5 Key Fob Repair Lessons From The Professionals
Car Key Fob Repair Service
If your car's key fob stops working you may be in a difficult situation. While replacing it with a brand new key fob can be expensive and time-consuming, it's sometimes the best alternative.
However, before you go to the dealer to get one re-evaluated there are a variety of places you can go that can save you money.
Dead Battery
One of the most common issues with key fobs is the battery being dead. It can catch people off guard and can be a real shock, particularly while you're leaving for work or heading to a social gathering. Even if you have a backup plan in place, such as an extra key or phone number to call roadside assistance You will probably require the fob to be fixed or replaced. It's a good idea to know that the majority of car keyfob battery issues can be fixed easily with the right information.
Many modern vehicles come with an emergency backup system to protect the possibility that a fob's batteries could go bad. If you connect an uncharged fob to the ignition, you can typically start the car. If you own a car that has push-to-start and you want to unlock your doors. The owner's manual of your car will provide detailed instructions on where to place the fob that will start it.
Other causes of a key fob that doesn't respond or turn on to button presses could be the button isn't being pressed completely, a battery with low capacity or a remote control that needs to be reprogrammed. In some cases, cleaning your key fob could be enough to get it working again. Because key fob buttons are often pressed over and over again dirt can build up and prevent them from pressing all the way.
car key fob repair service can make use of the end of a clip clean your key fob. This can safely be used to open up the case and remove the old battery. It is also advisable to keep an additional battery in your bag and any other tools you may require to open the case for your key fob. This way, you'll be prepared in case of any issue with your key fob to ensure that it doesn't interrupt your day and cause you to the need to call roadside assistance. You can also keep an extra car key in your pocket to avoid being taken by surprise if you have an issue with your key fob.
Button Issues
When they are pressed by the buttons on the remote control send signals to its circuit board. If these buttons wear out, signals may not be transmitted and the fob won't be functioning. This could happen over time or be caused by an issue with your car or fob. If the button is worn or damaged, a professional can replace or repair it.
Key fobs typically see quite a bit of abuse. Everyday, they're dropped, banged, and exposed both to cold and heat. They're also very fragile and can easily be damaged. The inside of the key fob is filled with components like a circuit board and battery contacts that can be destroyed if you use it too much.
Changing the battery in your key fob is usually enough to solve most issues however, some issues are more complicated 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 cleaned or replaced. Most key fobs are powered by 3V button cells that are available in almost every store.
Fobs can also be damaged by water even if it's just the smallest amount of water. This can be a problem when you wash the key fob or go swimming with it in your pocket. This can cause damage to the transponder chip inside and cause the key fob to stop working.
Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option if there is issues with buttons. They will be able to fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also fix other electrical problems, like lighting problems or a horn that won't work.
Automobiles are costly, so it's important to keep up to date with technology and equipment that help them run. If you don't, your vehicle will not function properly and it will be much harder to get to where you're required to be. Faulty technology and equipment can also be a security issue, as it can lead to serious mechanical problems in the future.
Broken Battery Terminals
If your fob hasn't worked when you try to start your vehicle it could be because the battery terminals have broken. To unlock and start the vehicle, the fob needs to be able to communicate with the central system of your vehicle. The communication happens via a tiny radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent to the car key's internal circuit (if there is one) which then opens the doors and starts the engine. The fob can send the signal up to 50 feet away, however if the terminals on the battery are damaged, the transmission might not work.
Fortunately, these are simple fixes. The process of replacing the battery is usually as easy as removing the old battery, figuring out which replacement batteries are needed, and heading to an auto parts store or online retailer for the correct batteries. Certain key fobs are difficult to open to access the batteries however, and it pays to be cautious to ensure that you do not break any of the components inside.
Next, try the key fob once more. If it's still not working it could be because the key made of metal inside the fob is damaged or that the key has been reprogrammed. Modern keys have to be programmed to function with a particular vehicle and certain error codes can corrupt the programming in the key fob. This can be remedied by a professional who can program the key again to the vehicle.
Another possibility is that the fob is damaged, particularly if it was dropped or left in the rain. The circuit board may be damaged because the key fob was exposed to excessive heat or other issues. This can happen when you are working on your vehicle and accidentally exposed wires. This could cause other malfunctions like a broken key fob or broken horn. Examine your key fob and replace or repair it if needed. Not having a working key can be stressful and dangerous.
Other Issues
Car key fobs are a wonderful convenience, but they can also cause issues that require professional repair. Many of the issues that may cause problems with a car keyfob can be simple and affordable to fix. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues and solutions for them:
A dead battery
Smart Key fobs have a shorter life-span than standard remotes. Fob batteries usually need to be replaced every three or four years, and they will cease to function when they are too old. Luckily, this is an easy issue to fix - just buy a new replacement battery and install it.
Damaged receiver
The transmitter in your key fob needs to receive signals from the receiver in your vehicle in order to be able to open and begin. If the receiver is damaged, signals will not be able to pass through and will remain inaccessible. This is a simple issue to diagnose however, if the receiver is damaged, it could be necessary to replace it.
Not programmed
Certain modern cars require a special chip in the key fob to allow for start. The chip communicates to the car using an exclusive code that is only known by the manufacturer. In most cases, a replacement key fob must be programmed by the dealer. However, you can sometimes find fobs from the aftermarket that are compatible with most automobiles.
Not working
If your car key fob does not work after you have replaced the battery and the buttons, it could be due to an electrical issue or another type of problem that requires a professional fix. A professional locksmith will be able to resolve the issue by examining for the issue. This service is typically less expensive than going to a dealer. The cost of a new fob depends on the model of your vehicle and the locksmith in your area. You can get a good idea of the costs by checking with some local businesses prior to scheduling a job.