How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Even though we put them through a lot, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. In fact, they can break down in a variety of ways.

Other issues could be more serious than an unresponsive battery. Luckily, most of these can be fixed with a quick DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most common cause of a key fob not working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, particularly if they are exposed to hot or humid temperatures or even water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.

You will usually know the moment your car key fob’s battery is dying because the LED light will cease to glow. The fob might also stop working from the same distance it used to. In this scenario the key fob might need to be reprogrammed or replaced altogether.

It is easy to replace a car keyfob battery. First, find out what kind of battery is being used. The type should be engraved on the side of the fob. Google can help you in case you’re unsure. The key fob can be opened across the seam after you have identified the battery type. You will need to use a small flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to break the two halves. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a brand new one. Make sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing upwards towards the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers aren’t aware that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their car, and the buttons no longer work. In some instances, this can be solved by reprogramming the fob however, it can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to call roadside assistance and see if they are able to jump your car and get you back on the road.

If you’ve tried all the options and your vehicle still won’t start, it’s the right time to speak with a professional. A qualified technician can determine if your car’s computer needs reprogramming, or if the fob is only in need of replacement batteries. They will also suggest a reputable auto repair car remote control key shop to replace your key fob. Sometimes an entirely new fob could be the best solution.

Circuit Board Damage

Key fobs can withstand many physical abuses and isn’t indestructible. The battery, the circuit board, and buttons all get their fair share of wear and tear over time, so it’s important to be aware and take care of them to keep your car key fob working efficiently.

Check that the battery is still functioning in your key fob. If it is then replace the battery and determine if this fixes the issue. If not, you’ll have to remove the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be difficult since some key fobs don’t have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to open them, and you can easily damage your fob if you try to pull it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but you should always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or corrupted key fob circuit board is a common problem. It can be caused by various factors like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob has stopped working, you may think about getting it reprogrammed. This can be done by a locksmith that specializes in this kind of work.

Radio interference is another possibility. This could happen if there are other wireless devices transmitting at the same frequency as your key fob, for instance a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, check with the other manufacturers of your device to make sure that your key fob isn’t affected by their signals.

There may be a need to replace a switch or an electrical component in your key fob. There are online guides that show you How To Repair Car Key Fob to fix this yourself. You should be careful, however, as the circuit board that is inside the key fob is tiny and is prone to breaking if handled with care. If you do this yourself, be sure to use a good quality SMT switch and then solder it into place properly.

Buttons that are worn out

Car key fobs can get a lot of wear and wear and tear. They’re susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot of time being tossed around in your pocket or purse. The jolting can cause the buttons to wear out or get stuck. Simple adjustments can resolve the problem.

Most modern key fobs come with sensors that detect when they’ve been used. They’re designed to do this so that they can lower the risk of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don’t respond when pushed it’s a sign that 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 commands to unlock and lock your car, as well as commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged then your key fob may not allow you to unlock your car or even start the engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force, or something scratching the circuit board.

You’ll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing out If you’re finding yourself pressing the buttons more than normal to get them to work. The fob may also stop sending signals to your car or have a smaller range.

Contact a locksmith immediately if you are not able to use your key fob to start your car. They’ll be able to tell whether the key fob is damaged or the ignition cylinder is worn out.

Fortunately, most car keyfob problems aren’t complicated or serious. Keep a spare key fob in your car at all times to avoid being shocked by a malfunctioning device. This will ensure that you’re never stuck in a bind due to an unreliable or lost key. Of course, if you do lose your car key spare, a locksmith can help change the key so that it works with the ignition in your car. They’ll also be able fix any internal damage that’s occurred to the key fob.

Broken Case

The case of the key fob does more than just protect the batteries and buttons. It also houses the circuit board responsible for performing all the electrical magic when you hit the button on your key fob. The circuit board relays the signal from your key fob to your car keys repair near me.

If this board is damaged or dead the key fob won’t be able to operate. Sometimes a dead key fob may need to be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can assist you with.

Another reason why your key fob may not be working is that the batteries are dying. This is a simple fix that you can do at home by replacing the battery. You can purchase an alternative battery at the local auto parts store or online. These batteries aren’t just for key fobs.

Depending on the kind of key fob, there are a variety of ways to open it and access the insides. A quick internet search should reveal what kind of key fob yours is and what kind of battery it uses. From there, you can buy a replacement and easily pop the old one out, and then the new one in.

The biggest concern when repairing a broken car key repair car key fob is that you don’t want to cause damage to the circuit board or buttons any further. When you try to break the fob using an edge that is sharp like a screwdriver could break the case or crack the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement case is cheap and you can purchase a whole fob assembly with the electronics from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

So, if your key fob isn’t working look into whether the batteries are dead or if the circuit board has been damaged. If this isn’t the case, a professional will fix it quickly and cost-effectively. Otherwise, it might be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check the warranty of any fob replacement or used that you purchase on the internet.