5 Repair Car Key Lessons From The Professionals

How to Repair Car Key Fobs Even though we use them many a times, key fobs are not indestructible. They are able to break down in various ways. While the most common problem is a dead battery however, other issues could be more serious. Most of these issues can be solved by a quick fix at home. Dead Battery A dead battery is the main reason for a key fob not working. Fob batteries are prone to draining quickly, especially when they're exposed to extreme conditions like humidity, temperatures or even water. It is a good idea to keep an extra fob battery in your wallet just in case. The LED light will generally cease to blink when the battery in the car key fob is running low. The fob might also stop working from the same distance that it used to. In this instance it could be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it altogether. Fortunately, replacing the battery in a car key fob is a simple task. Find out the type of battery used. The type of battery you are using should be embossed in the side of your key fob. Google can help in case you're unsure. The key fob can be opened across the seam after you've identified the battery type. You'll need a small flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to break the two halves. Then, you can remove the old battery and put an alternative one in its place. Be sure to insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up toward the buttons in the fob. Some drivers may not realize their fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons do not respond. In some instances, this can be solved by reprogramming the fob, however, it can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to contact 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 and your car still doesn't turn on, it's time to contact a professional. A qualified technician can determine the computer in your car needs reconfiguring, or if your key fob simply needs an upgrade in battery. They can also suggest an auto repair shop that can replace the fob that you use to access your car. In the end, sometimes a brand new fob is the most effective solution. Damaged Circuit Board Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction, but it can be able to withstand a variety of physical damage. The circuit board, battery and buttons are all subject to wear and tear. It is important to take care of these parts to ensure that your key fob is in good working order. Verify that the battery still working in your key fob. If it is then replace the battery and determine if this fixes the problem. If not, you'll require opening the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It isn't easy to open some key fobs because they don't have an easy-release mechanism. You may cause damage to the fob by trying to force it apart. You can purchase a specific tool to open your key fob, but it is recommended to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it. Another problem that is frequently encountered is a damaged or faulty circuit board inside the key fob. It can be caused by a number of things like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment, software issues, or even an accidental firmware update. If your key fob isn't functioning completely, you should consider having it reprogrammed by an expert locksmith who specializes in this kind of work. Radio interference is a different possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency as your key fob, such radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, you should consult with other manufacturers of the device to make sure that your key fob isn't being 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 harder fix however, you can find guides online that explain how to fix it yourself. Be careful to be careful, however, since the circuit board inside your key fob is small and can easily break if handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, be sure to make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and solder the switch in the correct position. Out Buttons Out Buttons Car key fobs are prone to a lot of wear and tear. They are prone to getting lost and spend a significant amount of time in your pocket or purse. This jostling can sometimes cause buttons to wear out or become stuck. Simple adjustments can resolve the issue. Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can tell if they've been pressed. This is because they lower the chance of someone else stealing your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced. The circuit board inside the key fob also sends signals to your car. These signals include unlock and lock commands, as well as instructions to start your engine. If the internal circuit board is damaged, your key fob will not unlock or start your engine. Generally, 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 deteriorating If you're finding yourself pressing them harder than normal to get them to function. Your fob could be unable to send signals to your vehicle or have a shorter range. Contact a locksmith immediately when you're unable to use your key fob for your vehicle. They'll be able determine whether the key fob is damaged or the ignition cylinder is worn out. Fortunately, most key fobs for cars problems aren't too difficult or serious. Keep an extra key fob in your vehicle at all times to avoid being shocked by a malfunctioning one. You'll never be stranded due to an issue with your key or a lost one. If you do happen to lose your car key spare, a locksmith will be able to rekey it to ensure it is compatible with your car's ignition. They'll also be able to repair any internal damage that's occurred to your key fob. Broken Case A key fob's case does more than just protect the buttons and battery. The case also houses the circuitry that performs all the electrical magic when you press the button on your key fob. This board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car. Your key fob won't work if this board is damaged. Sometimes, a key fob that is dead will just need to be reprogrammed, which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can assist you with. Batteries may be the cause of your key fob not working. This is a quick solution that can be done at home by replacing the battery. You can get an alternative battery at the local auto parts store or on the internet. These batteries aren't only intended for key fobs. There are a variety of ways to open the key fob and go inside, based on the kind. key fob repair near me G28CarKeys can find out what kind of battery your key fob is using by doing a quick online search. From there, you can buy the replacement and simply take the old one out, and then the new one in. The most important thing to consider when fixing an old car key fob is that you don't want to harm the circuit board or buttons further. When you try to break the key fob using a hard edge like screwdrivers can damage the case or even scratch the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement case isn't expensive and you can buy the entire fob and the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40. If your key fob isn't working, check to see if the batteries are depleted or if the circuit board is damaged. If this is not the case, you can have it repaired quickly and cheaply by a professional. If not, it could be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure to verify the warranty of any fob replacement or used that you purchase online.