Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be enticed when your remote key fob isn't working to take it to a dealership to have it changed. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.
Begin by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are cheap and readily available in hardware stores. Take a closer look at the key fob and check for buttons that are worn out or out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob is a small electronic device that makes it simple to lock or unlock your vehicle. It works by using a radio transmitter that transmits codes to a receiver within your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last for a long time, but they could end up dying at any time. Look for the LED light or try pressing one of the buttons to see whether the battery is dead. If the key fob will not respond, then the battery is dead and requires to be replaced.
Changing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's usually just opening the fob, pulling out the old battery, then putting in the new one. Fobs use small batteries, like those found in watches or hearing aids and are available at all kinds of stores and home improvement stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin, and feature plus and minus signs on the bottom. If you're not sure what kind of battery your key fob takes, consult the owner's manual, or look on the key fob itself for a label.
After you change the battery the fob's key should perform as expected. If it doesn't it could be due to a different issue with your car or its system that is causing the fob to not function properly. If this is the case you'll require assistance from a roadside service.
Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you might be able to purchase replacement keys on the internet or from a dealer. It is often cheaper and more convenient to purchase a new key fob instead of to repair a damaged one.
Buttons Are Unresponsive
If you've been driving around for a while and notice that the keys' buttons aren't working it could be an issue with worn-out buttons or sensors. Rubberized buttons on most fobs wear out over time. This could cause them to function correctly when they are pushed in a specific way or with extreme pressure. Read Significantly more is a problem that occurs for a lot of fobs and can be easily solved with a few simple DIY steps.
To unlock the car, the fob sends a signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it could stop receiving the signal and prevent the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. The best solution for this is to have your local mechanic inspect the receiver for damage. In many cases, this is cost-free or at a minimal cost according to the make of your car.
The key fobs that are utilized daily receive many uses and are often found in purses and pockets, so it is no surprise that they occasionally be finicky and only function properly when they are placed in a specific way. This is an easy fix for most fobs since the buttons can be reinforced and fixed very quickly with some silicone and a bit of effort.
To get the buttons working again, press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. You'll need to repeat this a few times in succession in order to get the button to activate. Next, you will need to cycle your key into and out of the car's ignition several times more in order to reset the connection between the fob and your car. Once the connection is restored, unlock the key and you will be able to unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process until the fob is working again. If you are not able to fix the fob by following this method it could require replacement completely. If you decide to replace the fob, make sure it's programmed for your car's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's keychain loop gets damaged, it can be separated from your keys and no longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. The keychain loop is easily replaced.
Key fobs can also malfunction due to moisture and water damage. The signs include a decreased range of operation, or no function at any time. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, however in some cases repairs or replacements by a professional may be required.
Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It may be necessary to replace the key fob button or the case, but reprogramming can often solve the issue. Sometimes, signal interference from nearby electronic devices may cause interference between the key fob and your vehicle and cause issues with locking or unlocking. It could be necessary to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership in order to resolve the issue. This is often the case with older electronic key fobs, which operate on infrared signals and require a clear line-of-sight in order to function however, the majority of modern microchip keys use radio frequency challenge-response authentication to communicate with your vehicle.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
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. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to solve the issue, but you may also have to change the programming of the remote.
Key fobs found in modern vehicles are capable of controlling lots of functions. They can raise and lower the windows, activate the alarm, turn on the interior lighting and even start certain vehicles. It is easy for car owners to accidentally use the wrong buttons. Keep your owner's guide close by when using your key fob to easily reference the sections that cover the features of your car.
A fob might malfunction because the remote signal is corrupted or has been lost. Some of the more recent key fobs utilize sophisticated technology for encryption of signals to keep thieves from intercepting signals and generating unauthorized key fobs or remotes that unlock cars. You'll likely need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer in order to re-program your fob and restore its function.
Certain automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming the key fob of their vehicles. These procedures are usually simple enough to be done at home. This procedure is not recommended for beginners who do not have extensive experience in electronics. It is recommended to leave this sort of work to professionals.
Key fobs can suffer more wear and tear when they're used and handled frequently. The buttons on a fob can get jostled around, and the case could crack or break. Keep a spare fob with your person at all times. This will help you save time should your remote break down when you're out and out and about. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so that you can activate the panic button in case you hear noises at night.