This Is The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Remote Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be tempted, when your remote key fob doesn't working, to take it to the dealership to get it changed. Try a few fixes at your home.
Start with a replacement battery. Hardware stores carry flat watch-style batteries that are inexpensive and easy to locate. Then take a close look at the fob that you have purchased and look for buttons that are worn or out of the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a tiny electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It is a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver in your vehicle. The batteries in key fobs last for a long period of time, but they can be wiped out at any time. Examine the LED light, or press one of the buttons to see whether it's dead. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and has to be replaced.
It is quick and easy to change the battery in your key fob. It's usually just opening the fob and taking out the old battery before installing a new one. Batteries for fobs are small, similar to those found in hearing aids or watches. They are available in home improvement stores as well as general stores. They're usually shaped like a small coin with plus and minus symbol on the bottom. Refer to the owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't sure which batteries your key fob is using.
After you have changed the battery the fob's key should work as normal. If it doesn't work it could be because of another issue with your car, or its system, that's making it not work properly. If this is the case you'll need assistance at the roadside.
You could be able to purchase replacement keys from a dealer or online, based on the make and models of your vehicle. Buying a new fob is usually the best alternative, since it will save you time and money as opposed to having to fix a broken one on your own.
Buttons Aren't Responding
If you have been driving for a while, and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't functioning it could be an issue with worn out buttons or sensors. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs can wear out with time. This may cause them to work correctly if you press them in a certain manner or under extreme pressure. This is a problem that occurs for many fobs and is easily solved with a few simple DIY steps.
To unlock the car the fob sends a signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it may stop receiving the signal, and the key won't operate to unlock or start your car. This can be resolved by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to look for damage. This is usually free or costs only an amount that is based on the car's model.
The key fobs used daily get a lot of use and are often jostled around in pockets and purses, so it is no surprise that they occasionally be finicky and only work properly when placed in a specific way. This is a simple fix for most fobs as the buttons can be reinforced and fixed very quickly using silicone and a bit of work.
Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the vehicle sound. You will need to do this several times in succession to get the button to activate. Then, you'll need to cycle your key into and out of the ignition in your car a few more times to reset the connection between the fob and the car. Once the connection has been restored, you can take the ignition key and then open your car with the remote. Repeat the procedure as needed to make sure your fob is working again. If you are not able to repair the fob following this procedure it might need to be replaced entirely. If you decide to replace the fob, make sure that it is programmed to match your vehicle's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's plastic keychain loop breaks off it could separate from your keys and cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. Replacing the keychain loop is a simple fix.
Damage from water or moisture could also cause key fobs to malfunction with symptoms that include a diminished range of operation or even no function at all. The problem can be resolved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, but in some cases professional repair or replacement may be required.
Over time the buttons on key fobs can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It is possible to replace the key fob button or case however, reprogramming may resolve this problem. Sometimes signal interference from nearby electronic devices can affect the connection between the key fob and your car and cause issues with locking or unlocking. This could necessitate a diagnostic test at the auto dealership to determine the cause and resolve. This is usually the case with older electric key fobs that operate using infrared signals and require a clear line of sight to function, but most modern microchip keys use radio frequency challenge-response authentication to connect with your vehicle.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
Over time keys fob batteries deplete their charge. If the battery has lost too much of its power the remote won't respond to commands. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the battery but it may also be necessary to re-program the remote.
Key fobs found in modern cars can be used to control a variety of functions. They can lower and raise the windows, activate the alarm and switch on the interior lights and even start certain vehicles. It is easy for owners of vehicles to make a mistake and press the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's manual close by when using your key fob to easily reference the sections that cover the car's features.
A fob might not function because the remote signal is damaged or lost. Some of the more modern key fobs utilize sophisticated signal encryption technologies to prevent thieves from intercepting the signals and generating remotes or key fobs that are not authorized that allow you to unlock your car. To re-program the fob, you'll need to go to a dealer or auto locksmith.
Certain automakers offer their own instructions for key fob reprogramming. Most of the time, these procedures are easy enough to be done at home. However, this is not the best option for people who have no prior electronics experience. It is best to leave this kind of work to professionals.
Key fobs can suffer a lot more wear and tear if frequently handled and used. The buttons on a fob could be pushed and the case may break or crack. It is important to have a spare key fob with you at all times, because it will save you time and trouble in the event that your remote ceases to function while you are out and out and about. Keep key repair car near your bed at all times, so you can press the panic button if you hear noises at night.