Five Repair Car Key Lessons From The Pros
How to Repair car key Fob Car Key Fobs
Key fobs can become damaged even if we utilize them a lot. In fact, they can break down in many different ways.
While the most common problem is a dead battery but other issues can be more grave. Luckily, most of these can be fixed with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is likely the most common reason the car key fob stops functioning. Fob batteries tend to drain quickly, especially if they are exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures, humidity or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.
The LED light will typically cease to blink when the battery in your car key fob is running low. The fob may also stop working from the same distance it used to. In this instance it could be necessary to re-program your key fob or replace it completely.
Fortunately replacing the car key fob battery is easy. First, determine what kind of battery is being used. The type should be embossed on the side of the fob. If you're not sure it is, a quick Google search will help. Open the key fob along the seam once you have identified the battery type. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail, to separate the two halves. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. Then, insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers might not be aware that the fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons don't respond. In some cases this issue can be resolved by reprogramming the fob however, this can be expensive and time-consuming. You can also call roadside assistance to determine whether they are able to jumpstart your car and get it back on the road.
If you have tried both of these solutions and your car still won't start and you're not sure why, it's time to call an expert. A certified technician will be able to determine whether your car's computer system needs to be reprogrammed or if the fob requires an upgrade in battery. They may also recommend an auto shop that will replace the fob that you use to access your car. Sometimes it is possible that a new fob may be the best solution.
Circuit Board Damage
A key fob is able to withstand some physical abuse and is not impervious to destruction. Battery, circuit board and buttons are all susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is crucial to take care of these components where to repair car key remote ensure your key fob remains in good working order.
Make sure that the battery still functioning on your key fob. If it is replaced, determine if this fixes the problem. If not, you might have to remove the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge because some key repair service fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to unlock them and you may damage your fob if you attempt to break it. You can purchase a specific tool to open your key fob. However, you must follow the directions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is another common problem. This can be caused by various factors, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software problems, or even an accidental firmware update. If your key fob isn't working completely, consider having it reprogrammed by an expert locksmith who specializes in this kind of work.
Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices operating at the same frequency as your key car repair fob, for instance radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, check with the other device manufacturers to ensure that your key fob isn't being affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key fob has an unreliable switch or electrical component that should be replaced. There are online guides that help you fix this yourself. Be cautious, however, as the circuit board in your key fob is very small and could easily break when handled rough. If you're doing it yourself, make sure to make use of an SMT switch of good quality and put the switch in place in a proper manner.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are prone to quite a bit of wear and wear and tear. They are more prone to being dropped and spend a lot time being jostled in your purse or pocket. The jolting can cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. When this happens, a simple adjustment may be all it takes to make it work again.
Modern key fobs are equipped with sensors that are able to detect when they've been pressed. They're designed to detect this because they can help reduce the likelihood of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you press them, they're worn out and need to be replaced.
The circuit board in the key fob also transmits signals to your car. These signals include unlock and lock commands and commands to start your engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged then the key fob you have may not unlock your vehicle or start the engine. This type of damage is usually caused by blunt force or water.
If you have to press the buttons harder than normal to make them function, then your fob's buttons are wearing out. Your fob could not be sending an alert to your car key repair company or have a smaller range.
Contact a locksmith immediately when you're not able to use your key fob for your car. They'll be able determine whether the key fob is damaged or your ignition cylinder has worn down.
Fortunately, most key fob issues in cars aren't too serious or complex. Keep a spare key fob in your car key repair at all times to avoid being surprised by a malfunctioning one. You'll never be caught in the middle because of an issue with your key or a lost one. If you do lose your spare car key, a locksmith will be able to rekey it so that it works with your car's ignition. They'll also be able to fix any internal damage that may have been caused to your key fob.
Broken Case
The case of the key fob is more than protect the batteries and buttons. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for all the electrical magic when you press the button on your key fob. 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 will just need to be reset which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can help you with.
Batteries may be the cause of your key fob not working. This is a simple solution that can be done at home by replacing the battery. You can purchase an alternative battery at the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries aren't only intended for key fobs.
There are a variety of ways to open up a key fob to get inside it, depending on the kind. A quick search on the internet will show you which type of key fob yours is and what kind of battery it requires. From there, you can buy an alternative and then simply pop the old one out and the new one in.
If you are repairing a damaged key fob, the primary goal is not to harm the circuit or buttons further. If you try to pry apart the key fob using the screwdriver or another sharp edge, it could crack the plastic or break the case. A replacement case isn't expensive and you can find an entire fob, including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for under $40.
If your key fob doesn't function, make sure you've damaged the circuit board or batteries. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and cheaply by an expert. If not, it may be time to replace the fob. Make sure you check the warranty of any replacement or used fobs that you purchase online.
