5 Repair Car Key Projects That Work For Any Budget
How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Although we put them through many a times keys are not impervious to destruction. They can actually be destroyed in a variety of ways.
Other issues can be more important than an unresponsive battery. Fortunately, many of them can be resolved with a quick DIY fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is probably the most frequent reason the car key fob stop working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, especially if they are exposed to hot or humid temperatures or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.
The LED light will typically cease to blink when the battery in your car key fob is low. It's also possible that your key fob won't function at the same distance it did in the past. In this scenario it could be necessary to re-program the key fob or replace it completely.
Fortunately the replacement of the battery in a car key fob is simple. First, find out what type of battery is used. The type should be engraved on the back of the fob. Google can help in case you're unsure. Once you've found the battery type and the key fob, you can open it at the junction. Utilize a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail, to pry apart the two halves. Then, you can remove the old battery and insert the new one in its place. Place car key repair near me in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers may not be aware their fob is dead until they try to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons aren't responding. This can be corrected by reprogramming the fob. However, it can be time-consuming and expensive. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they are able to jump your car and get you back on the road.
If you've tried every solution and your vehicle still won't start, it's the right time to call a professional. A trained technician will be able to determine if your car's computer system needs reprogramming or the fob simply requires an upgrade in battery. They will also suggest a reputable auto shop to replace your fob's keys. In the end it is not always the case that a new fob is the most effective solution.
Damaged Circuit Board
Key fobs can withstand a lot of physical abuse and is not indestructible. The battery, circuit board buttons, and other components all suffer their fair share of wear and tear with time, so it's important to be aware and take care of them to keep your car key fob working well.
The most straightforward thing to do is to ensure that the battery inside your key fob isn't depleted. If it is replaced, determine if this fixes the issue. If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be a challenge because some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to open them up and you may end up damaging your key fob if try to force it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, however you should always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it.
Another issue that is common is a damaged or corrupted circuit board inside the key fob. It can be caused by various factors, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software, hardware issues or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob is not working, you may want to consider getting it replaced. This can be done by a locksmith that specializes in this kind of work.
Radio interference is another possibility. This could happen if there are other wireless devices transmitting on the same frequency your key fob, for instance radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case you need to contact the other device manufacturer to make sure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.
You may also need to replace a switch or another electrical component inside your key fob. This is a harder fix however, there are guides online that explain how to fix it yourself. You should be careful, however, as the circuit board inside your key fob is small and can easily break if handled with care. If you're doing this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and solder it into place properly.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs are prone to quite a bit of wear and wear and tear. They're susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot of time moving around in your pocket or purse. The jolting can cause the buttons to wear out or become stuck. In this case an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to restore the button's functionality.
Modern key fobs come with sensors that can detect when they have been hit. This is because they reduce the chances of someone stealing your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when you press them, they're worn out and should be replaced.
The circuit board in the key fob transmits signals to your car. Those signals include commands to unlock and lock and also commands to start your engine. If the circuit board inside is damaged, then your key fob might not unlock or start your engine. This kind of damage is typically caused by water or blunt force.
If you're having to press the buttons harder than usual to activate them, then your key fob's buttons are getting worn out. Additionally your fob could stop sending a signal to the car, or have less range than it did prior to.
If you're not able to get your key fob to unlock or start your car, you need to find an emergency locksmith in your area. They can determine if the key fob is damaged or the cylinder in your ignition is worn out.
Fortunately, the majority of car keyfob problems aren't complicated or serious. The best way to avoid getting surprised by an unresponsive key fob is to keep a spare in your possession at all times. This will ensure that you're never trapped in a place due to an unreliable or lost key. If you lose your spare key a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your vehicle's engine. They'll also be able fix any internal damage that's occurred to your key fob.
Broken Case
A key fob's case does more than just protect the battery and buttons. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for doing all of the electrical magic when you hit a button on your key fob. This board transmits the signal from your key fob to your car.
Your key fob won't work if the board is damaged. Sometimes a dead key fob will just need to be reset which is something your local auto locksmith or dealership can assist you with.
Another reason your key fob might not be functioning is that the batteries are not working. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. You can purchase a replacement battery at your local auto parts shop or on the internet. These batteries aren't only for key fobs.
There are several ways to open the key fob and go inside it, depending on the type. You can determine the kind of battery your key fob uses by doing a quick online search. You can then buy a new one, take the old one out and then put the new one into.
If you are repairing a damaged key fob, the primary goal is not to harm the circuit or buttons further. If you attempt to pry apart the key fob using an instrument like a screwdriver or any other sharp edge, it could crack the plastic or break the case. A replacement case is inexpensive and you can purchase a complete fob assembly including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob won't work, check if you have damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If this isn't the situation, a professional could repair it quickly and cost-effectively. In the event that it isn't, it's the time to purchase a replacement. Make sure you check the warranty on any replacement or used fobs that you purchase online.