Five Key Fob Repair Lessons From The Pros

· 6 min read
Five Key Fob Repair Lessons From The Pros

Car Key Fob Repair Service

While a car key fob may seem a bit of an afterthought, if it stops functioning properly, you could find yourself in a difficult spot. While replacing it with a new key fob can be expensive and time-consuming, it's sometimes the most effective option.

But before you go to the dealer to have one of your documents redrawn, there are several other locations that can save you money.

Dead Battery

A dead fob battery is among the most common problems with key fobs. This could be a shock and especially if it happens just as you're leaving to work or at a social gathering. You may have a back-up plan, such as an extra key or a number for assistance at the roadside, but you will still require a fix or replacement for the fob. The good news is that most car key fob battery issues can be easily fixed with the right knowledge.

Many modern vehicles come with a backup system to cover the possibility that a fob's batteries might fail. If you connect a dead fob in the ignition, you can usually start the vehicle. If you own a car that has push-to-start it will also open your doors. The owner's manual of your car will provide specific information on where to put the fob of the key to start it.

Other reasons why the key fob to not respond to press buttons or turning on could be the button that isn't being completely pressed, a low-capacity battery or a remote that needs to be programmed. In some instances, cleaning your key fob could be enough to get it working again. When key fob buttons are pressed repeatedly, dirt can build up and block them from being fully pressed.

You can use the end of a clip to quickly clean your key fob. You can use this to safely open the case and remove your old battery. Keep an additional battery and any tools you'll require to open the key fob's case at hand. This way, you can be prepared in case of an issue with your key fob to ensure that it doesn't interrupt your day and cause you to have need to call for roadside assistance. Keep a spare car key in your pocket to avoid being surprised if you have an issue with your key fob.

Button Issues

When they are pressed on remote controls send signals to its circuit board. If the buttons wear out, signals might not be sent and your fob will stop functioning. This can happen over time or could be due to another issue with the car or fob. A professional can fix or replace the button if it's damaged.

Key fobs often get lots of abuse. Every day, they are dropped, banged, and exposed both to heat and cold. They are also quite fragile and easily damaged. The inside of the fob contains parts like a circuit board and battery contacts that could be damaged if they are subjected to enough abuse.

Most issues can be fixed by changing the battery in your fob, but there are some that require more. The battery can be inspected by opening the case of the key fob with a screwdriver and determining if it is dirty or needs to replaced. Most key fobs are powered by 3V button cells that are available in almost every store.

Fobs can also be damaged by water, even if it's only the smallest amount of water. This can be a problem when you wash the key fob or swim with it in your pocket. This could cause damage to the chip and stop the key fob from functioning.

A professional locksmith is your best option if there is issues with buttons. They will usually be able to repair or replace the button and reprogramme it for you. They can also fix other electrical problems, like a broken horn or lights that won't work.

Cars are expensive, so it's essential to stay up with the technology and equipment that make them run. When you don't, your vehicle will not function properly and it will be much harder to get to where you're required to be. It's also a big risk to be a victim of defective equipment and technology since it can lead to more serious mechanical issues later on.

Broken Battery Terminals

If you've been trying to start your car but the fob hasn't been working it could be a sign that your battery terminals are broken. The fob must be able to communicate with the central system of the vehicle in order to unlock and start it. This communication is done via a small radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent by the fob to an internal key (if it is present) that opens the doors and starts the engine. The fob is designed to send this signal up to 50 feet, but the transmission may not function in the event that the battery terminals are damaged.

These are simple fixes. The process of replacing the battery is usually straightforward as taking out the old battery, figuring out which type of replacement batteries are required and then going to an auto parts retailer or online store to find the right batteries. Some key fobs are hard to open in order to access the batteries however, it's important to be cautious to ensure that you don't damage any of the components inside.

Then, try  car key fob repair near me G28 Car Keys . If the key fob still doesn't work the key made of metal inside the fob could be damaged or the key may be changed in programming. Modern keys need to be programmed to work with a specific vehicle and certain error codes can affect the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogramme the key to the vehicle.

Another possibility is that the fob itself is damaged, especially in the event that it was dropped or left in the rain. It could also be that the key fob was subjected to excessive heat or had other issues that caused the circuit board to fail. Sometimes, this is because of work that was done to your vehicle, which exposed wires. This could lead to further malfunctions such as a broken horn or malfunctioning key fob. Examine your key fob and replace or repair it if necessary. Not having a working key can be stressful and potentially dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are an excellent convenience to have but they cause issues that require professional repair. Fortunately, the majority of problems that could be afflict the car key fob are relatively easy and cheap to solve. Here are a few of the most frequent problems and their potential solutions.

A dead battery

The most basic remotes can last a long time before requiring replacement batteries, however the life span of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries typically need to be replaced every three or four years, and can easily stop working when they are too old. This is a straightforward issue to fix - just buy an alternative battery and then install it.


A damaged receiver

The transmitter inside your key fob needs to receive signals from the receiver in your vehicle to open and start it. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't pass through and remain inaccessible. This is a straightforward issue to identify, however, if the receiver is damaged, it could be necessary to replace it.

Not programmed

Certain modern cars require a special chip in the key fob in order to start. The chip communicates with the car using a unique code that is only recognized by the manufacturer. In most cases, a replacement fob must be programmed by the dealer. But, you can find aftermarket fobs online that are compatible with all vehicles.

Not working

If you've tried to replace the batteries and buttons but your car key fob isn't working, it could be an electrical issue or some other type of issue that requires professional fix. A professional locksmith will be able to look for this type of problem and fix your key fob back in good working order in a short time. This service will normally be cheaper than a trip the dealership. The cost of a replacement fob will vary depending on the model of your car and the locksmith you have chosen to use. You can contact a few companies in your area to get an idea of the cost prior to booking an appointment.