Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
If your remote key fob stops working, you may be tempted to visit a dealership to get it reprogrammed. Try some quick fixes in your home.
Start by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat-watch-style batteries that are inexpensive and easy to locate. Take a closer look at the key fob and look for buttons that are worn out or out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a tiny electronic device, allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. It uses a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver within your car. The batteries inside key fobs last for a long period of time, however they may die at any moment. It is easy to detect if the battery gone out by examining the LED light or attempting to press one of the buttons. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and has to replaced.
Change the battery on the key fob is simple and quick. It's typically an issue of opening the fob, pulling out the old battery before inserting the new one. The batteries for fobs are tiny, similar to the ones used in watches or hearing aids. They are available at home improvement stores and general stores. They're usually shaped like a small coin and have plus and minus marks on the bottom. Consult your owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't sure which batteries your fob uses.
After you have changed the battery the fob's key should function as usual. If it's not working, there could be another issue with your car or its system that is making it not work properly. If this is the case, you'll need to get roadside assistance to assist you with the issue.
Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be able to buy replacement key fobs through the internet or from a dealership. It's typically cheaper and easier to buy an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a broken one.
Buttons Aren't Responding
If you've been driving around for a while, and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't working it could be an issue with worn buttons or sensors. Most fobs have rubberized buttons that can wear out over time, which could cause them to not function correctly if they are pushed in a particular way or with extreme force. This is a common problem for a lot of fobs and can be easily fixable with a few DIY steps.
To unlock the vehicle, the fob sends an alert to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged it might not receive the signal and the key won't be able to open or start your car. The best solution for this is to have your local mechanic examine the receiver for damage. In most instances, this will be free or for a small cost dependent on the model of the car you own.
Key fobs that are used daily get many uses and are often found in pockets and purses, so it is no surprise that they sometimes be finicky and function properly if they are placed in a specific way. This is an easy fix for most fobs since the buttons can be strengthened and fixed very quickly with a little silicone and a bit of work.
Press and hold the lock or unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the car chime. It is necessary to do this multiple times in succession to trigger the button activate. Next, key fob repairs in and out of the ignition a couple of times to reset your fob's connection to your car. Once the connection has been restored, you can remove the ignition key and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the procedure until your fob is working again. If you cannot fix the fob using this method, it could be necessary to replace it. If you decide to replace the fob, make sure that it is programmed for your vehicle's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's keychain loop is damaged, it can be separated from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. Replacing the keychain loop is an easy solution.
Key fobs may also fail due to water and moisture damage. Symptoms include a reduced range of operation, or even no function at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery could resolve the problem however, sometimes professional repair or replacement is required.
Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It could be necessary to replace the key fob button or case, but reprogramming can often solve the issue. Sometimes, signal interference from nearby electronic devices could cause interference between the key fob and your car which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. This could require a diagnostic test performed by the dealership in order to troubleshoot and solve. This is typically the case for older electric key fobs that use infrared signals. They require a clear line of sight to function however, the majority of modern microchipped key fobs use challenge-response authentication over radio frequency to communicate with your vehicle.
Lost or Corrupted Pairing
Over time keys fob batteries deplete their charge. If the battery has lost too much of its power, the remote will no longer respond to commands. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the battery, but it may also be necessary to re-program your remote.
Modern cars have key fobs that allow for many functions. They can adjust the height of windows, trigger alarms, turn on the interior lights, or even start some cars. This means it can be easy for owners to use the wrong buttons due to accident. Keep the owner's guide close to hand when using your key fob to easily reference the sections that cover the features of your car.
Another reason that can cause the fob to cease working is that the signal has been damaged or lost. Certain of the latest key fobs utilize sophisticated signal encryption technologies to prevent thieves from intercepting the signals and making unauthorized key fobs or remotes that can unlock your car. To reprogram the fob, you'll need to go to a dealer or auto locksmith.
Some automakers make their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs yourself. These procedures are often simple enough to perform at home. This process is not recommended for novices who do not have a lot of knowledge of electronics. This type of work should be left to experts.
Key fobs undergo plenty of wear and tear, especially when they are used frequently and handled. The buttons on a fob may be jostled and the case may break or crack. Keep a spare remote with you at all time. This will help you save time if your remote breaks down when you're out and out and about. Keep it near your bed at all times, so you can activate the panic button in the event that you hear noises at night.