Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

The buttons on key fobs may become damaged and stop working after being jostled in pockets and purses. Replacing the small battery, which the majority of car fobs come with in a snap-out bag, can sometimes fix this issue.

However, a new replacement could not be able to revive your key fob if the switch's internal contacts are worn out. This is a simple fix you can do at home.

Replace the battery

It could be time to change the battery in your key fob if it is slow or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than usual. Replacing a key fob's battery is among those easy tasks you can complete yourself. It's also a cheap fix that can save you the hassle of a professional locksmith or dealership.

The majority of key fobs need batteries that look like coins (CR2032 or similar) which can be found at any general store or home improvement center or auto parts stores. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept the batteries and opening the case to swap out batteries is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use a screwdriver or other tool to open the cover for the compartment for batteries.

Some key fobs come with clips that secure the battery in place; If so then gently lift them up with your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Remove the old battery and install an alternative one, and be careful to note its orientation so that you can put it in the correct place. It is important to avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces, as finger marks can shorten their lifespan.

Close the case of the key fob and test the functionality by pressing the button. If it doesn't work it may be necessary to reopen the fob and make sure that the new battery is properly installed.

It is also possible that a simple battery replacement will not be enough to resolve the issue, like physical or electrical trauma. In that situation, you'll need bring your key fob to an auto service or dealer center to repair. Before you do, there are four issues that a replacement battery cannot fix. It is important to be aware of these issues so that you are able to seek out an expert technician in the event of need. You can also learn how to fix the faulty transmitter of a key fob to determine the reason why it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Cleaning your key fob is essential to its function and life. Over time, the natural oils on your fingers and pockets can accumulate in the key fob's buttons and in the crevices. This can lead to the keys not to work. It's not difficult to fix all you need is cleaning alcohol and a cotton swab.

Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery out with either a screwdriver or coin. Note the type of battery (negative and positive sides) to ensure you put it back in the correct way.

Then, apply a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and surrounding areas of the fob. Make sure to pay special attention to the battery's contacts, and that they are clean. After you're done, you must let the fob as well as its components dry completely.

If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you may be required to reset your system. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the system. This could be able to bring the key fob back to life if the problem was due to the battery being dead.

After the key fob has been cleaned and resynthesized it is a good idea to ensure regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can ensure that your key fob will continue to perform well for the years to come.

Reset the System

Even though today's high tech key fobs have more features that are safer and are more convenient than ever but they are still susceptible to some issues. Luckily, the majority times the issues aren't major or complicated and are often resolved with simple techniques such as replacing the battery. If the problem is more severe, or if the issue cannot be resolved using simple methods an expert auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.

The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to activate certain vehicle features. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof using the key fob. This feature is very useful when you're stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. Similarly, the key fob can be used to summon your car when it is stuck in a parking place.

The internal circuitry of a key fob and keys buttons can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or an inability to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes, moisture or other sources of electromagnetic interference can interfere with the proper operation of a key fob. If your key fob has become damp or contaminated by dust, it's going to require cleaning prior to being used again.

Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts might fix a malfunctioning device, however, if it persists to operate in a erratic manner it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. This will fix system issues and improve the performance of your device.

If you're unsure how to perform the factory reset on your device, refer to the website of the manufacturer of your device or the manual of your owner. Certain devices require special tools to reset them, however you'll need to find the correct instructions specific to the model you have.

Another option for resolving issues with your key fob is to contact an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These professionals are able to replace and program key fobs for nearly all car models. In addition, they can also repair car keys repairs keys with chips in them.