Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be enticed when your remote key fob doesn't working, to take it to the dealership to have it changed. Try a few fixes at your home.
Start by replacing a battery. Flat watch-style batteries are inexpensive and readily available in hardware stores. Look over the key fob to find buttons that are damaged or are out of the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a tiny electronic device, allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. It uses a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver within your vehicle. The batteries in key fobs last for a long period of time, but can end up dying at any time. It is easy to determine if the battery has died by checking the LED light or attempting to press one of the buttons. If the key fob won't respond it means the battery has failed and needs to be replaced.
The process of replacing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's usually a matter of opening the fob and taking out the old battery before inserting the new one. Batteries for fobs are small, similar to those found in watches or hearing aids. They are available in home improvement stores and general stores. They are usually shaped as a small coin with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. Consult your owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't sure what type of batteries your fob has.
After you have changed the battery, your key fob should perform as expected. If it's not working, there could be an issue with your vehicle or the system that is making it not work correctly. If this is the situation, you'll have to contact roadside assistance to resolve the issue.
Based on the model and make of your vehicle, you may also be able to order replacement fobs for your keys on the internet or from a dealer. It's typically cheaper and less expensive to purchase a new key fob than to repair a damaged one.
Buttons aren't responding
If you have been driving your car for a while and notice that the buttons on your keys aren't functioning it could be due to an issue with worn sensor for the button. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs will wear down with time. This can cause them to function correctly when pushed in a certain way or when pressure is high. This is a common issue for many fobs and is easily solved with a few simple DIY steps.
The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the car's receiver. If the receiver is damaged it might not receive the signal and the key will not operate to unlock or start your vehicle. This can be resolved by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to look for damage. In most cases, this is free or a small fee dependent on the model of your car.
It's not a surprise that key fobs are frequently utilized and tossed around in pockets and purses. They can become finicky and only function properly if pressed in a specific manner. This is a simple fix for most fobs as the buttons can be reinforced and repaired quickly using silicone and a bit of work.
Press and hold the lock or unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the vehicle sound. This will need to be done several times to activate the button. The next step is to rotate your key in and out of the ignition for a several times to reset the fob's connection to the vehicle. After the connection has been restored, you can remove the key from the ignition and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process until your fob is working again. If you are not able to repair the fob by this method, it might be necessary to replace it. If you have to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your car model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's keychain loop breaks off, it can separate from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.
Moisture and water damage might also cause key fobs to malfunction, with symptomatic problems including a shortened range of operation or even no function at any time. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can fix the issue however sometimes a an expert repair or replacement is required.
Key fob buttons might become worn out over time, leading to reduced functionality or unresponsiveness. This may require a new key fob case or button replacement, but usually, the issue can be solved by reprogramming. Sometimes, signal interference from nearby electronic devices could interfere with the connection between the key fob and the vehicle which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. This may require a diagnostic test performed at the dealership to identify and resolve. This is typically the case with older electronic key fobs, which operate on infrared signals and require clear line of sight to function, but most modern microchip key fobs rely on challenge-response authentication over radio frequency to connect with your vehicle.
Corrupted or Lost Pairing
Over time, key fob batteries lose their charge. If the battery has lost all of its power, the remote will no longer respond to commands. Replacing the battery can usually solve the issue, however you may also have to change the programming of the remote.
The key fobs in modern vehicles can perform a range of functions. They can lower or raise the windows, activate alarms, turn on the interior lights, and even start certain vehicles. As a result, it is easy for car owners to press the wrong buttons by accident. It is a good idea to keep your owner's manual close when you use your key fob to be able to refer to the specific sections that deal with the various features of your car.
A fob might malfunction due to the remote's signal being damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs use sophisticated technology for encryption of signals to stop thieves from stealing signals and creating unauthorized keys or remotes that can unlock a car. You'll probably have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer in order to re-program your fob and restore its functionality.
Some automakers make their own instructions for do-it-yourself key fob reprogramming. In most cases, these processes are easy enough to do at home. This method is not recommended for novices who don't have a lot of experience with electronics. This type of work is best left to professionals.
Key fobs undergo lots of wear and tear, particularly if they are frequently used and handled. The buttons of a fob can be pushed around and the case may crack or break. Keep go to the website with you at all time. This will help you save time should your remote break down while you're out and about. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so you can use the panic button in the event that you hear sounds at night.