Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
If your remote key fob stops working, you may be tempted to go to an authorized dealer to get it reset. Instead, try some quick fixes at home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are inexpensive and easily found in hardware stores. Look over the key fob to find worn buttons or those that are out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob is an electronic device that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle. It is a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver inside your car. Key fob batteries typically last for a long period of time, but they may be wiped out at any point. It is easy to detect if the battery gone out by examining the LED light or attempting to press one of the buttons. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery has failed and must be replaced.
It's quick and simple to replace the battery on your key fob. It's usually just opening the fob, pulling out the old battery, then putting in a new one. Fobs are powered by tiny batteries, similar to those used in watches or hearing aids, that are available in general stores and home improvement stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin with plus and minus symbol on the bottom. If you're unsure of the kind of battery your key fob uses, refer to the owner's manual, or look on the key fob for the label.
After changing the battery the fob's key should perform as expected. If it's not working it could be because of an issue with your vehicle, or its system, that is causing it to not function correctly. If this is the situation, you'll need to contact roadside assistance to assist you with the issue.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you may also be able to order replacement fobs for your keys online or from a dealer. The purchase of a new key fob is typically the best option, since it will save you time and money compared to having to fix the broken one by yourself.
Buttons Aren't Responding
If you have been driving your car for a while, and you notice that the keys' buttons are not functioning it could be an issue with worn out sensor for the button. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs wear out over time. This can cause them to only function correctly if pushed in a certain way or under extreme pressure. This is a common problem for many fobs, and can be fixed by following some simple DIY steps.
The fob sends an unlocking signal to the car's receiver. If the receiver is damaged, it can not receive the signal, and stop the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. This can be resolved by having a mechanic look over the receiver to check for damage. In most cases, this will be free or for a small cost according to the make of your car.
It is not surprising that key fobs are often used and are often tossed into pockets and purses. They can be finicky, and only work properly when they are pressed in a particular way. This is an easy fix for most fobs as the buttons can be strengthened and repaired quickly with some silicone and a bit of work.
To get car key circuit board repair working again, 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 in order to activate the button. Next, you will need to cycle your key into and out of the ignition in your car several times more to reset the connection between the fob and the car. Once the connection is restored, you can unlock the key and you will be able to unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process as needed to ensure that your fob is functioning again. If you are not able to fix the fob by following this process it might need to be replaced entirely. If you decide to replace the fob, you must make sure it's programmed for your car's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the loop of plastic on the key fob is damaged, it will no longer be able to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop is easily replaced.
Water damage and moisture can also cause key fobs to malfunction with symptomatic problems including a shortened range of operation or no function at any time. The issue can be fixed by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in certain cases, repairs or replacements by a professional may be required.
Over time keys fob buttons may wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It may be necessary to replace the key fob button or case however reprogramming is often able to solve this issue. Signal interference from electronic devices nearby could interfere with the connection between your key fob and your vehicle and cause problems with unlocking or locking. It could be necessary to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership to determine the cause of. This is typically the case for older electric keys that use infrared signals to operate. They require an optical line of sight. Most modern microchipped keys communicate with your car using the challenge-response method of authorization via radio frequency.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost a significant amount of its charge, the remote might no longer respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to fix this problem, but you may also need to have the remote reprogrammed.
Modern cars have key fobs that allow for a variety of functions. They can lower and raise windows, turn off the alarm, turn on the interior lights and even start some vehicles. This means it is easy for car owners to press the wrong buttons by accident. It is a good idea to keep your owner's manual close when you use your key fob so that you can refer to the specific sections that address the various features of your car.
A fob may stop working because the remote signal has been corrupted or has been lost. Some of the more modern key fobs use sophisticated encryption techniques to stop thieves from stealing the signals and creating remotes or key fobs that are not authorized which can unlock your vehicle. To reprogram the fob, you will need to visit a dealer or auto locksmith.
Some automakers make their own instructions available for reprogramming key fobs yourself. In most cases, these processes are simple enough to be performed at home. However, the process 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 experts.
Key fobs receive plenty of wear and tear, especially when they are used frequently and handled. The buttons on a fob may be jostled and the case could break or crack. Keep a spare remote with you at all times. This will save you time should your remote break down while you're out and about. It is ideal to keep it near your bed at night since it will allow you to hit the panic button when you hear noises in the house at night.