The Reason The Biggest "Myths" About Remote Key Fob Repair Might Be True

· 5 min read
The Reason The Biggest "Myths" About Remote Key Fob Repair Might Be True

Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stops working, you may be tempted to visit an authorized dealer to have it changed. Try a few fixes at your home.

Start with a replacement battery. Flat watch-style batteries are cheap and readily available in hardware stores. Look over the key fob to find worn buttons or ones that are out of the right place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is a tiny electronic device that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle. It is a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver within your vehicle. Key fob batteries last for a long period of time, but they can die at any moment. Look for the LED light or press one of the buttons to see if it's dead. If the key fob won't respond, the battery has died and must be replaced.

It's quick and simple to change the battery in your key fob. It's usually just an issue of opening the fob and pulling out the battery that was in use, and then installing the new one. The batteries for fobs are small, similar to those found in hearing aids or watches. They can be found at home improvement stores and general stores. They are usually shaped as tiny coins with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. Check out the owner's manual or the label on the fob that you have on your key if you aren't sure which batteries your fob uses.

After you change the battery the fob's key should function as usual. However, if it doesn't, there may be another issue with your car or its system that's causing the fob not to work properly. If this is the situation, you will need assistance from a roadside service.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you could also be able to order replacement keys online or from a dealer. It's typically cheaper and less expensive to purchase a new key fob instead of to repair a damaged one.

Buttons Are Unresponsive

If you've been driving your car for a while, and you notice that the buttons on your keys are not functioning it could be an issue with worn-out sensor for the button. The buttons that are made of rubber on most fobs will wear down with time. This can cause them to work correctly if you press them in a certain manner or when pressure is high. This is a common problem for many fobs, and can be solved by following a few DIY steps.



To unlock the vehicle, the fob sends an alert to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged, it could not receive the signal and prevent the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. The best option is to have your local mechanic examine the receiver for damage. This is usually free or only costs a small amount depending on your car's make.

Key fobs that are frequently used get a lot of use and are often tossed around in purses and pockets which is why it's no surprise that they can sometimes become finicky and only work properly when press in a certain manner. This is a simple fix for most fobs as the buttons can be reinforced and fixed very quickly with a little silicone and a little effort.

Press and hold the lock or unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the vehicle sound chime. You will need to do this a few times in a row to get the button to activate. The next step is to rotate your key in and out of the ignition a several times to reset the fob's connection with the car. Once the connection is restored, you can release the key and you will be able to unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the process until your fob is working properly. If you are unable to fix the fob by following this procedure it could need to be replaced entirely. If you decide to replace the fob, make sure that it is programmed for your car's model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's keychain loop breaks off it could be separated from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your car.  car key fob repair near me  can be easily replaced.

Key fobs can also malfunction due to water and moisture damage. Signs of this include a diminished range of operation, or even no function at any time. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in certain cases, repair or replacement by a professional might be required.

Over time the buttons on key fobs can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It could be necessary to replace the key fob button or the case however reprogramming is often able to solve this issue. Signal interference from nearby electronic devices can sometimes interfere with the connection between the key fob and the vehicle, causing problems with unlocking or locking. This could necessitate a diagnostic test at the dealership to troubleshoot and resolve. This is usually the case with older electronic keys that rely on infrared signals for operation and require a line-of-sight. Most modern microchipped keys communicate with your car using the challenge-response method of authorization via radio frequency.

Pairings that are lost or corrupted

Over time, key fob batteries lose their charge, and if the battery has lost too much of its power the remote will not respond to commands. This issue is usually fixed by replacing the battery however, it could be necessary to re-program the remote.

Modern cars come with key fobs that can control many functions. They can raise or lower windows, turn off alarms, turn on the interior lights, and even start certain vehicles. It is easy for owners of vehicles to accidentally hit the wrong buttons. Keep your owner's guide close by when using your key fob to easily reference the sections that pertain to the features of your car.

A fob might malfunction 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 making remotes or key fobs that are not authorized which can unlock your vehicle. To reprogram the fob, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer.

Some automakers make their own instructions to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are often simple enough to perform at home. This procedure is not recommended for novices who do not have a lot of knowledge of electronics. This type of work is best left to experts.

Key fobs are subjected to a lot more wear and tear when they're used and handled regularly. The buttons of a key fob could be pushed and the case may break or crack. Keep a spare fob with your person at all times. This will save you time if your remote breaks down when you're out and out and about. Keep it near your bed at all times, so that you can activate the panic button in case you hear sounds at night.