Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be enticed when your remote key fob is not working and you are unable to use it, to take it to a dealership to have it reset. Try a few quick fixes at your home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are cheap and easy to find in hardware stores. Take a closer look at the key fob and check for buttons that are worn or out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob is an electronic device that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle. It works by using a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver within your car. Key fob batteries typically last for a long time, but they could end up dying at any time. Look for the LED light or press one of the buttons to determine whether it's dead. If the key fob will not respond it means the battery is dead and requires to replaced.
It's simple and quick to change the battery in your key fob. It's as easy as opening the key fob, removing the battery that was in use and replacing it with a brand new one. Fobs have small batteries, similar to those found in watches or hearing aids, that are available at all kinds of stores and home improvement centers. They are usually shaped as a small coin with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. Consult your owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't certain which batteries your fob has.
After you have changed the battery your key fob will work as normal. If it doesn't, there may be another problem with your car or its system that is causing the fob to not function properly. If this is the situation, you'll need to get roadside assistance to help with the issue.
Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you could be able to buy replacement fobs for your keys on the internet or from a dealer. It is often cheaper and easier to buy an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a damaged one.
Buttons Are Unresponsive
If you have been driving around for a while and you notice that the keys' buttons are not functioning it could be an issue with worn button sensors. The buttons that are made of rubber on most fobs will wear down with time. This could cause them to function properly when they are pushed in a specific way or when pressure is high. This is a problem that occurs for a lot of fobs and can be easily fixed with some simple DIY steps.
The fob sends an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it may stop receiving the signal, and the key won't be able to open or start your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine the receiver to look for damage. In most cases, this will be free or for a small cost according to the make of your car.
The key fobs frequently used get a lot of use and are often jostled around in purses and pockets which is why it's no surprise that they can occasionally be finicky and only function properly when they are placed in a specific 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 chime from your vehicle. You'll need to repeat this a few times in succession in order to get the button to activate. The next step is to cycle your key into and out of the ignition in your car a few more times to reset the connection between the fob and the car. Once the connection is restored, you can take the ignition key and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat repair car key fob as necessary to get your fob working again. If you are not able to repair the fob by this method, it could be necessary to replace it. If you do need to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's keychain loop gets damaged it will separate from your keys and no longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. Replacing the loop on your keychain is an easy solution.
Moisture and water damage might also cause key fobs to malfunction with a variety of symptoms, including reduced range of operation or even no function at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can solve the issue however, sometimes an expert repair or replacement is necessary.
Over time the buttons on key fobs can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. This might necessitate a new key fob case or replacement of the button, however usually, the issue can be solved by changing the program. Sometimes signal interference from nearby electronic devices may cause interference between the key fob and the vehicle and cause issues with locking or unlocking. It may be necessary to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership in order to determine the cause of. This is usually the case with older electric keys that rely on infrared signals to operate and require the use of a line-of-sight. Most modern microchipped keys communicate with your vehicle using the challenge-response method of authorization via radio frequency.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
Over time, key fob batteries lose their charge, and if the battery has lost too much of its power the remote will no longer respond to commands. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the battery but it may also be necessary to re-program the remote.
Modern cars have key fobs that control various functions. They can raise and lower the windows, activate the alarm and turn on the interior lighting and even start some vehicles. It is common for owners of vehicles to make a mistake and press the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's guide close to hand when using your keyfob to easily refer to the sections that cover the features of your car.
A fob might malfunction because the remote signal is corrupted or has been lost. Some of the more modern key fobs have sophisticated encryption technology to stop thieves from stealing the signals and making remotes or keys that aren't authorized which can unlock your vehicle. To re-program the fob, you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer.
Some automakers provide their own instructions to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are often simple enough to be done at home. This method is not recommended for those who do not have a lot of knowledge of electronics. It is recommended to leave this kind of work to experts.
Key fobs are subjected to more wear and tear when they're used and handled frequently. The buttons on a fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case could crack or break. It is essential to have a spare key fob with you at all times, since it can save you time and trouble when your remote fails to work when you are out and about. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so you can use the panic button in the event that you hear sounds at night.