Key Fob Repair Service

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse. Buttons can get stuck or break based on how they are stored and how much they are thrown around.

Luckily, remote most key fob issues are relatively easy to resolve. However, some issues are more serious and will require professional help. This is where locksmiths be of assistance.

Dead Fob Battery

The car key fobs are pretty intelligent however that doesn't mean they do not sometimes get stuck on the "not responding zone". When this happens, it's usually time to replace the battery. This doesn't solve the problem because it could be due to a bad connection at one of the terminals on the battery connector.

Automobile manufacturers are aware of this potential issue, so they usually put a spare mechanical key inside the fob to be used in the case of an emergency. To access this, you can locate the small release switch or latch behind the fob (check the user manual for details). Pressing this button, you'll be able to open the fob and reveal a physical key that you can use to unlock your car.

Another sign that your fob's battery is dying is that you need to be much closer to your car in order to unlock and open it than before. This is due to the fact that the transmitter of your fob loses its strength when its battery is depleted, limiting its operating range.

Replacing the battery is easy and fairly inexpensive. Make sure you purchase a button cell battery (which appears like tiny silver coins) to replace your fob, and follow the user guide or remote video on how to remove the old battery. Replace the battery in the same way as the old one (the positive side facing upwards towards the buttons). After reassembling the fob, test its lock/unlock and start functions to ensure that the new battery was placed correctly.

Some key fobs can be difficult to open however, you should be able to do it by placing the latch, switch or screw on the back of the fob, and then tearing it apart. The fob will need to work with your vehicle, so take care not to damage it! If you're not confident making this change yourself it's also possible to send your fob to a professional. Since it's a common service the majority of auto shops will replace the battery inside a fob for a nominal cost. Some dealers may even complete the task for free based on the model and make of your car.

Fob Is Not Working

The first thing to do if your key fob isn't working is replace the batteries. This is the most straightforward solution and will fix the problem. If your fob still does not work after changing the battery, it could be caused by damage.

Your car key fob can be damaged due to a variety of reasons, including physical injury, exposure to water, or a damaged or corroded board. These issues can prevent your key from sending a signal to the vehicle's receiver which can then stop the doors of your car and/or ignition from opening or starting. If your fob has been damaged, it's likely that you'll need a professional to repair the part or the entire device.

The buttons on your fob could have worn out with repeated use. The rubber can wear out and cause the buttons to become less springy or 'clicky', and they can begin to fail to detect your press accurately. You could try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, but it is recommended to get the fob examined by a professional for more extensive repairs.

Make sure that the battery you're using is compatible with your fob. You can find a list with acceptable batteries online or at many hardware stores, and you should always consult your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of the fob to determine the kind of battery it requires. A battery that is not the perfect match may have problems transmitting strong signals or providing adequate power to the fob's internal components.

In rare instances the issue could be in the vehicle's electronic parts or receiver. If you have an inductive backup system and you want to test it, you can do so by opening the doors with a physical key and then starting the car using the inductive backup (if it is available). If the physical key you have not work or open your car, make sure a mechanic check the electronic components and the receiver to ensure they're working correctly.

Fob Is Damaged

A key fob is made up of numerous components that function together and a single malfunction can cause others to fail. If a key fob ceases working it's important to examine whether there's a clear cause like a cracked case or a broken internal component. It's also crucial to examine other components of the vehicle, such as the lights and horn to determine whether they're functioning normally.

If the key fob is damaged, you should find a replacement at your dealer or an auto locksmith instead of trying to repair it. The fob might require reprogramming to the car and this cannot be done at home and requires specialized equipment to do this.

The buttons on a key fob use contacts that transmit signals to the circuit board of the key fob however, these contacts can wear down over time. This is more common when you drop the device or leave it in a hot climate.

The internal wiring of a key fob can also wear out over time. This could result in the button not functioning when it's pressed, or only working when pressed extremely hard. It can also lead to the car not opening or locking when the fob is activated.

The majority of fobs have the cover of plastic that can be opened and cleaned using soap and water. This can bring a keyfob back to its original purpose. It's also a good idea to clean it often to prevent dirt from damaging the inside.

A bad battery is usually the reason why a key fob will not turn on or work. Most car dealers and mechanics are able to replace the batteries in a short time but if you're at ease doing it yourself, you can buy a battery at an hardware store or big-box retailer and follow the instructions in your owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.

The worst-case scenario is that your key fob is damaged internal damage, like cracks or tiny electronic components that are not fully attached to the circuit boards or corroded and bent battery contact points. If any of the above is the case, it's a good idea to talk to an auto key fob repair locksmith or the dealer for suggestions for a replacement and assistance to program it for your vehicle.

Fob Is Not Programming

The car key fob is an easy way to start your engine and unlock the doors of your vehicle. When they stop working or fail to function, they can be a hassle. In some cases the problem can be resolved by replacing the battery. However, in other cases, it might require a more complex repair. The first step is to determine the reason why the fob isn't working correctly.

One of the most frequent reasons for a malfunctioning remote is that it no longer recognizes your vehicle. This can happen if the connection between the remote and your car is interrupted. You can sometimes reset this connection without needing repair of your key fob.

If the key fob no longer sending a strong signal, other issues could be experienced. This could happen if the key is damaged or the battery is dead. In either case, you should try to resync your key with your vehicle. This can be done by following the instructions included with the key fob. Also, you should keep a spare car key in case your primary key fails.

It's possible that the fob isn't getting a strong enough signal from the car. This could be due to weak car batteries, interference from wireless devices or an antenna issue. You can test the fob to see if this is the issue by using a remote tester. If the tester doesn't light up when you press one of the buttons, it may be that the battery needs to be replaced or that the fob has broken.

A car's immobilizer could also prevent the fob from sending a strong signal. This can occur when your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly, or if there's a software issue.

If you aren't able to resolve the issue, or it's not worth the effort of trying to repair the fob, then consider buying a new one. Many online retailers offer affordable options and some are delivered directly to your home.