacement.

Change the battery on a key fob is easy and quick. It's typically a matter of opening the fob and pulling out the battery that was in use, and then inserting the new one. Fob batteries are small, similar to the ones used in hearing aids or watches. They are available in home improvement stores and general stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin and have plus and minus symbols 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 uses.

Your key fob should function normally. If it does not it could be due to a different issue with your car or its system that is causing the fob to not function properly. If this is the case, you will need assistance from a roadside service.

Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you might also be able to order replacement fobs for your keys through the internet or from a dealership. It's usually cheaper and less expensive to purchase an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a broken one.

Buttons Aren't Responding

It could be due to a worn button sensor if you've driven for a long time and notice that your keys don't work. The majority of fobs have buttons made of rubber that wear out over time, which may cause them to only work correctly if they are pushed in a specific manner or with a lot of force. This is a common problem for many fobs, and can be easily repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.

To unlock the car the fob transmits an alert to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged it might not receive the signal, and the key will not work to open or start your vehicle. The best way to resolve this is to have your local mechanic examine the receiver for damage. In most cases, this will be free or a small fee depending on the make of your vehicle.

The key fobs used daily get lots of use and are often jostled around in purses and pockets and purses, so it's no surprise that they can sometimes become finicky and only function properly when they are press in a certain manner. It is not difficult to fix most fobs since the buttons can be strengthened with silicone and a little bit of effort.

Press and hold the lock/unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the vehicle sound chime. You'll need to repeat this several times in a row to trigger the button activate. Then, you'll need to turn your key in and out of the car's ignition several times more to reset the connection between the fob and the car. Once the connection is restored, you can unlock the key and you should be able unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the process as needed to make sure your fob is working again. If you are not able to repair the fob following this procedure it could need to be replaced entirely. If you have to replace it, make sure that the new key is programmed where to repair car key remote work with your vehicle make and model.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's keychain loop gets damaged, it can separate from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.

Water damage and moisture can also cause key fobs to malfunction, with symptoms that include a diminished range of operation or even no function at all. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, however in certain cases, repairs or replacements by a professional may be required.

Over time keys fob buttons may wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. This could require an entirely new key fob case or button replacement, but often the problem can be resolved by reprogramming. Signal interference from electronic devices nearby can sometimes interfere with the connection between your key fob and vehicle, causing problems with unlocking or locking. This could necessitate a diagnostic test by the dealership in order to identify and resolve. This is usually the case with older electronic keys that rely on infrared signals to operate and require the use of a line-of-sight. The majority of modern microchip keys communicate with your car using challenge-response authorization over radio frequency.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted

Over time, key fob batteries lose their charge. If the battery has lost all of its power the remote won't respond to commands. This issue is usually solved by replacing the battery however, it could be necessary to re-program the remote.

Modern cars come with key fobs that allow for various functions. They can lower and raise the windows, activate the alarm, switch on the interior lights, and even start some vehicles. As a result, it is possible for owners to use the wrong buttons due to accident. Keep the owner's guide close by when using your keyfob to easily reference the sections that pertain to the car's features.

Another reason that causes a fob to stop working is that the remote's signal has become corrupted or gone missing. Certain of the latest key fobs use sophisticated encryption technology to prevent thieves from intercepting the signals and creating remotes or keys that aren't authorized which can unlock your vehicle. To reprogram the fob you'll need to go to a dealer or auto locksmith.

Some automakers provide their own instructions for key fob reprogramming. In most cases, these processes are easy enough to be done at home. This procedure is not recommended for novices who do not have a lot of experience with electronics. This type of work should be left to professionals.

Key fobs are subjected to more wear and tear if used and handled frequently. The buttons on a fob may be jostled and the case may break or crack. Keep a spare fob with you at all time. This will help you save time should your remote break down when you're out and nearby about. Keep it near your bed at all times, so that you can use the panic button in case you hear sounds at night.