Repair Car Key 101 It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Although we test them numerous times, key fobs are not indestructible. They can be destroyed in different ways.
Other issues could be more grave than a dead battery. Fortunately, many of them can be resolved with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the most frequent cause of a key fob not working. Fob batteries tend to drain quickly, especially when they are exposed to hot or humid temperatures or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.
The LED light will typically stop blinking when the battery in the car key fob is running low. The key fob could be unable to function from the same distance that it used to. In this instance, the key fob may need to be programmed again or replaced altogether.
Fortunately the replacement of a car key fob battery is easy. Find out the kind of battery used. The type of battery should be embossed in the side of your key fob. If you are not sure, an easy Google search will help. Once you've identified the kind of battery you want and the key fob, you can open it at the junction. Use a flathead screwdriver, or your fingernail to separate the two halves. Then, take out the battery that was removed and replace it with a new one in its place. Insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers might not be aware that their fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons aren't responding. In some cases this problem can be resolved by reprogramming your fob, however, it can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they can jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you've tried both of these solutions but your car won't start and you're not sure why, it's time for a professional. A qualified technician will be able to determine whether your vehicle's computer system requires reprogramming or the fob simply requires a new battery. They can also recommend an auto repair shop that can replace your key fob. Sometimes it is possible that a new fob could be the best solution.
Circuit Board Damage
A key fob is not indestructible, but it can be able to withstand a variety of physical harm. Battery, circuit board and buttons are all subject to wear and wear and tear. It is crucial to take care of these components to ensure that your key fob is in good condition.
Verify that the battery still functioning in your key fob. If it is replaced, check if it fixes your issue. If this doesn't work, you may have to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge since some key fobs don't have a release mechanism that is easy to unlock them and you could end up damaging your key fob if try to pull it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging it.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is a damaged or corrupted circuit board inside the key fob. It can be caused by various factors, including moisture or dirt getting into the battery compartment. Software issues or an accident firmware update could also cause this. If your key fob has stopped working completely, you should consider having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this type of work.
Radio interference is another possible cause. This can happen if there are other wireless devices operating on the same frequency your key fob, such a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, inquire with the other manufacturers of your device to make sure that your key fob isn't being affected by their signals.
It is also possible to replace a switch or another electrical component of your key fob. You can find online guides that will show you how to fix this yourself. It's important to be careful when doing this because the circuit boards that are inside your key fob are tiny and easily break in the event of rough handling. If you do this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and solder it into place properly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. They're prone to being dropped and often spend a lot of time being tossed around in your purse or pocket. The jolting can cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. When this happens it's possible that a simple adjustment will be all that's needed to get it working again.
The majority of modern key fobs have sensors that detect when they've been used. They're designed to detect this because they can help decrease the chance of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If repair car key remote on your key fob don't work when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced.
The circuit board in the key fob also sends signals to your car. Those signals include commands to unlock and lock and also commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, then the key fob you have may not unlock your vehicle or even start the engine. This type of damage is typically caused by blunt force or water.
You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing down if you find yourself pressing them harder than normal to get them to work. Your fob might also stop sending a signal to your vehicle or have a shorter range.
If you're unable get your key fob to unlock or start your vehicle, it's crucial to call a locksmith in your area immediately. They'll be able to determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or your ignition cylinder has worn out.
Luckily, most car key fob issues aren't serious or complicated. The best way to avoid getting surprised by an unresponsive key fob is to have an extra key in your possession at all times. This will ensure that you're not stuck in a bind due to a lost or malfunctioning key. If you lose your spare key a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your vehicle's engine. They'll also be able repair any internal damage that's occurred on the key fob.
Broken Case
The case for your key fob does more than just protect the battery and buttons. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic whenever you press the key fob button. This board receives the signal from your key fob and transmits it to your car.
If the board is damaged or dead your key fob will not be able to function. Sometimes a dead key fob can be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can assist you with.
Another reason your key fob may not be functioning is that the batteries are dying. The battery can be replaced at your home. You can find the replacement battery from the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries are not just for key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open up the key fob and go inside it, based on the kind. You can determine what kind of battery your key fob uses by doing a quick online search. You can then buy an alternative and take the old one out and then insert the new one into.
When fixing a damaged key fob, the main goal is not to harm the circuit or buttons in any way. When you try to break the fob using a hard edge like a screwdriver could damage the case or even damage the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement case is cheap and you can buy an entire fob with the electronics from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
So, if your key fob isn't functioning look into whether the batteries are depleted or if the circuit board has become damaged. If this is not the case, you can have it repaired quickly and easily by an expert. If not, it could be the time to purchase an upgrade. Just be sure to check for a warranty on any used or replacement fobs you buy on the internet.