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Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Key fobs can have issues over time, such as the loss of functionality. Certain issues may require professional attention, but most can be fixed at home.
Changing the battery is often the first step. Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style batteries, which is easily available in hardware or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
If the battery for a key fob is dead, it could be a huge inconvenience especially if you're far from home. However, there are options to get back on the road even when your car's keyless entry isn't working.
The first thing to test is to see if the buttons on the fob are still working. If they do, then the problem may lie in the locks of your car instead of the fob.
If the keys won't unlock you need to look for a mechanical key slot concealed in the door handle trim or in another location on the vehicle (consult your owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key, and try again. If this doesn't unlock the door, some vehicles have an app that allows you to unlock it remotely. FordPass Connect MyChevrolet Mobile Application and myMazda apps, for example, allow owners to unlock their doors using smartphones. These apps are charged a monthly fee for subscription.
You should also check whether your key fob won't take the car's battery away by being plugged into them. A dead key fob can drain your battery, especially if you use its remote features while watching TV or speaking on the phone.
Holding the key fob right up to your car's start button may cause the key fob that has low battery. It's a quick fix that can save you a trip to the dealership or to select Interstate All Battery Center locations.
You can also determine whether your key fob actually dead by trying it in another vehicle with push-button ignition. If it doesn't work, you may need to replace the battery in your fob. It's a great idea to keep an extra key fob in your bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
It's possible that the key fob is damaged and has a button. Your key fob is likely to have a circuit board with "contact pads" for each button. These tiny pads are coated with a conductor of electricity which wears down over time. This wear could cause your fob to react less quickly, or not respond at all.
The pad that contacts car keys can be easily replaced using the flat-head screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly smashed it may be difficult to open. You'll have to take it to an auto repair shop to get the fob repaired.
It's not unusual for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, walked on or exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to keys, which could result in them breaking or snapping them.
It can also cause internal damage to the fob and cause a malfunction. This is why it's a good idea to carry a spare key fob inside your pocket or wallet in the event that you damage the one you own.
If your key fob's buttons aren't working in the way they should, first make sure the battery is in good condition. Keep in mind that key fobs aren't any special kind of electronic device - most of them run on the same batteries for two dollars that are used in watches and hearing aids, which are readily available at drug stores, hardware stores, and online.
If the battery is in good condition it's likely that the buttons are dirty or worn out, and can be cleaned by using a damp cloth to wipe them down. If the buttons don't work, try another car key fob. This will help you determine whether the issue is yours or a specific model. If the other fob functions, it's likely that the key fob you have needs to be reset or even replaced completely.
Reprogramming
The hidden world of car keys fobs is more complex than the myths that surround it suggest. Basic fobs function with radio frequency signals that are unique to each car. The fobs must be properly programmed to unlock and begin the vehicle. Unfortunately it's not as easy as pressing a few buttons and with very few exceptions it has to be done by a dealer.
The process of reprogramming a fob is based on the model and model year of your car It is therefore essential to refer to the owner's manual to get step-by-step instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes have proprietary technology that only dealers are able to create a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. However some independent shops provide this service too and you should review reviews and prices prior to selecting the shop.
Certain car models erase all other fobs when they're reprogrammed, which means you'll have to have any additional fobs professionally programmed. This can be costly especially if the fob is no longer working. Even when the mechanical key doesn't start the car, it's a good idea to have a backup that can open the doors and trunk.
Be prepared for a frustrating experience if you decide to reprogram your fob yourself. There are countless guides on the internet that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides are written by people with no knowledge of this field and often are founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car key fob by yourself in just the click of a button. This is misleading.
The battery is usually held in place with an elastic clip that can be removed easily. However the circuit board is home to the battery, and you'll need to remove the battery using an instrument. Once car keys repairs got inside, you'll be able to locate the button cell battery, which is typically a tiny watch battery that is available at most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. Removing the battery is typically simple, and it's always worthwhile to try this first before replacing the entire unit.
Replacement
If your car key fob has been damaged or fails to function, it's important to know that there are several options to fix the issue. It's as easy as replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob, however a more extensive repair may be needed. It is also helpful to have a spare key fob in case one is lost or stolen.
Most modern key fobs contain an incredibly small physical key in addition to the electronics which makes them more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some "smart" fobs even come with a remote starter. Therefore, it's important to understand that it can take up to an hour to have a new key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Fobs use a small radio transmitter mounted on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. By pressing a button, the transmitter transmits an RF signal specific to the car's receiver. The receiver detects the signal and verifies it against preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to start the car from a distance, without having to put the key in the ignition.
If your fob's buttons aren't working or responding intermittently, they could have been damaged by water. You may be able to repair the fob by disassembling it and looking for any damaged or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try reprogramming the fob or buying a new one.
It is best to check with an auto dealer in your area or a locksmith prior purchasing a replacement keyfob to ensure it is compatible with the security system of your vehicle. Aftermarket fobs can be cheaper, but you should study the reviews and brands before trying to program them yourself. While some fobs can be replaced by a reputable locksmith other models require special programming equipment that can only be used by a professional auto dealer or auto technician.