Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be tempted, when your remote key fob doesn't working, to take it to a dealership to get it reset. Try a few fixes at your home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are inexpensive and easy to find in hardware stores. Look over the key fob to find worn buttons or ones that are out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, which is a tiny electronic device, allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. It uses an electronic radio transmitter that sends codes to a receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last for a long period of time, but they could die at any time. You can determine if the battery has died by checking the LED's light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and needs to replaced.
Changing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's as easy as opening the key fob, taking out the old battery, and replacing it with a brand new one. Fobs have small batteries, similar to the ones found in hearing aids or watches and are available at all kinds of stores and home improvement centers. They are usually shaped as small coins with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. Consult your owner's guide or the label on the fob that you have on your key if you aren't certain which batteries your key fob is using.
Your key fob should function normally. If it does not, there may be another issue with your vehicle or the system that is causing the fob not to work properly. If this is the case you'll need roadside assistance.
Based on the model and make of your vehicle, you could be able to purchase replacement fobs for your keys on the internet or from a dealer. It's usually cheaper and less expensive to purchase a new key fob instead of to repair a damaged one.
Buttons Are Unresponsive
If you've been driving your car for a while and notice that the buttons on your keys aren't functioning, it could be an issue with worn-out button sensors. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which may cause them to not function correctly when they are pushed in a particular manner or with a lot of force. This is a common problem for many fobs, and can be easily solved with a few simple DIY steps.
The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it could stop receiving the signal, and stop the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. This can be resolved by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to determine if there is damage. This is usually free or only costs a small amount depending on your car's make.
Key fobs that are used daily get lots of use and are often jostled around in pockets and purses and purses, so it's no surprise that they can occasionally be finicky and only function properly if they are pressed a certain way. It is not difficult to fix most fobs, since the buttons can be strengthened with silicone and a little bit of effort.
To enable the buttons once more, press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. This should be repeated several times to activate the button. The next step is to rotate your key in and out of the ignition a several times to reset the fob's connection to the vehicle. Once the connection is restored, release the key and you should be able to unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process as needed to get your fob working again. If you cannot repair the fob by this method, it might be necessary to replace it. If car key fob repair service do need to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the plastic loop of the key fob is damaged, it will no longer be able to lock or unlock your vehicle. The replacement of the keychain loop is a simple fix.
Key fobs may also fail due to water and moisture damage. Signs of this include a diminished range of operation, or even no function at all. The problem can be resolved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, however in some cases professional repair or replacement may be required.
Over time keys fob buttons may wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. This may require a new key fob case or button replacement, but often the problem can be resolved by changing the programming. Occasionally signal interference from nearby electronic devices can cause interference between the key fob and the vehicle which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. It may be necessary to perform a diagnostic test at the dealership to troubleshoot. This is typically the case with older electronic key fobs that use infrared signals. They require a clear line-of-sight to work however modern microchip keys use radio frequency challenge-response authentication to communicate with your vehicle.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote could not respond to commands. This issue is usually fixed by replacing the battery, however, it could be necessary to re-program the remote.
Modern cars have key fobs that allow for various functions. They can raise or lower the windows, activate alarms, turn on interior lights, or even start certain vehicles. It is easy for car owners to hit the wrong buttons through accident. Keep the owner's manual close by when using your key fob to quickly refer to the sections that cover the features of your car.
Another reason that causes a fob's malfunctioning is that the remote's signal has been damaged or gone missing. Certain of the latest key fobs use sophisticated encryption techniques to prevent thieves from intercepting the signals and making remotes or key fobs that are not authorized that allow you to unlock your car. You will probably need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer in order to re-program the fob and restore its function.
Certain automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming the key fob of their vehicles. These procedures are usually easy enough to do at home. This procedure is not recommended for those who do not have a lot of experience in electronics. This type of work is best left to experts.
Key fobs are subjected to a lot more wear and tear when they're used and handled regularly. The buttons on a key fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case itself may break or crack. It is crucial to have a spare key fob with you at all times because it will save you time and trouble if your remote stops working when you are out and wandering around. It is ideal to keep it near your bed during the night since it will allow you to activate the panic button when you hear noises in the house during the night.