Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be tempted, if your remote key fob isn't working, to take it to the dealership to have it changed. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat-watch-style batteries are affordable and easy to find at hardware stores. You can then take a look at the fob that you have purchased and check for buttons that are worn out or out of the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, which is a tiny electronic device, makes it simple to lock and unlock your vehicle. It works by using an electronic radio transmitter that sends codes to a receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last for a long time, but they can end up dying at any time. You can usually detect if the battery been drained by looking at the LED's light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob does not respond to press, then the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
Change the battery on the key fob is simple and quick. It's typically an issue of opening the fob, pulling out the battery that was in use, and then inserting the new one. Batteries for fobs are tiny, similar to those found in watches or hearing aids. They are available in home improvement stores and general stores. They're typically shaped as a small coin and have plus and minus marks on the bottom. If you're not sure of the kind of battery your fob is using, check the owner's manual, or look on the key fob itself for the label.
Your key fob should function normal. If it doesn't work it could be because of an issue with your vehicle or its system which is the reason it isn't functioning correctly. If this is the situation, you'll have to contact roadside assistance to resolve the issue.
You may be able order replacement key fobs from a retailer or online, based on the make and models of your car. It is often cheaper and less expensive to purchase an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a broken one.
Buttons aren't responding
It could be due to a worn button sensor if you've been driving for a long time and you notice that your keys aren't functioning. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons that can wear out over time, which could cause them to only work correctly when they are pushed in a specific way or with extreme force. This is a common issue for many fobs, and can be easily repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.
To unlock the vehicle the fob transmits an indication to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged, it will not receive the signal and prevent the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. The best way to resolve this is to have your local mechanic examine the receiver for damage. This is usually free or costs only little, depending on the car's model.
The key fobs that are utilized daily receive a lot of use and are often jostled around in pockets and purses and purses, so it's not a surprise that they occasionally be finicky and only work properly when pressed a certain way. It is easy to fix most fobs, as the buttons are easily strengthened with silicone and a bit of effort.
Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the car sound chime. This should be done several times to activate the button. Then, you need to cycle your key in and out of the ignition for a few times to reset the fob's connection to the car. After the connection has been restored, you are able to remove the key from the ignition and then open your car with the remote. Repeat the process as needed to ensure that your fob is functioning again. If you're unable to fix the fob following this method it could require replacement completely. If you decide to replace it, make sure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's plastic keychain loop is damaged it will be separated from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.
Key fobs may also fail because of water or moisture damage. Signs of this include a diminished range of operation, or no functionality at any time. The problem can be resolved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in some instances, repair or replacement by a professional might be required.
Key fob buttons might wear out over time, leading to less functionality or a lack of responsiveness. This may necessitate the purchase of a new case for your key fob or replacement of the button, however usually, the issue can be resolved by reprogramming. Signal interference from nearby electronic devices can sometimes affect the connection between your key fob and your vehicle, causing problems in unlocking or locking. This might require a diagnostic test at the dealership to identify and resolve. This is typically the case with older electronic keys that rely on infrared signals to operate and require a line-of-sight. Modern microchip keys communicate with your vehicle using the challenge-response method of authorization via radio frequency.
Pairings that are lost or damaged
Over time, key fob batteries lose their charge. If the battery has lost too much of its power the remote will no longer respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to solve the issue, but you may also have to have the remote reprogrammed.
Key fobs used in modern vehicles are capable of controlling lots of functions. They can lower and raise windows, trigger the alarm as well as turn on the interior lighting and even start certain vehicles. It is common for car owners to use the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's guide close at hand when you use your keyfob so you can quickly refer to the sections that pertain to the car's features.
Another reason that causes the fob to cease working is that the signal has been corrupted or gone missing. Some of the more recent key fobs use sophisticated signal encryption technology to prevent thieves from intercepting signals and generating unauthorized remotes or key fobs that can unlock a car. You will probably need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer in order to re-program the repair broken car key fob and restore its functionality.
Some automakers provide their own instructions for key fob reprogramming. Most of the time, these procedures are easy enough to do at home. However, the procedure is usually not a good option for those who are not experienced with electronic experience. It is recommended to leave this sort of work to professionals.
Key fobs can suffer more wear and tear when they're used and handled frequently. The buttons on a fob may be jostled, and the case can break or crack. Keep a spare fob with you at all times. This will save you time if your remote breaks down while you're out and about. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so you can press the panic button in case you hear sounds at night.