Is Your Company Responsible For An Key Fob Repair Service Budget? 12 Top Notch Ways To Spend Your Money
Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse. Depending on how they're kept and how often they are knocked around, their buttons may get stuck or damaged.
The majority of key fob issues are simple to fix. However, there are some that are more complicated and will require professional help. A locksmith can be a great resource in these instances.
Dead Fob Battery
Car key fobs are quite smart however, it doesn't mean they can't sometimes get stuck in the "not responding" zone. It's time to replace your battery when this occurs. However, that's not always the solution to the problem, because there could be an issue with one of the battery connector's terminals.
Car manufacturers are aware of this issue, and they frequently put a spare mechanical key inside the fob for just such an emergency. To access this, you can find the small release button or latch behind the fob (check the user manual for specifics). By pressing this button, you can open the fob to reveal a physical key you can use to open the car.
Another sign that your fob's batteries are dying is that you have to be closer to your car to open and lock it than before. The transmitter of the fob is depleted in power when its battery dies. This limits its range.
Replacing the battery is easy and fairly inexpensive. Make sure you purchase the button cell battery (which looks like a tiny silver coin) for your fob and follow the user's manual or video instructions on how to remove the old one. Then, replace the new battery in the same orientation that the old one was placed (the positive side should be facing upwards towards the buttons). Test the lock/unlock function, and begin the functions of the fob after reassembling it. This will ensure that the new battery is installed correctly.
Some key fobs can be a little tricky to open however, you should be able to do it by placing the latch, switch or screw at the back of the fob and then tearing it apart. You'll need the fob to work with your vehicle, so take care not to damage it! If you're not confident in doing this yourself it's also possible to take your fob to an expert. Because it's a standard procedure, most auto shops will replace the battery in a fob for a nominal cost. Some dealers will even do it for no cost dependent on the model and make of your vehicle.
Fob not working
Replace the batteries in your key fob if it doesn't work. This is the easiest fix and most likely what can fix the issue. If your fob is still not working after a battery change it could be due to damage or another issue that requires professional attention.
The car key fob could be damaged for a variety of reasons, including physical injury, exposure to water, or a corroded board. These issues may prevent your key from communicating with the receiver in your vehicle which can then stop the doors of your car and/or ignition from unlocking or starting. If your fob is damaged, it's likely that you'll need an expert to repair or replace the component or the entire device.
Similarly, the buttons on your device could have become worn-out over time due to repeated use. The rubber may wear out, making the buttons less 'clicky' or springy. They may also cease to register your presses. You can try wiping the buttons down and adjusting them, but it is usually best to have the fob professionally examined to make more extensive repairs.
Double check that the battery you're using is the right one for your fob. You can find a list with acceptable batteries online or in most hardware stores. You must always consult the owner's manual or the engraving on the inside of the fob to determine the kind of battery it requires. If the battery is not the correct fit it could be a problem transmitting strong signals or providing sufficient power to internal components.
In rare cases the issue could be related to the vehicle's electronic components or receiver. If you have an inductive backup system and you want to test it, you can do so by opening the door using the physical key and start the car with the inductive backup (if there is). If your key's physical counterpart does not work or open your car, make sure an expert check the receiver and electronic components to make sure they're functioning properly.
Damaged Fob
A key fob is made up of many parts and a single malfunction could cause other parts to fail. If a keyfob doesn't work, it's important that you examine the cause for obvious reasons such as cracked casings or a damaged part. Check the horn, light and other parts of the vehicle to make sure they are working properly.
It is better to replace the key fob in case it is damaged than to attempt to repair it. The fob could require reprogramming in the vehicle, which is something that cannot be done at home and requires special equipment to do this.
Over time the contacts on the buttons of a key fob can wear out. This is most common when the fob is dropped or left in hot weather.
The internal wiring of a key fob can be worn out over time. It can lead to a button that doesn't work when pressed, or only can be used when pressed extremely strongly. This can also result in the car not being able to start or unlock once the fob is used.
Most key fobs have a plastic cover which can be removed and cleaned safely with soap and warm water. This can help restore a keyfob to its original purpose. It's an excellent idea to clean it often to avoid dirt damaging the inside.
A damaged battery is the most common reason why a key fob won't turn on or work. Many mechanics and car dealers can replace the batteries quickly however, if you're comfortable doing it yourself, you can purchase a new battery at a hardware store or big-box retailer and follow instructions in the owner's manual or on YouTube to install it.
The worst case scenario is that your key fob is damaged internal damages, such as cracks, tiny electronic components not fully attached to the circuit boards, or bent and corroded contact points on the battery. If you find any of these problems it is recommended to consult an auto locksmith or a dealer to obtain a new key fob as well as assistance in programming it for your vehicle.
Fob isn't programming.
The car key fob is a convenient way to start your engine and open the doors of your car. When they stop working, or work intermittently, they can be a hassle. In some cases, the issue is solved by replacing the battery. In other circumstances, it could require a more complex repair. The first step is to identify why the fob doesn't work properly.
One of the most common reasons for a malfunctioning fob is that it no longer recognizes your vehicle. This happens if the connection between the remote and your car is cut off. It is possible to reset the connection without having to call a key fob repair service.
Other problems can arise when the key fob isn't able to sends a clear signal. This could be the result of a key has been damaged or if the battery is dead. In either case, you should try to resync the key to your vehicle. You can do this by following the instructions included with the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key to utilize it in the event that the primary key isn't working.
It's possible that the fob isn't receiving an adequate signal from the car. This could be due weak batteries in the car or interference from wireless devices or an antenna issue. You can test the fob and determine if this is the issue by using a remote tester. If the tester does not light up when one of the buttons is pressed, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob may be broken.
An immobilizer on your car may prevent the fob from sending out a strong signal. This could happen if your key fob hasn't been programmed correctly, or if you have a software issue.
If you aren't able to resolve the issue, or it's not worth the hassle of trying to repair the fob, then look into buying a replacement. There are key car repair -cost options from many online retailers and some can even be delivered to your door.