Car Key Fob Repair Service

While a car key fob could seem like an extravagance, if it ceases working properly you could find yourself in a difficult spot. While replacing it with a brand new one is costly, sometimes it is the most effective option.

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

Dead Battery

One of the most frequent issues with key fobs is the battery being dead. This can be a surprise and especially if it happens right before you leave for work or attending a social gathering. While you may have an alternative plan in place like an extra key or phone number to call roadside assistance, you will likely require the fob to be fixed or replaced. The good news is that the majority of car key fob battery issues can be easily fixed with the right tools.

Many modern vehicles come with backup systems to deal with the possibility that the fob's battery could go bad. If you attach an uncharged fob to the ignition, you will usually start the car. If you have a push-to start vehicle, this will also unlock the doors. The owner's manual of your vehicle will include detailed instructions on where to place the key fob to start it.

Other reasons why the key fob to not respond to press buttons or turning on could be buttons that aren't fully pressed or a battery that isn't fully charged, or a remote that requires programming. In some cases, a simple cleaning may suffice to make your key fob work again. When key fob buttons are repeatedly pressed, dirt may build up and stop them from being pressed all the way.

You can make use of the end of a clip to swiftly clean your key fob. You can use it to safely open the case and remove the battery. Keep an extra battery as well as any other tools you might need to remove the key fob's case on hand. This way, you can be prepared in case of an issue with your key fob so that it won't disrupt your routine and cause you to to call for roadside assistance. Keep an extra car key in your pocket to ensure that you don't get caught off guard in the event of problems with your key fob.

Button Issues

When they are pressed on the remote control send signals to its circuit board. If these buttons become worn out, the signals may not be sent and your fob will stop working. This can occur over time or may be due to an issue with your car or fob. If the button has worn out it is possible to replace it or repair it.

Key fobs are usually subjected to a lot of abuse. Every day, they are broken, dropped and exposed to cold and heat. They're also quite fragile and can be easily broken. The inside of the key fob contains components like a circuitboard and battery contacts which can be damaged if you abuse it too much.

The battery in your key fob is typically enough to resolve most issues however certain issues are more complex than that. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver to remove the case of your key fob and see whether it is required to be replaced or cleaned. The most commonly used batteries in key fobs are 3V button batteries that can be purchased in almost any retailer.

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 pocket, or accidentally put it through the washing machine. This could cause damage to the transponder chip inside and cause the key fob to stop working.

If you're dealing with a problem with a button, your best option is to call an expert locksmith. They can usually repair or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also work on other electrical issues, such as a broken horn or lights that won't turn on.

Cars are expensive, therefore it is essential to keep up to date with the latest technology and equipment that makes them run. If you don't do this the vehicle won't work correctly and you'll have a much more difficult getting to where you want to go. Faulty technology and equipment can also be a security issue and can result in serious mechanical problems in the future.

Broken Battery Terminals

If you've been trying to start your car and the fob isn't functioning, this may be an indication that the battery terminals are broken. The fob needs to be capable of communicating with the vehicle's central system in order to unlock and start it. The communication happens via a tiny radio transmitter inside the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted to the car key's internal circuit (if there is one) which then unlocks the doors and begins the engine. The fob is designed to transmit this signal over distances of up 50 feet, however the transmission may not work when the battery terminals are broken.

Luckily, these are easy solutions. It is generally easy to replace the battery. Simply remove the old one, identify what type of batteries you require, and head to an auto parts store or online retailer to purchase the right one. It can be a challenge to open key fobs in order to access the batteries. Be careful not to damage anything.

Then, try the key fob a second time. If it still doesn't work, it is possible that the metal key itself inside the fob has been damaged or that the key has been programmed. Modern keys have to be programmed to work with certain vehicles, and certain error codes can affect the programming of the key fob. This can be corrected by a professional who will program the key again to the vehicle.

A damaged fob is another possibility, particularly if fob was dropped or left out in the rain. The circuit board might have failed because the key fob had been exposed to excessive heat, or other problems. Sometimes, this can be the result of work being done on your vehicle that exposed wires. This could lead to further malfunctions such as a broken horn or a malfunctioning key fob. Check your key fob and replace it or repair it if needed. The absence of a functioning key can be stressful and potentially dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs can be an excellent convenience, however they can also cause problems which require professional repair. Many of the issues that may affect a car keyfob are simple and inexpensive to fix. Here are a few of the most common problems with their potential solutions.

A dead battery

Smart Key fobs have a shorter life-span than standard remotes. Fob batteries typically need to be replaced every three or four years, and they will cease to function when they're too old. Luckily, this is an easy problem to solve - simply purchase a new replacement battery and then install it.

Damaged receiver

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

Not programmed

Certain modern cars require a special chip inside the key fob in order to start. This chip communicates to the car using a unique code only known by the manufacturer. In most cases, a replacement fob must be programmed by the dealer. But, you can find fobs from the aftermarket that work with a variety of automobiles.

Not working

If you've tried replacing the battery and buttons, but your car key fob isn't working, it could be an electrical issue or some other issue that requires professional keyless entry repair. A locksmith professional will be able to look for this type of problem and fix your key fob back to working order quickly. This service is typically less expensive than visiting a dealer. The cost of replacing a fob can vary based on the model of your car and your local locksmith. Contact a few locksmiths in your area to get an idea of the cost prior to booking the job.