Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs can have issues, such as a losing functionality. While some issues might require professional attention, many are fixable at home.
The first step is generally to change the battery. Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries, which are easily found at auto parts or hardware stores.
Dead Battery
It can be a real issue when a key fob's battery goes out. This is particularly true when you are far from home. There are ways to get back on the road the vehicle's keyless entry system isn't working.
The first thing you should check is to see if the buttons on the key fob are still working. If they do, then the issue may be with your car's locks instead of the fob.
If the keys aren't unlocking, look for a key slot with a mechanical lock located in the trim of your door handle or in another location 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 the door remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for example allow owners to open their doors using smartphones. However, these apps have a monthly fee.
Also, you should ensure that your key fob isn't draining your vehicle's battery by resting on it. A dead fob will drain your battery fast especially if it's used to control your phone or TV while you're watching.
A key fob that's just low on battery may be started by holding it until you hit the start button. It's a simple fix that can save you a trip to the dealership or to select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
You can also find out whether your key fob actually dead by testing it in a different vehicle that has the push-button ignition. If it doesn't work, you may need to replace the battery in your fob. It's a good idea keep a spare key fob in your bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob is unable to open doors or start the vehicle remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons are damaged. The key fob has an electronic circuit that has "contact pads" that are covered with an electrically conductory film. The film wears away over time. The wear may cause your fob to respond slower, or not respond at all.
The good news is that the contact pad in the key fob of a car is easy to replace, and can be done so with the help of a flathead screwdriver. However, if the key fob has been badly damaged or broken in any way, it may be more difficult to open the case, and you'll need to take the fob into an auto shop for repair.
It's not uncommon for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, walked on or exposed to water. These events can cause physical damage to keys, including bending or snapping them.
It could also affect the internals of your fob and could cause malfunction. It's a good idea so, always keep an extra fob in your purse or pocket in case the one you currently have breaks.
Check the battery first if your key fob buttons aren't working like they should. Key fobs don't need a special type of electronic device. They utilize 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 fine it's likely that the buttons are just dirty or worn out and can be easily cleaned by using a damp cloth to clean them. If they're still not responding, you can test a different key fob to determine whether the problem is with yours or with a specific type of car key fob. If the other fob works then it's likely the key fob you have needs to be reset or possibly replaced entirely.
Reprogramming
The world of car key fobs is much more complicated than the myths suggest. The basic fobs operate by using unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs must be programmed correctly to be able to open and start the vehicle. Unfortunately, reprogramming a fob isn't as simple as pressing a few buttons, and with very few exceptions it needs to be handled by a dealer.
Consult your owner's guide for detailed instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes have proprietary technology that only dealerships are capable of creating a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops may offer this service, so check reviews and prices before selecting a shop.
Some car models will erase all other fobs if they're changed. This means you'll need to have any additional fobs programmed by professionals. This is an expensive proposition particularly if you're down to just one working fob. Even if the mechanical key won't start the car, it's a good idea to have a backup key that can open the doors and trunk.
If you decide to attempt to reprogram your fob yourself, be prepared for a difficult journey. There are numerous guides available on the internet that promise success, but you'll likely be disappointed. A lot of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated assertions. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car key fob yourself with a few clicks. This is misleading.
The majority of key fobs are secured by a clip made of plastic which is easy to remove, however, the battery is within the circuit board, and you'll need to carefully pry it out using a device. Once you've got inside, you should be able to locate the button cell battery, which is typically a tiny watch battery that can be found at a variety of pharmacies or home improvement stores. Replacing the battery is usually simple, and it's always worth trying this first before replacing the entire unit.
Replacement
There are a variety of ways to fix a damaged or malfunctioning car key fob. It may be possible to fix the problem quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming your key fob. However, a more extensive repair may be needed. A spare fob could be useful in the event one is stolen or lost.
The majority of modern key fobs have a small physical key in addition to the electronic components they use, which makes them both more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart fobs" even include remote starters. Therefore, it's important to know that it can take up to an hour for a replacement key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Fobs communicate with the car's receiver using a small radio transmitter on a circuitboard. Pressing an appropriate button will activate the transmitter, and it transmits an RF signal unique to the car's receiver. The receiver recognizes the signal and verifies it against preprogrammed codes. This lets the driver unlock the car and begin it from a distance without putting the key in the ignition or turning the lock.
If your fob's buttons are not responding or working in a sporadic manner, they may have been damaged by water. You can repair the fob if you take it apart and check for buttons that are not responsive or broken. If this doesn't fix the issue, try reprogramming the fob, or purchasing another one.
Before purchasing car key fob repair near me on the internet, contact a professional locksmith or your local auto dealer to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle's security systems. You can find aftermarket fobs cheaper, but it's essential to look up the brands and read reviews before attempting to program them. While some fobs are able to be replaced by a reputable locksmith, other models require special equipment for programming that can only be used by a car dealer or auto technician.