Car Key Fob Repair Service
If your car key fob doesn't work you may be in a tough spot. It's costly to replace it, but often it's the best option.
You can save money by visiting other locations prior to going to the dealer.
Dead Battery
One of the most common issues with key fobs is a dead battery. It can make people feel a bit uneasy, especially when it happens when you leave to work or going to a social event. While you may have an emergency plan for emergencies, like a spare key or a phone number for roadside assistance it is likely that you will need to get the fob fixed or replaced. It's good to know that the majority of car keyfob battery problems can be easily fixed with the right knowledge.
A lot of modern cars have a backup system to cover the possibility that a fob's battery could go bad. If you hold a dead fob in the ignition, you will generally start the car. If you have a vehicle that uses push-to-start and you want to unlock your doors. The owner's manual of your car will provide detailed information about where to put the fob of the key to start it.
Other causes for a key fob that doesn't turn on or respond to the button presses include a button that isn't depressed completely, a battery that has low capacity or a remote control that needs to be reprogrammed. In some instances cleaning your key fob could be enough to get it working again. As key fob buttons get pressed repeatedly, dirt can build up and stop them from being pressed all the way.
You can use the end of a clip to quickly clean your key fob. You can use this to open the case securely and remove your old battery. It is also advisable to keep an additional battery on hand and any tool you might require to open the case of your key fob. This way, you'll be prepared for an issue with your key fob, so that it doesn't interrupt your day and result in having to call for roadside assistance. Keep an extra car key in your pocket to ensure that you don't get caught off guard when you encounter an issue with your key fob.
Button Issues
The buttons on a key fob send signals to the remote's circuit board when they are pressed. If the buttons wear out, signals might not be sent. The fob could cease to function. This can occur over time or be caused by an issue with your car or fob. A professional can fix or replace the button if it's worn.
Key fobs often get quite a bit of abuse. Every day, they are broken, dropped and exposed to cold and heat. They are also quite fragile and can easily be damaged. The inside of the key fob has components such as a circuitboard and battery contacts that can be destroyed if you abuse it in a way that is excessively.
The battery in your key fob is usually enough to resolve most issues however some issues are more complicated than that. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver in order to open the case of your key fob and see whether it is required to be cleaned or replaced. The most commonly used batteries in key fobs are 3V button cell batteries that can be bought in nearly any store.
Fobs can also be damaged by water even if it's one drop of water. This can be a problem when you accidentally wash your key fob or go swimming with it in your pocket. This could damage the chip and stop the key fob from functioning.
If you're dealing with an issue with your button the best choice is to speak with a professional 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 a broken horn or lights that won't turn on.
Cars are expensive, so it's essential to stay up to date with the latest technology and equipment that makes them run. If you don't do this, your vehicle won't function effectively and you'll have a much more difficult in getting to where want to go. It's also a major security risk to have defective equipment and technology since it could cause more serious mechanical issues down the road.
Broken Battery Terminals
If your fob hasn't worked when you attempt to start your vehicle, it could be that the battery terminals have broken. The fob must be able to communicate with the vehicle's central system in order to unlock it and start it. This communication is made by a small transmitter located inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent by the fob to the internal key (if it exists) that opens the doors and turns on the engine. The fob is able to transmit the signal up to 50 feet away. However, if the terminals on the battery are damaged, the transmission may not work.
Luckily, these are easy solutions. It is usually easy to replace the battery. Simply remove the old one, identify the kind of batteries you require, and visit an auto parts shop or online retailer to purchase the correct one. It may be difficult to open key fobs to access the batteries. Be cautious not to scratch anything.
Next, try the key fob again. If it's still not working it could be that the metal key itself inside the fob has been damaged or that the key has been reprogrammed. Modern keys must be programmed to work with specific automobiles, and certain errors in the codes can affect the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogramme the key to the vehicle.
Another possibility is that the fob itself is damaged, particularly when it was dropped or left in the rain. The circuit board could be damaged because the key fob had been exposed to extreme heat or other issues. Sometimes, this can be the result of work being done on your vehicle, which left exposed wires, which could then lead to other malfunctions such as a broken horn or malfunctioning key fob. Check your key fob and replace it or repair it if needed. In the absence of a functioning key can be stressful and potentially dangerous.
Other Issues
Car key fobs are a wonderful convenience but they also cause issues that require professional repair. Luckily, many of the issues that can plague a car key fob are fairly simple and cost-effective to solve. Here are some of the most common problems with their solutions.
key car repair can last a long time before they require replacement batteries, however the lifespan of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries are typically required to be replaced every three or four years, and they will cease to function when they're old. This is a simple issue to fix - just buy the replacement battery and install.
Damaged receiver
The transmitter in your key fob must receive signals from the vehicle's receiver in order 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 simple problem to identify however, it could be necessary to replace the whole receiver if it's damaged.
Not programmed
Certain modern cars require a special chip inside the key fob in order to start. This chip communicates to the car via an exclusive code that is only known by the manufacturer. In most cases, you must visit the dealership to get the replacement fob programmed correctly for your car. You can find aftermarket fobs that can be used with a variety of vehicles.
Not working
If you've tried to replace the battery and buttons, but your car key fob still doesn't work, it could be an electrical issue or some other issue that requires professional attention. A professional locksmith will be able to resolve the issue by examining for the issue. This service is usually cheaper than visiting a dealer. The cost of replacing a fob will vary depending on the model of your vehicle and your local locksmith. You can contact a few companies in your area to get an idea of the cost prior to booking a job.