Car Key Fob Repair Service

If the car key fob isn't working it could put you in a difficult situation. It's costly to replace it, but sometimes it's the best option.

But before you head to the dealer to have one reprogramed there are a variety of places you can go that will save you money.

Dead Battery

One of the most common issues with key fobs is a dead battery. It can catch people off guard, especially when it happens as you are leaving to work or going to a social gathering. Even if you have an alternative plan in place, such as a spare key or a phone number for assistance on the road it is likely that you will need to get the fob repaired or replaced. The good news is that the majority of car key fob battery issues can be easily fixed with the right information.

A lot of modern cars have an emergency backup system to protect the possibility that a fob's batteries could go bad. If you connect a dead fob to the ignition, you can generally start the car. If you have a push-to-start vehicle, it will unlock the doors. The owner's guide for your car will provide detailed information about where to place the fob of the key to start it.

Other reasons why a key fob not responding to press buttons or turning off include the button that isn't being completely pressed or is a battery with a low capacity or a remote car key repairs which needs to be programmed. In some instances cleaning your key fob could be enough to get it working again. When key fob buttons are repeatedly pressed, dirt could build up and stop them from being fully pressed.

A quick way to clean your key fob in a pinch can be to use the tip of the paper clip. This can be used to open the case securely and remove your old battery. Keep an additional battery and any other tools you might require to open the key fob's case at hand. This way, you'll be ready for an issue with your key fob to ensure that it won't disrupt your day or cause you to the need to call roadside assistance. Keep an extra car key in your pocket to avoid getting caught off guard if you have problems with your key fob.

Button Issues

The buttons on a key fob send signals to the circuit board of the remote when they are hit. If the buttons wear out, the signals may not be transmitted and your device will stop functioning. This can happen over time or be caused by another issue with the car or fob. A professional will be able to repair or replace the button if it's worn out.

Key fobs are frequently exposed to a lot of abuse. Every day, they're broken, dropped, and exposed both to cold and heat. They're also very fragile and can easily be broken. The inside of the fob has components like a circuit board and battery contacts that could be destroyed with enough abuse.

Most issues can be solved by replacing the battery on your fob, however there are some that require more. The battery can be tested by opening the case of the key fob with a screwdriver and determining whether it's dirty or needs to replaced. The most popular batteries used in key fobs are 3V button batteries that can be purchased in almost any retailer.

Fobs can also be damaged by water, even if it's only the smallest amount of water. This could be a problem in the event that you swim with the key fob in your purse or accidentally run it through a washing machine. This can harm the transponder chip and cause the key fob to stop functioning.

Contacting a professional locksmith is the best option if there is a problem with buttons. They will be able to fix or replace your button and reprogram it for you. They can also solve other electrical issues, such as the broken light or horn that won't work.

Cars are expensive, key fob Repair service so it's essential to stay up to date with technology and equipment that make them run. If you don't then your vehicle will not function properly and you will encounter a more difficult in getting to where want to go. It's also a big security risk to have defective equipment and technology because it can lead to more serious mechanical issues later on.

Broken Battery Terminals

If you have been trying to start your car but the fob isn't functioning it could be an indication that the battery terminals are broken. To unlock and start your car, the fob has to be able communicate with the central system of your vehicle. This is accomplished via a tiny radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent to the internal car key (if there is one) which then opens 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 might not function in the event that the battery terminals are damaged.

Fortunately, these are simple solutions. Replacing the battery is generally as simple as removing the old battery, figuring out which type of replacement batteries are needed, and visiting an auto parts store or online retailer for the correct one. Certain key fobs are difficult to open to access the batteries however, it's important to be cautious to ensure that you don't break any of the components inside.

Then, try the key fob a second time. If it doesn't work it could be that the metal key itself inside the fob is damaged or the key has been programmed. Modern keys must be programmed to work with certain vehicles, and a certain error codes can affect the programming of the key fob. This can be remedied by a professional who can re-program the key to the vehicle.

Another possibility is that the fob is damaged, especially in the event that it was dropped or left in the rain. The circuit board may be damaged because the key fob had been exposed to excessive heat, or other problems. Sometimes this is the result of work being done on your vehicle, which exposed wires. This could then lead to other issues, such as a damaged horn or a malfunctioning key fob. It is essential to examine your key fob for damages and replace or repair it if necessary, since not having a functioning key could be extremely stressful and risky.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are a wonderful convenience to have however, they can also cause issues that require professional repair. Thankfully, many of the issues that can plague a car key fob are relatively easy and cheap to repair. Here are some of the most frequent problems and their potential solutions.

A dead battery

Smart Key fobs have a shorter life span than the majority of basic remotes. Fob batteries usually need to be replaced every three or four years, and are prone to fail when they are too old. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to solve - simply buy a new replacement battery and put it in.

A damaged receiver

The transmitter inside your key fob must receive signals from the receiver in your vehicle to allow it to open and start it. If this receiver is damaged, signals will be unable to pass through and remain unreadable. This is a simple issue to diagnose however, it could be necessary to replace the whole receiver if it's too damaged.

Not programmed

Certain modern cars require an extra chip inside the key fob to start. The chip communicates with your car using a unique code that only the manufacturer knows. In most cases, you must visit the dealership to get the replacement fob programmed correctly for your car. But, you can find aftermarket fobs online that work with a variety of vehicles.

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 repair. A professional locksmith can check for this kind of issue and help you get your key fob back in working order quickly. This will typically be less expensive than a trip to the dealership. The cost of a new fob will depend on your car model and the locksmith in your area. Check with a few companies in your area to find out the cost prior to booking an appointment.