How to Repair Car Key Fobs

Even though we put them through numerous times, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. In fact, they could be destroyed in a variety of ways.

The most frequent issue is an unresponsive battery, other issues can be much more grave. Most of these issues can be solved with a quick fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most common cause of a key fob that is not working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, especially if they are exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures, humidity, or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it.

The LED light will usually stop blinking when the battery in your car key fob is running low. It's also possible that your key fob won't work from the same distance it did in the past. In this case, the key fob may need to be reprogrammed or replaced completely.

It is simple to replace the car keyfob battery. First, you need to determine the kind of battery is used. The type should be engraved on the side of the fob. Google can help when you're not sure. Once you have found the battery type and the key fob, you can open it at the junction. You'll need an small screwdriver with a flat head or your fingernail to break the two halves. Then, take out the battery that was removed and replace it with 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 may not be aware their fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons do not respond. In some cases, this can be solved by reprogramming the fob, but that can be costly and time-consuming. You can also call roadside assistance to see whether they can start your remote control car key repairs and get it back on the road.

If you have tried both of these solutions but your car won't start and you're not sure why, it's time to call a professional. A trained technician can determine whether your car's computer system needs reprogramming or the fob simply requires a new battery. They will also suggest a reputable auto repair shop to replace your fob's keys. In the end, though, sometimes a brand new fob is the best solution.

Damaged Circuit Board

Key fobs can withstand many physical abuses and isn't indestructible. The battery, circuit board and buttons are all susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is essential to take care of these components to ensure your key fob remains in good working order.

The easiest thing to check is to ensure that the battery inside your key fob isn't depleted. If it is then replace the battery and check if it fixes your problem. If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be difficult since some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms to unlock them, and you can easily harm your device if you try to force it apart. You can purchase a special tool for opening your key fob. But, you must follow the directions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.

A damaged or corrupted key fob circuit board is a common problem. It can be caused by various factors, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment, software issues or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob is not functioning, you might be interested in getting it reprogrammed. This can be done by a locksmith that specializes in this kind of work.

Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen when you have other wireless devices that transmit at the same frequency, like radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the situation you must get in touch with the manufacturer of the other device to ensure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.

There may be a need to replace a switch or another electrical component of your key fob. This is a harder fix however, there are guides online that show you how to fix it yourself. It's important to be careful when doing this, as the circuit boards that are inside your key fob are small and can break easily when handled rough. If you decide to do this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and then solder it in place correctly.

Worn Out Buttons

Car key fobs are subject to a lot wear and tear. They are prone to getting dropped and spend a lot time being jostled in your pocket or purse. Sometimes, this jostling can cause the buttons to become worn out or snagged. A simple adjustment can solve the issue.

Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can tell if they've been pressed. They're made to do this because they can help reduce the likelihood of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If the buttons on your remote key repair fob aren't responding when pushed it's a sign that they're worn out and need to be replaced.

The circuit board that is in the key fob transmits signals to your car key fob repairs. Those signals include commands to unlock and lock and instructions 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 even start the engine. This type of damage is typically caused by blunt force or water.

If you're having to press the buttons more than usual to activate them If this is the case, then your key fob buttons are getting worn out. Additionally the fob might stop sending a signal to the car or have less range than before.

Contact a locksmith right away in the event that you are unable to use your key fob to start your vehicle. They can tell if the key fob is damaged or the cylinder of your ignition is worn out.

Fortunately, most key fob issues in cars aren't a major or difficult issue. The best way to avoid getting surprised by an unresponsive key fob is to keep an extra key in your possession at all times. This will ensure that you're not left stranded somewhere due to the loss or malfunction of your key. Of course, if you do lose your spare car key, a locksmith will be able to reset it so that it works with the ignition of your car. They'll also be able repair any internal damage that has been caused to the key fob.

Broken Case

A key fob's case provides more than just protection for the battery and buttons. It also houses the circuit board responsible for all the electrical magic when you hit the button on your key fob. The circuit board receives the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to your car.

Your key fob will not function if the board is damaged. A dead key fob may require reprogramming by a local auto locksmith, or dealer.

Batteries may be the cause your key fob's battery not working. The battery can be replaced at your home. The positive side is that you can find the replacement battery online or at your local auto parts shop since these batteries are not exclusive to key fobs.

Depending on the type of key fob you have, there are various ways to open it and access the insides. A quick search online should reveal what kind of key fob you have and what kind of battery it uses. You can then buy a new one, take the old one out and then insert the new one in.

When repairing a broken key fob, the primary concern is not to damage the circuit or buttons more. When you try to break the key fob using an edge that is sharp like a screwdriver could cause damage to the case or crack the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement for the case is inexpensive and you can get a whole fob assembly with the electronics from eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

So, if your key fob isn't functioning Check to see if the batteries are depleted or whether the circuit board has been damaged. If this is not the case, you can have it repaired quickly and easily by a professional. If not, it could be time to consider a replacement. Just be sure to check for a warranty on any replacement or used fobs you buy online.