Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

When they are tossed around in purses and pockets key fob buttons may deteriorate and fail to register presses reliably. Replacing the battery, which most car fobs have in a snap-out bag, may fix the problem.

If the contacts on your key fob are damaged, a replacement may not be sufficient to bring it back to life. There's an easy fix you can attempt at home:

Replace the Battery

If your key fob feels sluggish or takes longer than normal to unlock or lock your car, it may be time to replace the battery. Luckily, replacing a key repair shop fob's battery is among the simplest tasks that you can do yourself. It's a simple fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealership or a locksmith.

You can purchase the coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general retailer. Key fobs typically come with a slot for these batteries, and opening the case to replace batteries is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to use a screwdriver or other tool to open the cover of the battery compartment.

Some key fobs come with clips which hold the battery in place. If this is the case you can gently lift them up using your fingers or a non-metallic tool. Install the new battery, taking care to place it in the correct way. Take note of the position when you take out the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as they can cause damage to their lives.

Once the new battery is installed and the key fob is closed, close its case and test it by pushing the button to make sure it is working. If the key fob does not work, you'll have to reopen it and make sure the battery is correctly inserted.

It is also possible that a simple battery replacement isn't enough to fix the problem, such as physical or electrical trauma. In that situation, you'll need bring your key fob into a dealer or automotive service center to be repaired. Before you do that, there are four issues a replacement battery cannot solve. It is important to be aware of the problems so that you're capable of contacting an experienced technician should you need. You should also learn how to repair a defective key fob transmitter to learn more about why it may not be working correctly.

Clean the Contacts

Keeping your key fob clean is crucial to its function and life. Over time the natural oils on your fingers and pocket dust can accumulate in the key fob's buttons and in the crevices. This can lead to the keys not to work. It's simple enough to fix, though all you need is ruby alcohol and a cotton swab.

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

Then, wet a cotton small or swab with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start taking off the dirt from all of the fob's buttons and the surrounding areas. Pay special attention to the battery contacts, making sure they are free of any grease or dirt. After you have finished cleaning the fob, let it and all its components completely dry.

If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you might need to reset the system. Refer to the owner's manual of your device for directions on how to do this and follow them. If the key fob was just dead, this may be enough to bring it back to life.

It is crucial to maintain the key fob in good condition after it is cleaned and resynchronized. You can ensure that your key fob functioning for many years by wiping it clean with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the System

Despite the fact that today's high-tech keys fobs are more powerful, secure, and convenient than ever before, it's possible that they encounter certain problems. Luckily, the majority of the time the issues aren't major or complex, and can be solved with simple solutions such as replacing the battery. If the issue is more severe or if the issue isn't resolved with simple methods such as a professional auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.

Making your car keys repair lock or unlock with the key fob is the main purpose of the device however, it can also be used to enable certain car key and repair features. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof with the key fob. This feature is very useful when you are stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. Key fobs are also helpful in bringing your car to life if it's parked in an awkward spot.

The internal circuitry inside the key fob could fail due to defects in manufacturing or wear and tear. It could be a sign of intermittent behavior or failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes, moisture or other sources of electromagnetic interference can affect the operation of the key fob. If your key fob has become dirty or wet, or is contaminated by dust, it will need to be cleaned before being used again.

If the device continues to behave erratically after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you may have to perform the factory reset. This will fix system issues and improve device performance.

If you're unsure of how to do a factory reset on your device, consult the official website of the manufacturer or your owner's manual. Some devices require special tools to reset them, but you should find instructions for your model.

Another option to resolve problems with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts are able replace and program key fobs on almost all models of automobiles. Additionally, they can also repair car keys with chips in the keys.