Five Repair Car Key Lessons From The Professionals
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Key fobs can be damaged, even if we use them a lot. In fact, they are able to break down in many different ways.
Other issues can be more important than an unresponsive battery. The majority of these issues can be solved with a quick fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is likely the most frequent reason the car key fob stop working. Fob batteries can deplete quickly, especially when they are exposed to hot or humid temperatures or water. It is a good idea to keep an extra fob battery in your wallet just in case.
The LED light will usually stop blinking when the battery in your car remote key fob repairs fob is running low. It's also possible that your key fob won't work from the same distance as it used to. In this case, the key fob may need to be reprogrammed or replaced entirely.
Fortunately, replacing the battery in a car key fob is easy. First, find out what kind of battery is being used. The type should be engraved on the side of the fob. If you are not sure, an easy Google search can help. Once you've found the kind of battery you want and the key fob, you can open it at the seam. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to pry apart the two halves. Then, you can remove the old battery and put an alternative one in its place. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers might not be aware that their fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their car and the buttons aren't responding. In some instances this problem can be resolved by reprogramming your 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 vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you've tried every solution but your vehicle doesn't turn on, it's time to call a professional. A trained technician will be able to determine if the car's computer system needs to be reprogrammed or if the fob requires an upgrade in battery. They may also recommend an auto repair shop that can replace the fob that you use to access your car. Sometimes, however, a new fob might be the best solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
The key fob isn't indestructible, but it can be able to withstand a variety of physical harm. Battery, circuit board and buttons are all susceptible to wear and tear. It is essential to take care of these parts to ensure your key fob remains in good condition.
Verify that the battery still functioning in your key fob. Replace the battery to see if it solves your problem. If not, you may need to open the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge since some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms to open them up, and you can easily harm your device if you try to pull it apart. You can purchase a specific tool to open your key fob, however you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging it.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is a damaged or damaged circuit board on the key fob. This could be due to many things, including dirt or moisture entering the battery compartment. Issues with software or an unintentional firmware update may be the cause for this. If your key fob isn't working, you may be interested in having it changed. This can be done by a locksmith who is skilled in this type of work.
Radio interference is also a possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency as your key fob, for instance a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the situation you must get in touch with the manufacturer of the other device to make sure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key fob has an unreliable switch or electrical component that must be replaced. This is a difficult fix, but you can find guides online that explain how to fix it yourself. Be careful when doing this, however, because the circuit board that is inside your key fob is small and is prone to breaking when handled rough. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to make use of an SMT switch of good quality and solder the switch in place correctly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are prone to lots of wear and tear. They're prone to being dropped and spend a lot of time jostled around in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this can cause buttons to wear out or snagged. A simple adjustment can solve the issue.
Modern key fobs are equipped with sensors that can detect when they've been hit. They're designed to do this to decrease the chance of thieves stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when pushed this is a sign that they're worn out and need to be replaced.
The circuit board that is in the key fob also transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well instructions to start the engine. If the circuit board within your vehicle is damaged, your key fob will not be able to unlock or start your engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt, or something scratching the circuit board.
If you have to press the buttons harder than normal to activate them, then your fob's buttons are wearing out. The fob may also stop sending signals to your car or have a lower range.
If you're not able to get your key fob to unlock or start your car, you need to call a locksmith near you immediately. They'll be able determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or your ignition cylinder has worn down.
Luckily, most remote key fob repair fob issues in cars aren't serious or complicated. The best way to avoid getting caught off guard by a malfunctioning key fob is to keep an extra key in your possession at all times. You'll never be stranded because of a malfunctioning or lost key. Of course, if you do lose your car key spare, a locksmith can help rekey it to ensure it is compatible with the ignition in your car. They'll also be able to repair any internal damage that's occurred to your key fob.
Broken Case
The case of the key fob is more than just shield the batteries and buttons. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic every time you press a key fob button. The circuit board receives the signal from your key fob and sends it to your car.
Your key fob won't work if this board is damaged. A key fob that is dead may require reprogramming by a local auto locksmith, or dealership.
Batteries could be the cause the key fob's not working. This is a quick solution that can be done 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.
There are a variety of ways to open a key fob and get inside it, based on the type. A quick search online should show you which type of key fob you have and the type of battery it takes. You can then buy an alternative and take the old one out and then put the new one into.
The most important thing to consider when fixing the broken car key fob is that you don't want to harm the circuit board or buttons any further. When you try to break the fob using a hard edge like a screwdriver could damage the case or even scratch the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement case is inexpensive and you can get an entire fob with the electronics from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob does not work, check if you have damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and inexpensively by a professional. Otherwise, it might be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check the warranty on any fob replacement or used purchased online.