Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

Getting jostled around in pockets and purses, key fob buttons can be damaged and not register presses accurately. Replacing the small battery, which most car fobs have in a snap-out case, may fix the issue.

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

Replace the battery

If your key fob feels slow or takes longer than normal to unlock or lock your car, it may be time to replace the battery. Replacing a key fob's battery is one of the easy tasks you can do yourself. It's also a cost-effective fix that could save you a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.

The majority of key fobs require batteries that look like coins (CR2032 or similar) that you can find at any general store, home improvement center, or auto parts store. Key fobs come with an opening for these batteries and it is simple to replace the battery. Depending on the manufacturer you will need make use of a screwdriver to open the compartment.

If your key fob comes with clips that hold the batteries in place, gently take them off them using your fingers or with non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, taking care to place it in the correct way. Take note of the orientation when removing the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as this could reduce their lifespan.

Once the new battery is installed, close the key fob's case and test it by pressing the button to ensure it works. If the key fob does not work, you'll need to open it again and verify that the battery is inserted correctly.

It could also be that replacing the battery isn't enough to solve the issue. This could be due to physical or electrical trauma. In this scenario, you'll have to bring your key fob to an auto service or dealer center to repair. Before you do this, there are four issues replacing the battery won't solve. You must be aware of these issues, so that you can seek assistance from a certified technician if needed. You can also find out how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob to find out why it is not working.

Clean the Contacts

It is essential to keep your key fobs clean to maintain their functionality and longevity. Over time, the natural oils of your hands and pockets can build up on the buttons and crevices and may cause keys to stop working altogether. All you need is rubbing alcohol the cotton swab, and some rubbing alcool.

Then, open the key fob by removing the lid off using an instrument or coin and gently removing the battery. Make sure to note down the kind of battery it is (negative and positive sides) to ensure that you put it back in the correct way when you are finished.

Then, moisten a cotton swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and begin taking off the dirt from all of the fob's buttons and the surrounding areas. Pay particular attention to the battery's contacts, making sure that they are free of dirt or grease. After you're done, be sure to let the fob and broken its components dry completely.

If your fob doesn't work after cleaning it, it may be an idea to reset the system. Consult your owner's manual for directions on how to do this and follow them accordingly. If the key fob was just dead, this might be enough to bring it back to life.

After the key fob repairs fob has been cleaned and resynced, it is a great idea to ensure regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can ensure that your key fob will continue to function well for many long time to come.

Reset the system

Despite the fact that today's modern-day key fobs are more powerful, secure, and convenient than ever, it is possible for them to encounter some problems. Fortunately, most of the time, these issues aren't serious or complex, and can be resolved with simple techniques such as replacing the battery. If the issue is more severe or the issue cannot be resolved with simple methods, a professional auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.

Making your car lock or unlock using the key fob is the main purpose of the device, however, it can also be used to activate some features of your vehicle. The key fob can be used to lower or lift the sunroof. This feature is very helpful when you are stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your car when it is parked in a tight place.

The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. The signs are erratic behavior or the complete inability to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources may sometimes affect the function of a keyfob. If your key fob is wet or contaminated with dust, it's likely to require cleaning prior to being used again.

If the device continues to behave erratically after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you may need to perform an initial reset. This will help eliminate system issues and restore operating efficiency of the device.

If you're unsure how to perform a reset, consult your device's owner's manual or the manufacturer's site. Certain models require a specific tool to perform the reset, but you should be able to locate instructions that are applicable to your specific model.

Another option for resolving issues with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts are able replace and program key fobs for almost all car models. In addition, they can also repair car keys with chips in them.