Why Repair Car Key Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

How to Repair Car Key Fobs Key fobs are susceptible to damage, even if we use them a lot. They can actually be destroyed in a variety of ways. Other issues could be more important than an unresponsive battery. The majority of these issues can be resolved by a quick fix at home. Dead Battery A dead battery is the main cause of a key fob that is not working. Fob batteries drain quickly, especially when they're exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity or water. It's a good idea keep an additional fob battery in your wallet in case. It is easy to tell the moment the battery of your car key fob is running low by the fact that the LED light will cease to blink. It's also possible that your key fob will no longer work from the same distance as it did in the past. In this scenario it might be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it completely. It is easy to replace the battery in a car keyfob. First, find out what kind of battery is being used. The type should be engraved on the side of the fob. Google can help you if you're not sure. Once you've identified the type of battery and the key fob, you can open it at the seam. Use a flathead screwdriver, or your fingernail to break the two halves. Then, take out the old battery and insert a new one in its place. Then, insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob. Some drivers don't even realize that their fob is dead until they lock or unlock their car and the buttons stop working. This can be fixed by reprogramming the fob. However it could 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 both solutions but your vehicle doesn't turn on, it's time to call a professional. key fob repair qualified technician will be able to determine if your car's computer system needs to be reprogrammed or if the fob requires a new battery. They can also suggest an auto repair shop that can replace the fob that you use to access your car. In the end it is not always the case that a new fob is the best solution. Damaged Circuit Board A key fob is not indestructible, but it can withstand a lot of physical damage. The battery, circuit board, and buttons all get their fair amount of wear and tear over time It is therefore essential to be aware and take care of them in order to keep your car key fob operating well. Check that the battery is still working in your key fob. Replace the battery to see if it fixes the issue. If not, you may require opening the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge since some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to unlock them and you could damage your fob if you attempt to break it. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, but it is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it. A damaged or corrupted key circuit board for the fob is another common problem. This can be due to various factors like moisture or dirt that gets into the battery compartment software problems or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob is not working, you may think about having it replaced. This can be accomplished by a locksmith who is skilled in this kind of work. Radio interference is also a possibility. It could happen if are other wireless devices transmitting at the same frequency as your key fob, for instance radar detectors, home security systems. If this is the case, check with the other manufacturers of the device to ensure that your key fob's signal isn't affected by their signals. It's also possible that your key fob is equipped with an unreliable switch or electrical component that must be replaced. This is a more difficult fix however, there are online guides that will show you how to do it yourself. Be careful when doing this, however, because the circuit board inside your key fob is small and is prone to breaking if handled with care. If you do this yourself, be sure to use a high quality SMT switch and then solder it in place correctly. Buttons that are worn out Car key fobs are prone to a lot of wear and tear. They are prone to getting dropped and spend a lot of time in your purse or pocket. Sometimes, this can cause the buttons to wear out or snagged. Simple adjustments can resolve the issue. Most modern key fobs come with sensors that detect when they've been used. They're made to do this so that they can decrease the chance of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced. Key fobs also have a circuit board inside them which transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, then your key fob might not be able to unlock your vehicle or start the engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt, or something scratching the circuit board. You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing down If you're finding yourself pressing more than usual in order to get them working. Additionally your fob could cease transmitting signals to the car or have a lower range than it did before. If you're not able to get your key fob to unlock or start your car, it's important to find an emergency locksmith in your area. They'll be able determine whether the key fob is damaged or the ignition cylinder is worn out. Luckily, most car key fob issues aren't too serious or complex. Keep a spare key fob in your car always in case you end up being thrown off by a malfunctioning device. This will ensure that you're not stuck in a bind due to a lost or malfunctioning key. If you have lost your spare key, a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your car's engine. They can also repair any internal damage to the key fob. Broken Case The case of the key fob does more than just protect the buttons and batteries. It also houses the circuit board responsible for all the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. This board takes the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to your car. If this board is damaged or dead your key fob will not be able to function. Sometimes a dead key fob will just need to be reset which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can assist you with. Another reason your key fob may not be functioning is that the batteries are not working. The battery can be replaced at your home. You can find an alternative battery at the local auto parts store or online. These batteries aren't just for key fobs. Depending on the kind of key fob you have, there are a variety of ways to open it up and get inside. You can determine the type of battery your key fob uses by conducting a quick online search. You can then buy a new replacement and pop the old one out, and then put the new one into. The main concern when you repair an old car key fob is that you don't want to harm the circuit board or buttons further. When you try to break a key fob with a hard edge like a screwdriver can cause damage to the case or scratch the plastic. A replacement case is inexpensive and you can purchase an entire fob, including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for less than $40. If your key fob does not work, you should check if you've damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If this isn't the case, you can have it repaired quickly and inexpensively by an expert. Otherwise, it might be the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check for a warranty on any used or replacement fobs you buy online.