Car Key Fob Repair Service If the car key fob isn't working it could put you in a difficult situation. While replacing it with a new one is costly, sometimes it is the best alternative. You can save money by visiting 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 make people feel a bit uneasy, especially when it happens while you're leaving for work or heading to a party. Even if you have an emergency plan, such as a spare key or a phone number for assistance on the road it is likely that you will require the fob to be repaired or replaced. The positive side is that the majority of car key fob battery problems can be fixed with the right information. A majority of modern vehicles have a backup system that allows for the possibility of fob batteries going out of service. If you attach a dead fob in the ignition, you can typically 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 for a key fob that doesn't respond or turn on to button presses could be the button isn't being pressed completely, a battery that has low capacity or a remote control that needs to be reprogrammed. In some instances, cleaning your key fob might be enough to get it working again. Since key fob buttons are frequently pressed over and over again the dirt may build up and prevent them from pressing to the fullest extent. A quick way to clean your key fob in a pinch can be to use the tip of a paper clip. It is safe to open up the case and remove the old battery. It is also advisable to keep an additional battery on hand and any tool you'll require to open the case of your key fob. You can prepare for problems with your keyfob in advance, so that you don't have to worry about it ruining your day or calling roadside assistance. You can also keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't get surprised by a malfunctioning key fob. Button Issues When pressed on a remote control send signals to the circuit board. If the buttons wear out, signals might not be sent. The fob could stop working. This can occur over time, or it could be a result of some other issue with the fob or car. If the button is worn out, a professional can replace or repair it. Key fobs are often exposed to a lot of abuse. Every day, they're broken, dropped and exposed to cold and hot. They are also quite fragile and can easily be damaged. The inside of the fob has components like circuit boards and battery contacts that could be damaged if they are subjected to enough abuse. Changing the battery in your key fob is typically enough to fix most problems however certain issues are more complex than those. The battery can be inspected by opening the case of the key fob with an screwdriver and determining whether it is dirty or requires replacement. Most key fobs use 3V button cells that are available in almost any retailer. Fobs can also be damaged by water even if it's a small amount of water. This can be a problem when you accidentally wash your key fob or swim with it in your pocket. This could harm the transponder chip and cause the key fob to stop functioning. If you're experiencing a problem with a button the best solution is to contact an expert locksmith. They will be able to fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also address other electrical problems like a broken light or a horn that won't work. Automobiles are costly, so it is essential to keep up to date with the latest technology and equipment that makes them run. If you don't then your vehicle will not function correctly and you'll have a much more difficult in getting to where need to go. It's also a security risk to have defective equipment and technology since it can cause more serious mechanical problems later on. Broken Battery Terminals If your fob hasn't worked when you try to start your vehicle it could be because the battery terminals have failed. key fob repairs must be able to communicate with the central system of the vehicle in order to unlock and start it. This communication is done via a tiny radio transmitter within the key fob. The transmission signals are sent by the fob to an internal key (if it exists), which unlocks the doors and starts the engine. The fob is designed to be able to transmit this signal over distances of up to 50 feet, but the transmission may not work if the battery terminals are broken. These are easy solutions. Replacing the battery is generally as easy as removing the old battery, finding out which replacement batteries are required and then going to an auto parts retailer or online store to find the proper batteries. Some key fobs are hard to open to access the batteries, however, and it pays to be cautious to ensure that you don't damage any of the components inside. Then, test the key fob again. If the key fob isn't working the key that is in the fob may be damaged or the key may have been changed in programming. Modern keys have to be programmed to work with certain vehicles, and a certain error codes can affect the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogramme the key to the vehicle. A damaged fob is another possibility, especially if the fob was dropped or left out in the rain. The circuit board may have failed because the key fob was exposed to excessive heat, or other problems. Sometimes, this is because of having work done on your vehicle, which exposed wires. This could lead to further issues, such as a damaged horn or malfunctioning key fob. It is important to check the key fob for damage and repair or replace it if needed, as the absence of a functioning key could be very stressful and dangerous. Other Issues Car key fobs are a great convenience to have, but they can cause issues that require professional repair. Many of the problems that can cause problems with a car keyfob can be easy and inexpensive to repair. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues and possible solutions: A dead battery Most basic remotes can last for a long period before they require replacement batteries, however the life span of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries usually need to be replaced every three or four years, and can easily stop working when they're old. This is a simple issue to fix - simply purchase an alternative battery and then install it. Damaged receiver To start and open your vehicle the transmitter on your keyfob has to receive a signal from the receiver inside your car. If the receiver is damaged, signals will not be able to pass through and will remain unreadable. This is a simple problem to determine, however, if the receiver is damaged, it could be necessary for you to replace it. Not programmed Certain cars of the present require a chip that is included in the key fob to allow it to start. This chip communicates with the car using a unique code that only the manufacturer is aware of. In most instances, a replacement key fob needs to be programmed by the dealer. You can find replacement fobs that are compatible with many vehicles online. Not working If you have tried replacing the batteries and buttons but your car key fob doesn't work it could be an electrical issue or other kind of problem that requires professional attention. A professional locksmith will be able to check for this kind of problem and fix your key fob back in working order quickly. This service will normally be cheaper than a trip to the dealership. The cost of replacing a fob will vary depending on the model of your vehicle and the locksmith you have chosen to use. Check with a few companies in your area to find out the price before committing to the job.
key fob repairs