Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You may be tempted, if your remote key fob isn't working and you are unable to use it, to bring it to a dealer to have it reset. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.

Begin by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat watch-style batteries that are affordable and easy to locate. Then take a close look at the key fob and check for buttons that are worn or out of the right place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is an electronic device that makes it easy to lock or unlock your vehicle. It works by using a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last for a long period of time, but they may be wiped out at any point. You can usually tell if the battery has died by checking the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob will not respond it means the battery is dead and nearby needs to replaced.

Change the battery on a key fob is easy and quick. It's as easy as opening the key fob, then removing the battery that was in use and replacing it with a fresh one. Fobs use tiny batteries, similar to those used in hearing aids and watches and are available at all kinds of stores and home improvement centers. They're typically shaped as a small coin, and feature plus and minus marks on the bottom. Consult your owner's guide or the label on your key fob if you aren't sure what type of batteries your fob has.

Your key fob should now function normally. If it doesn't work, there could be another issue with your car, or its system, that is making it not work properly. If this is the situation, you'll have help from a roadside service to resolve the issue.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could be able to buy replacement fobs for your keys through the internet or from a dealership. Buying a new fob is typically the best option, as it can save you time and money as opposed to having to fix the broken one by yourself.

Buttons are not responding

If you have been driving around for a while, and you notice that the buttons on your keys aren't functioning it could be due to an issue with worn-out buttons or sensors. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs can wear out with time. This can cause them to only function correctly if pushed in a certain way or under extreme pressure. This is a common issue for many fobs and is easily fixed with some simple DIY steps.

To unlock the vehicle the fob sends an alert to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged, it will not receive the signal, and stop the key from functioning to open or start the vehicle. The best way to resolve this is to have a local mechanic check out the receiver for damage. This service is typically cost-free or just an amount that is based on the make of your vehicle.

It's not surprising that key fobs are commonly used and are often tossed into pockets and purses. They can be finicky and only function when pressed in a certain manner. It is easy to fix most fobs, since the buttons can be reinforced with silicone and a little bit of effort.

Press and hold the lock or unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the vehicle chime. This should be done several times to activate the button. The next step is to rotate your key in and out of the ignition a few times to reset the fob's connection to the vehicle. Once the connection is restored, you can take the ignition key and then unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the process until your fob is functioning again. If you are not able to fix the fob with this method, it could be necessary to replace it. If you decide to replace it, make sure that the new key is programmed to work with your car model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop gets damaged, it can break off from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your emergency car key repair. The keychain loop is easily replaced.

Damage from water or moisture could also cause key fobs to malfunction, with symptoms that include a shortened range of operation or even no function at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can solve the issue however, sometimes an expert repair or replacement is required.

Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and nearby become less responsive or ineffective. It may be necessary to replace the key fob's button or case however, reprogramming may solve the issue. Sometimes signal interference from nearby electronic devices can affect the connection between the key fob and your car, leading to problems with locking or unlocking. This could require a diagnostic test performed at the dealership to identify and resolve. This is typically the case with older electronic keys that use infrared signals to operate. They require an optical 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 damaged

Over time, keyfob batteries lose power. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote might not respond to commands. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the battery however it could also be necessary to re-program your remote.

Modern cars have key fobs that control many functions. They can lower or raise the windows, activate alarms, turn on interior lights, and even start certain cars. This means it can be easy for owners to use the wrong buttons due to accident. It is a good idea to keep your owner's manual nearby when you use your key fob to be able to refer to the specific sections that cover the different features of your car.

Another common reason for the fob to cease working is that the remote's signal has been corrupted or lost. Certain of the most recent key fobs use sophisticated encryption techniques to prevent thieves from intercepting signals and generating unauthorized remotes or key fobs that unlock cars. To reprogram the fob you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer.

Some automakers provide their own instructions for key fob reprogramming. Most of the time, these procedures are easy enough to be done at home. However, the process is not the best option for those who are not experienced with electronic experience. It is best to leave this kind of work to experts.

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