Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs may have issues, such as a malfunction. Certain issues may require professional attention, but many can be fixed at home.
Change the battery is often the first step. Most fobs use flat watch-style batteries that are easy to find in hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
It can be a major inconvenience when a key fob's battery is dead. This is particularly true if you are away from home. There are methods to get your car back on the road if your keyless entry system has stopped working.
One of the first things to be sure of is to determine if the buttons on your key fob work. If they do, then the issue could be in the locks of your car instead of the fob.
If the keys won't unlock try looking for a key slot with a mechanical lock hidden in the door handle trim or somewhere else on the vehicle (consult your owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, certain cars have an application that lets you unlock it remotely. FordPass Connect MyChevrolet Mobile App, myMazda apps, for example, allow owners to unlock their doors using smartphones. These apps are charged a monthly fee for subscription.
It is also important to ensure that your key fob isn't draining your vehicle's battery by sitting on it. A dead fob will drain your battery fast especially if it's used to control the TV or phone while you're watching.
The key fob should be held right towards the start button could cause an ignition key fob with low battery. This quick fix can save you from having to visit your dealer or certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
You can also find out if your key fob is actually dead by testing it in a different vehicle that has the push-button ignition. If it fails, the fob battery probably requires replacement. This is why it's a good idea to keep an extra key fob in a purse or backpack.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob doesn't have the ability to open doors or start your car remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons is damaged. Your key fob is likely to have circuit boards with "contact pads" for each button, and these little pads are coated with a conductor of electricity that wears down over time. This wear could cause your fob to respond slower or not at all.
The contact pad on a car keyfob can be easily replaced using the flathead screwdriver. If, however, the key fob is severely damaged or smashed in any way, it may be more difficult to open up the case, and you'll need to take the fob to an auto repair shop to be repaired.
It's not unusual for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, tripped on or exposed to water. All of these events can cause physical damage, such as breaking the keys and snapping them.
This could also affect the internals of the fob and could cause a malfunction. It's a good idea, so, always keep an extra fob in your purse or pocket in case the one you're currently using fails.
Examine the battery first to determine If your key fob's buttons are not responding in the way they should. Key fobs don't require an electronic device. They are powered by the same battery for two dollars that is used in hearing aids and watches. These batteries are available at drug, hardware, and online stores.
If the battery is in good condition it is possible that the buttons are dirty or worn out. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If the buttons don't work, you can test another car key fob. This will help determine if the problem is yours or a particular model. If the other fob functions then it's likely the key fob you have needs to be reset or possibly replaced entirely.
Reprogramming
The secret world of car key fobs is more complicated than the myths suggest. Basic fobs function on radio frequency signals specific to each vehicle. The fobs have to be programmed correctly in order for them to open and start the car. Reprogramming a key fob is not as simple as pressing several keys. It's usually done by the dealer.
Consult your owner's guide for specific instructions. Some manufacturers, such as Mercedes, use proprietary technology that ensures only the dealership can create the new fob and sync it to your vehicle. However certain independent shops provide this service as well so make sure to check reviews and prices before selecting the right shop.
Some car models will erase all other fobs if they are programmed again. This means that you'll need to have any additional fobs programmed by an expert. This is a costly proposition, especially if you're just one functional fob. Even when the mechanical key doesn't work to start your vehicle, it's a good idea to have a backup that can open the doors and trunk.
Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you opt to reprogram your fob by yourself. There are numerous guides available online that promise to work but you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated assertions. Some of them even state that you can program your car key fob in just a few clicks, which is very misleading.
The battery is usually secured with clips made of plastic, which is easily removed. However the circuit board houses the battery, so you will need to carefully remove the battery using the aid of a tool. You should be able to find the button battery. It's usually an insignificant battery for a watch that you can purchase at most pharmacies or home improvement stores. It's usually easy to replace the battery. Before replacing the entire device, you should try it first.
remote car key repair near me
There are several methods to fix a broken or malfunctioning car key fob. An easy fix could be as simple as replacing the battery or programming the key fob but a more in-depth repair might be required. A spare fob is useful in the event that one is lost or taken.
The majority of modern key fobs have the physical key in addition to the electronic components which makes them more expensive and more difficult to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart fobs" even come with remote starters. It's important to know that it can take up to an hour to cut and program an alternative fob for your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car receiver by using a small radio transmitter on a circuitboard. Pressing a button activates the transmitter, which sends an RF signal unique to the car's receiver. The receiver receives the signal and checks it against the preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to unlock the vehicle and begin it from a distance without placing the key in the ignition or turning the lock.
If the buttons on your key fob do not respond or work sporadically, it can indicate that they have been damaged by water or other causes. You can fix the fob if you take it apart and look for buttons that are not responsive or broken. If this doesn't resolve the problem, try reprogramming the fob or purchasing an entirely new fob.
Before you purchase a replacement fob online, consult an expert locksmith or your local dealer to make sure it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. The fobs from the aftermarket can be less expensive, but you should research brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them yourself. While certain fobs can be repaired by a trusted locksmith, others require specialized programming equipment that can only be used by a vehicle dealer or auto technician.