14 Questions You're Afraid To Ask About Key Fob Repair

Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

The buttons on key fobs could be damaged and stop working properly after being tossed around in pockets and purses. Replacing the battery, which the majority of car fobs have in a snap-out case can fix this issue.

If the contacts in your key fob are damaged, a new replacement might not be enough to bring it back to life. There's an easy fix that you can do at home:

Replace the Battery

It could be time to change the battery if your key fob is slow or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than normal. Luckily, replacing a key fob battery is one of the easiest tasks that you can do yourself. It's also a cost-effective fix that could save you a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.

You can purchase coins-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general store. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept the batteries, and opening the case to replace batteries is quite simple. Depending on the brand you might need make use of a screwdriver to open the compartment.

If your key fob comes with clips that keep the batteries in place, gently remove them with your fingers or other non-metallic tools. Remove the old battery and install a new one, being mindful of its orientation so that you can install it correctly. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries since this could reduce their lifespan.

Close the case of the key fob and test its function by pressing the button. If the key fob doesn't function, you may need to open it again and make sure the battery is properly inserted.

You may also find that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to fix the problem. This could be due to electrical damage or physical trauma. In this case, you will have to bring your key fob to a dealer or auto service center for repairs. Before you do that, there are four problems that a replacement battery cannot fix. You must be aware of these issues so that you can seek help from a qualified technician when necessary. You can also learn how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob in order to discover the reason it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Cleaning your key fob is essential to its function and longevity. Over time, natural oils from your hands and pockets can build up on the key fob's crevices and buttons and even cause keys to stop functioning completely. All you require is rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab and some rubbing alcool.

First, Repair Car Keys open the key fob by gently prying the battery out using either a screwdriver or coin. Make sure you note the kind of battery it's (negative and positive sides) to ensure that you put it back in the correct way when you are finished.

Then, wet a swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start taking off the dirt from all buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Be sure to pay particular attention to the battery's contacts and ensure that they are clean. After you're done, be sure to allow the fob and its components completely dry.

If your device isn't working even after cleaning, you may want to reset the system. Go through the owner's manual of your device to find out how to reset the system. This could bring the key fob back to life if the problem was simply the battery being dead.

It is important to maintain the key fob on a regular basis after it is cleaned and resynchronized. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can be sure that your key fob will continue to perform well for long time to come.

Reset the System

Although today's modern key fobs have more features that are safer and are more convenient than ever before but they are still susceptible to some issues. Luckily, the majority of the time, these issues aren't serious or complex and are usually resolved with simple techniques like replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or is not resolved with simple techniques, an auto repair shop will replace and reset your key fob.

Getting your car to lock or unlock with the key fob is the principal function of the device, but it can also be used to enable certain car features. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof with the key fob. This feature is extremely useful when you're stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. Similarly, the key fob can be used to summon your car when it is located in a tight location.

The internal circuitry inside the key fob could fail due to defects in manufacturing or wear and tear. Symptoms may include unpredictable behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources may sometimes interfere with the proper function of the keyfob. If your key fob is damp or contaminated by dust, it will require cleaning prior to being used again.

Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts could solve a malfunctioning device, however, if it continues to run erratically, you may need to perform a factory reset. This will fix system issues and restore device performance.

If you're not sure how to do the factory reset on your device, refer to the official website of the manufacturer or the owner's manual. Certain devices require specialized tools to reset them, but you'll find instructions for your specific model.

Contacting a mobile locksmith for cars in Apache Junction is another option to resolve problems with your keyfob. These experts are able replace and program key fobs on almost all makes of cars. They can also repair car keys with chips in the keys.