How to Repair a Car Key Fob
Your key fob gets jostled around a lot, and its buttons can be damaged or stuck. Try giving it a thorough check and swapping out the battery, if needed.
The majority of cars have a coin style battery, which you can purchase at big box stores or home improvement stores as well as pharmacies. However, some models require special programming equipment that only dealers have.
Dead Battery
The car key fob is a small and handy little device that makes entering your vehicle and starting it easier than ever. What happens if you press the button a couple of times and your car doesn't respond? This usually happens due to dying or dead batteries. The battery can be replaced easily. You can purchase replacements at supermarkets and auto parts stores as well as home improvement centers.
A few of the other features available through the key fob may not function. This could be due to an issue with the mechanism, an electrical problem or even a mishap with the deprogramming within the car's receiver. In these cases, you should probably contact a professional.
Fortunately, a majority of manufacturers include a mechanical key slot inside the fob, which can be used in case of an unresponsive battery. In most cases the slot for keys is concealed behind a cover on the fob handle. You can insert the physical key into the slot to open your doors and then start your vehicle. Be sure to re-insert the key fob after you start the vehicle!
If you're lucky enough to have a Ford car that has SYNC Connect, there's a method to start the car without using the key fob. Most SYNC Connect equipped Ford vehicles come with an additional "E-blade" within the cupholder. This is a key that's mechanical that can be used to press the starter button in the event that your key fob fails to start the car. For the best use of this feature, you should make sure the battery is fully charged. You can also refer to your owner's manual to learn the best way to use it.
If your car continues to have problems after replacing the battery in your key fob, you may need to contact an expert locksmith or your dealer to get the fob or battery repaired. In certain cases the key fob could be programmed to your vehicle with a new battery from the dealership or at selected Interstate All Battery Center locations. However, this is only possible when the circuit board and antennas aren't damaged.
Damaged Buttons
Through the course of its existence the car key fob's buttons are likely to undergo many wear and tear. They are prone to dropping and are frequently in purses and pockets. The jolting may cause internal components to become loose or damaged, leading to them not responding when you press them. This issue can be resolved by a few simple steps, but you might also need to consult a locksmith.
The most common reason for a car keyfob that isn't working is that the batteries are dead. These small, coin-shaped batteries can be found at most hardware stores and large-box retailers. They aren't expensive. You can also find videos on YouTube and in your owner's manual which provide instructions on how to replace the battery in your key fob.
It's important to note that some keyfobs need an exact procedure to enter the necessary programming mode for changing the batteries. In these instances you'll need to look up the owner's manual and/or an auto locksmith to ensure you are following the correct procedure.
Leaving your key fob in extreme hot or cold temperatures can also cause it to cease working in particular if the battery has died. If this happens, you will require contacting an automotive locksmith or a dealer to purchase a new fob.
If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding, it could be that the contacts inside are worn out. These contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electricity-conducting film, but they can start to wear out over time due to repeated use. You can attempt to repair this by taking the key fob apart and placing a piece of metallic tape over the worn-out contacts.
It is important to know that some key fobs can be extremely difficult to open. They are only opened by using specialized equipment that is available from a dealership. If you attempt to open it with an screwdriver, or any other tool, you may end with damage to the circuit board. This could lead to a much more expensive repair cost.
Circuit Board Issues
If your key fob is still in a position to unlock the doors of your car and start your engine but it's not working as far away as it did previously it could be a problem with the circuit board. The circuit board is a small electronic chip in the case that transmits signals to your car telling it whether or not to lock your doors, open the trunk, or turn off your ignition. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob will not be able to transmit these signals.
If you have the technical know-how you can fix a damaged circuitboard yourself. Remove the battery, then remove the rubber button assembly and holder from the circuit board. Clean the contacts and plastic frame with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. remote key repair should eliminate any rust that's preventing the circuit board to transmit signals.
Then, once you've reassembled the key fob, ensure that it's in programming mode. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. Many car manufacturers have online videos that show how to do it. If you're not confident enough to do it yourself, you can bring your key fob to a locksmith who is specialized in the model of your vehicle.
Some modern key fobs have a built-in receiver that enables you to open your trunk and lock the doors, as well as turn on your ignition and start your engine from a distance. Generally, these are much more reliable and operate with greater precision. If your newer key fob isn't functioning as far as it did previously it could be due to an antenna that is not working properly or other issue within the internals.
If you're unable to get your key fob to work The most likely cause is an inoperative battery. It's cheap and easy to replace. However, if the fob's buttons or circuit board is damaged, you'll need to be able to have it repaired professionally and changed to a new program. This service is available through the majority of dealerships, but you can find a service specializing in your car brand.
Forgotten Key
It's difficult to find your car key fob. It's possible to turn your house upside down, retracing your steps and searching everywhere, including in bags, drawers, under couches, and even under your cat's bed. Then, you'll discover it. Preventative measures are the best way to prevent losing your key fob. If you're prone to forgetfulness or have a slight hint of ADD Create multiple copies and hand them out to family and acquaintances so that you don't be shivering and wailing for four hours if you lose your key fob.
Most cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your doors. You can also sometimes set off an alarm or open the trunk. Some of the more sophisticated models have even more exciting features, such as the ability to summon your car using a button. This feature is not available on all models, but if your car is one of the ones that can do it - the Genesis GV60 or Hyundai Sonata for instance You're in luck.
If you have an extra car key fob, which has been programmed for your vehicle, you can use it in the event you lose the original. You can also contact an automotive locksmith to design a key fob that is programmed for your vehicle. But before you do make contact with your dealer to see if they can offer an alternative key fob at a lower price.
If you don't own a spare and you don't have a spare, the only way to start your car is to call an auto locksmith who will either replace the key fob you have or make an entirely new one. Dealers can also help, but they'll require your car to be towed as well as proof of ownership. But the good news is that these services are affordable, particularly when compared with purchasing a new key from your dealership that can cost between $200 and $250.