Car Key Fob Repair Service

While a car key fob may appear to be an afterthought, if it stops working properly you could end up in a tricky spot. While replacing it with a brand new one can be costly and time-consuming, it's sometimes the best option.

You can save money by visiting other locations prior to going to the dealer.

Dead Battery

A dead battery for a fob is one of the most frequent issues with key fobs. It can catch people off guard and is most likely to happen as you are leaving for work or heading out to a social event. Although you may have a backup plan in place like an extra key or phone number to call roadside assistance, you will likely require getting the fob repaired or replaced. It's good to know that most car keyfob battery problems can be easily fixed with the right tools.

A majority of modern vehicles come with a backup system that allows for the possibility of the fob battery failing. If you connect an uncharged fob to the ignition, you will usually start the vehicle. If you own a push-to-start vehicle, this will also unlock the doors. The owner's guide for your vehicle will provide detailed instructions on how you can use the key fob.

Other reasons for a key fob that won't respond or turn on to the button presses include a button that isn't depressed completely, a battery with low capacity or a remote control that requires reprogramming. In some cases, cleaning your key fob may be enough to get it working again. When key fob buttons are repeatedly pressed, dirt could accumulate and prevent them from being pressed all the way.

You can use the clip's end of a clip to swiftly clean your key fob. You can use this to open the case securely and take out the old battery. You should also consider keeping an extra battery handy and any tool you might need to open up the case for your key fob. This way, you can be prepared in case of any issue with your key fob so that it doesn't disrupt your day or cause you to have the need to call roadside assistance. Alternately, you can keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure that you don't get surprised by a problem with your key fob.

Button Issues

The buttons on a key fob send signals to the circuit board of the remote when they're pressed. If these buttons wear out, the signals may not be sent and your fob will stop working. This can happen over time or could be due to an issue with your car or fob. If the button is worn out it is possible to replace it or repair it.

Key fobs are often subjected to a lot of abuse. Every day, they're broken, dropped and exposed to cold and hot. They're also very fragile and can easily be damaged. The inside of the fob is filled with components like a circuit board and battery contacts, which can be damaged if they are subjected to enough abuse.

Most issues can be solved by replacing the battery on the fob, however there are some that require more. The battery can be inspected by opening the case of the key fob using a screwdriver and determining whether it's dirty or requires replacement. The most commonly used batteries in key fobs are 3V button batteries that can be bought in nearly any store.

Even a tiny amount of water can harm the fob. This could be a problem in the event that you swim with the key fob in your purse or accidentally run it through the washing machine. This could damage the chip and stop the key fob from working.

If you're experiencing a button issue the best solution is to contact a professional locksmith. They can fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also work on other electrical failures like the horn that is broken or lights that won't turn on.

It's important to stay up-to-date with the most recent technology and equipment for your car. Cars can be costly. When you don't, your vehicle will not function properly and it will be more difficult to get there you're supposed to be. It's also a major security risk to have defective equipment and technology because it could cause more serious mechanical problems down the road.

Broken Battery Terminals

If you've tried to start your car, but the fob isn't working this could be an indication that the battery terminals are damaged. To unlock and start your car, the fob must be able to communicate with the central system of your vehicle. This communication is done through a small radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent by the fob to an internal key (if it exists) that opens the doors and turns on the engine. The fob is able to send the signal up to 50 feet away, however if the terminals on the battery are damaged, the transmission will not function.

Fortunately, 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 heading to an auto key repair parts store or online retailer to purchase the correct one. It can be a challenge to open key fobs to get to the batteries. Be cautious not to damage any item.

Then, test the key fob a second time. If it's still not working, it is possible that the metal key itself inside the fob is damaged or that the key has been programmed. Modern keys must 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.

A damaged fob is a second possibility, particularly if fob was dropped or left in the rain. It is also possible that the key fob was exposed to extreme heat or other issues that caused the circuit board to fail. Sometimes this is the result of work being done on your car key remote repair that accidentally exposed wires, which could then lead to other malfunctions such as a broken horn or a malfunctioning key fob. It is crucial to check your key fob for damages and repair or replace it if necessary, as the absence of a functioning key can be very stressful and dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are extremely convenient, but they may also cause problems that require professional repair. Many of the issues that may be a problem for a car keyfob are simple and inexpensive to fix. Here are a few of the most frequent problems, and possible solutions.

A dead battery

Smart Key fobs have a shorter lifespan than most basic remotes. Fob batteries need to be replaced every three to four years, and they can cease working if they are too old. This is a straightforward issue to fix - simply purchase a replacement battery and install.

A damaged receiver

To open and start your vehicle, the transmitter in your keyfob must receive a signal from the receiver inside your car. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't be able to pass through and will remain inaccessible. This is an easy issue to diagnose however, if the receiver is damaged, it could be necessary to replace it.

Not programmed

Some modern cars need a specific chip in the key fob in order to start. The chip communicates with the car with a unique code that is only recognized by the manufacturer. In the majority of cases, you need to go to the dealer to purchase the replacement fob programmed correctly for your car. However, you may locate aftermarket fobs on the internet that work with a variety of vehicles.

Not working

If your car key fob will not work after having replaced the battery and buttons, it could be caused by an electrical issue or a different issue that requires professional assistance to fix. A professional locksmith can quickly fix this problem by checking for the issue. This service is usually less expensive than a trip to the dealership. The cost of a replacement fob will vary depending on the model of your car as well as the locksmith you use locally. You can contact a few companies in your area to find out the cost prior to booking a job.