Car Key Fob Repair Service

While a car key fob may seem like an incidental item, if it stops working properly you could find yourself in a difficult spot. It's costly to replace it, but often it's the most effective solution.

But before you head to the dealer to have one re-evaluated, there are several other places that can save you money.

Dead Battery

One of the most common issues with key fobs is batteries that are dead. This can be a surprise particularly if it occurs when you're leaving to work or at a social event. There may be a backup plan, such as an extra key or number for roadside help but you'll still require a fix or replacement for the fob. The good news is that the majority of car key fob battery issues are easily fixable with the right knowledge.

A lot of modern cars have a backup system that can handle the possibility of the fob battery failing. Usually, if you hold the dead fob to the ignition button and press it, you'll be able to start the car key repair service. If you own a vehicle with push-to-start technology, this will also unlock your doors. The owner's guide for your vehicle will provide detailed instructions on how to use the key fob.

Other causes of a key fob that won't be able to turn on or respond to the button presses include the button isn't being pressed completely, a battery with low capacity or a remote controller that requires reprogramming. In some cases cleaning your key fob could be enough to make it work again. Because key fob buttons are often pressed over and over again, dirt can accumulate and stop them from pressing all the way.

A quick way to clean your key fob in a pinch would be to use the end of a paper clip. This can safely be used to open up the case and remove the battery. It is also advisable to keep an extra battery handy and any tool you'll need to open up the key fob case. This way, you can be ready for any issue with your key fob repair service fob, so that it won't disrupt your routine and cause you to have to call for roadside assistance. You can also keep a spare car key in your pocket to avoid getting caught off guard if you have a problem with your key fob.

Button Issues

The buttons on a key fob send signals to the circuit board of the remote when they are hit. If the buttons wear out, signals won't be sent. Your fob may cease to function. This can occur over time or may be due to another issue with the car or fob. A professional can fix or replace the button if it's worn.

Key fobs typically see quite a bit of abuse. They're dropped, banged around and exposed to heat and cold every day. They're also pretty delicate and are easily broken. The inside of the fob has parts like a circuit board and battery contacts that could be destroyed if abused enough.

Changing the battery in your key fob will usually be enough to fix most problems however, some issues are more complicated than the others. The battery can be tested by opening the case of the key fob using an screwdriver and determining whether it's dirty or requires replacement. The most common batteries used in key fobs are 3V button cell batteries that can be bought at almost any store.

Fobs can also be damaged by water even if it's just a small amount of water. This can be a problem when you wash the key fob or swim with it in your pocket. This could cause damage to the transponder chip inside and cause the key fob to stop working.

A professional locksmith is your best bet if you have issues with a button. They can repair or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also fix other electrical problems like an unresponsive light or a horn that won't work.

It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and tools for your vehicle key repairs. Cars can be costly. If you don't then your vehicle will not function effectively and you'll be having a harder getting to where you want to go. It's also a safety issue to have faulty technology and equipment because it can cause more serious mechanical issues in the future.

broken key repair near me Battery Terminals

If your fob doesn't work when you attempt to start your car it could be because the battery terminals are damaged. To unlock and start your car, the fob must be able to communicate with central system of your vehicle. This communication is done via a small radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted by the fob to the internal key (if it exists), which unlocks the doors and then turns on the engine. The fob is designed to be able to send this signal at distances of up 50 feet, however the transmission may not function if the battery terminals are damaged.

These are easy fixes. It is generally easy to replace the battery. Simply take out the old one, determine the type of battery you need, and then go to an auto parts shop or online retailer to purchase the correct batteries. Some key fobs are hard to open in order to access the batteries however, and it pays to be careful so that you do not break any of the components inside.

The next step is to test the key fob once more. If it doesn't work it could be that the key made of metal inside the fob is damaged or the key has been reprogrammed. Modern keys need to be programmed to work with a specific vehicle and certain error codes can corrupt the programming in the key fob. This can be remedied by a professional who can reprogram the key to the car.

A damaged fob is a different possibility, particularly if the fob was dropped or left out in the rain. It could also be that the key fob was subjected to extreme heat or other issues that led to the circuit board to fail. Sometimes this is the result of work being done on your vehicle, which left exposed wires, which could cause other issues, such as a damaged horn or a malfunctioning key fob. It is crucial to check the key fob for damage and replace or repair it if needed, as the absence of an operational key can be very stressful and dangerous.

Other Issues

Car key fobs can be a great convenience, but they can also cause problems that require professional assistance. A lot of the issues that could be a problem for a car keyfob are simple and affordable to fix. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues and solutions for them:

A dead battery

Most basic remotes can last for a long time before needing replacement batteries, however the life span of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries typically need to be replaced every three or four years, and they can easily stop working when they're too old. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix - just purchase a new replacement battery and install it.

A damaged receiver

To start and open your vehicle, the transmitter in your keyfob has to receive a signal from the receiver inside your car. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't pass through and remain inaccessible. This is a simple problem to identify however, it could be necessary to replace the entire receiver if damaged to the point of being unusable.

Not programmed

Some modern cars require a special chip inside the key fob to allow it to start. The chip communicates with your car using a unique code that only the manufacturer is aware of. In the majority of cases, you have to go to the dealer to purchase the replacement fob programmed correctly for your car. You can find replacement fobs that can be used with many vehicles online.

Not working

If you've tried replacing the battery and buttons but your car key fob isn't working it could be due to an electrical issue or other issue that requires professional fix. A locksmith professional will be able to look for this type of issue and help you get your key fob back to good working order in a short time. This service is usually cheaper than a trip to the dealership. The cost of replacing a fob can vary based on the model of your car and your local locksmith. You can get a rough estimate of the cost by speaking with several local businesses prior to making a booking.