Car Key Fob Repair Service

While a car key fob could seem like an extravagance, if it ceases working properly you could be in a bind. It's expensive to replace it, but in some cases it's the best option.

You can save money by going to other places before you go to the dealer.

Dead Battery

One of the most frequent problems with key fobs is batteries that are dead. It can catch people off guard and is most likely to happen while you're leaving to work or going to a social gathering. Although you may have an alternative plan in place for emergencies, like a spare key or a phone number for roadside assistance it is likely that you will need to get the fob repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to know that the majority of battery issues for car keys are easily fixable with the right tools.

Many modern cars have a backup system in place that can handle the possibility of the fob battery failing. If you connect an uncharged fob to the ignition, you are able to usually start the vehicle. If you have a push-to-start vehicle, this will also unlock the doors. The owner's manual for your vehicle will give you detailed instructions on how you can use the key fob.

Other causes of a key fob that won't turn on or respond to button press events include a button that isn't depressed completely, a battery that has low capacity or a remote key repair controller that requires reprogramming. In some instances, a simple cleaning may be all it takes to get your key fob working again. Because key fob buttons are frequently repeatedly pressed dirt can build up and prevent them from pressing down all the way.

You can use the clip's end of a clip to swiftly clean your key fob. This is a safe method to open up the case and take out the old battery. Keep an additional battery and any tools you may require to open the case of your key fob at hand. You can prepare for any issues with your keyfob in advance, so you do not have to be worried about it affecting your life or needing to call roadside assistance. Keep an extra car key in your pocket to ensure that you don't get surprised in the event of a problem with your key fob.

Button Issues

The buttons on a key fob send signals to the remote's circuit board when they're press. If the buttons wear out, signals may not be sent. The fob could cease to function. This can occur over time or be caused by another issue with the car or fob. If the button is worn out, a professional can replace or repair it.

Key fobs are usually subjected to a lot of abuse. They're dropped, banged around, and exposed to heat and cold every day. They're also very fragile and could easily be broken. The inside of the key fob is filled with components like a circuit board and battery contacts which can be destroyed if you abuse it enough.

Most issues can be fixed by changing the battery in the fob, however there are some that require more. The battery can be inspected by opening the case of the key fob with the help of a screwdriver to determine if it is dirty or requires replacement. The majority of key fobs utilize 3V button cells, which can be found in nearly any retailer.

Even a small amount of force can cause damage to the fob. This can be a concern when you accidentally wash the key fob or swim with it in your pocket. This could cause damage to the chip and prevent the key fob from functioning.

If you're having an issue with your button the best choice is to contact an expert locksmith. They are usually able to repair or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also work on other electrical problems, like the horn that is broken or lights that won't work.

Cars are expensive, therefore it's essential to stay up to date with the latest technology and equipment that makes them run. If you don't then your vehicle will not function properly and you will have a much more difficult in getting to where need to go. A malfunctioning technology or equipment can also pose a risk to safety in that it could result in serious mechanical problems in the future.

Broken Battery Terminals

If you've tried to start your car but the fob isn't working this could be an indication that the battery terminals are broken. To unlock and start your car, the fob has to be able to communicate with central system of your vehicle. This is accomplished through a small radio transmitter within the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted by the fob to an internal key (if it exists), which unlocks the doors and turns on the engine. The fob is designed to be able to send this signal over distances of up to 50 feet, but the transmission may not function when the battery terminals have been damaged.

Luckily, these are easy solutions. Replacing the battery is generally as easy as removing the old battery, figuring out which type of replacement batteries are needed, and visiting an auto key repair parts retailer or online store to find the right ones. Some key fobs are hard to open in order to access the batteries however, and it is important to be careful so that you do not break any of the components inside.

The next step is to try the key fob a second time. If the key fob doesn't work, the metal key inside the fob could be damaged or the key may have been reprogrammed. Modern keys must be programmed to work with specific vehicles, and a certain error code can corrupt the programming of the key fob. This can be remedied by a professional who can program the key fob repairs again to the vehicle.

A damaged fob is a different possibility, especially if the fob was dropped or left in the rain. The circuit board could have failed because the key fob had been exposed to heat excessively, or other problems. Sometimes, this can be the result of work that was done to your car that accidentally exposed wires, which could lead to further problems, like a malfunctioning horn or malfunctioning key fob. It is crucial to check your key fob for damage and repair or replace it if needed, as not having a functioning key can be extremely stressful and potentially dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are a great convenience but they cause issues that require professional repair. Fortunately, the majority of issues that can affect a car key fob are fairly simple and cost-effective to repair. Here are some of the most common problems with their potential solutions.

A dead battery

The majority of basic remotes last a long time before requiring replacement batteries, however the life span of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries are typically required to be replaced every three or four years, and are prone to fail when they are too old. Luckily, this is an easy problem to solve - simply buy a new replacement battery and put it in.

A damaged receiver

The transmitter in your key fob needs to receive a signal from the vehicle's receiver to allow it to be opened and started. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't be able to pass through and will remain unreadable. This is a straightforward problem to identify, but it may be necessary to replace the entire receiver if it is damaged.

Not programmed

Certain modern cars require a specific chip in the key fob to allow for start. This chip communicates with the car through a code that only the manufacturer can understand. In the majority of cases, you need to go to the dealer to purchase an alternative fob that has been programmed correctly for your car. You can find replacement fobs that work with many vehicles online.

Not working

If you've tried replacing the battery and buttons, but your car key fob still isn't working, it could be an electrical issue or other type of issue that requires professional attention. A locksmith professional can check for this kind of issue and get your key fob back to working order quickly. This is usually less expensive than going to the dealer. The cost of a replacement fob will differ based on the model of your vehicle and the locksmith you have chosen to use. You can get a rough idea of the costs by contacting a few local companies before booking a job.