Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob in your car is subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case yours stops working.
The most frequent issue is the battery is dead or not functioning properly. However, there could be other reasons that cause your key fob to stop functioning. Certain automakers make it simple to replace the battery on their own fobs, and instructions are usually available on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Battery
One of the most common reasons for the key fob's slow response is that the battery has died. If you find that you have to push the unlock button multiple times before your car is able to respond, or it's unable to lock as far away as it used to, it's probably time for replacement batteries. The good news is that unlike your car's battery, it's pretty easy to replace a key fob battery yourself.
The first step is check that the fob actually works, which means pressing the unlock button a few times. Once you're certain it's not malfunctioning because it's out of range there are some things you can do to bring it back. First, make sure you have the fob with you. If there is enough power in the battery, you can activate it by pressing it against the driver's door handle.
The battery type will be engraved on the key fob. It's usually a button cell manufactured by brands like Duracell and Energizer. Once you've got the correct battery, remove the old one and put the new one in place with the positive side facing upwards. The fob halves should be snapped back together and then test it to make sure the start and lock functions are working properly again.
If you want to ensure your safety and secure, take the fob to a repair shop for watches or to your car dealership and ask them to replace the battery on your behalf. It's more expensive to have someone else replace the battery than if it were done by you, however you won't damage the circuit board if you attempt to do it yourself.
If you'd prefer to save cost, you can purchase a CR2032 battery at an online hardware store or big box retailer, and then follow the directions in the owner's manual (which is likely to be accessible online as PDFs on the website of the manufacturer, or at least on YouTube) to change out the battery on your fob by yourself. It's an easy process and will restore all the handy remote function that you use so often on your journeys around Springfield.
Damaged Buttons
While it may seem strange that the key fob inside your car needs maintenance however, they do. Most of the time, these issues aren't too serious and can be as simple as replacing the battery. However, there are other problems that could be noticed that could indicate that the key fob requires more attention.
If your key fob won't turn on or the buttons don't work it could be due to an issue with the power button. Cell buttons are subject to a lot of abuse through everyday wear and tear, and the internal components can be smashed or damaged and cause the button to fail. There are kits that can be made to replace power buttons, but working with these tiny and delicate pieces are not easy to say the least. It is also dangerous to try and replace the power button because you risk damaging the circuitry.
There are locksmiths in the automotive industry who have specialized equipment for this kind of repair, and they are able to typically complete the repair while you sit back. They can repair the buttons in minutes and make them appear as good as new.
In the event that a professional isn't an option, you can purchase aftermarket key fobs that appear exactly like your original key fob at only a fraction of the cost. Some automotive dealers and dealerships will allow you to program them with your vehicle, whereas others won't. Genesky says he can program his fobs with most cars made since the '90s but he's forced to refuse customers who have newer Audi or BMW models because he doesn't have the necessary programming equipment.
Examine your car's warranty to determine whether it covers the cost of a new key fob, or at the very least a portion of the costs. This will determine whether it's worth spending the money for a repair or a replacement key fob.
Circuitry Problems
Your key fob experiences lots of abuse and stress while you use it, since it is thrown around, tossed and exposed to cold and hot every day. This can damage internal components, including the tiny electronic circuit board inside which sends signals to your car. Based on how damaged these signals are, they may stop working and stop you from opening your doors or starting your car.
If you've tried to replace the battery but it doesn't work, there's the possibility that your fob must be reprogrammed for your specific make and model of vehicle. This can be done by a dealer, or a professional repair shop with experience with your vehicle. It is a straightforward procedure that takes just a few minutes to complete.
The casing of your fob may also wear out and lose contact with internal components. The casing contains contacts, which are rubber-like components coated in electricity-conducting film that assist with sending the signal to your car. These can wear down over time or snap completely. A replacement casing is a straightforward fix that will restore your fob to proper functionality.
Sometimes your key fob needs to be reprogrammed with the current year model, model, and make of your vehicle. If you have a spare fob, this is a simple solution that can be done at home or by a professional. The process is easy and requires only a few directions from the manufacturer's website or your local dealership's service center.
It is possible that your key fob needs to be replaced completely however this is usually more expensive and may require visiting the dealer or an independent shop that has expertise in your particular make and model. If your key fob does not perform as it should, replacing it is the best solution. There is no need to worry about being stuck somewhere. Depending on the make and model, replacements may vary in cost from $50 to $150 or more.
Replacement
It's a shame that your key fob may not always work. However you can solve the majority of issues. A dead battery in the fob is among the most common problems. It can be easily replaced and get you back on the road in no time. To prevent this from occurring in the future, it is recommended to keep spare batteries on hand so that you can replace them when required.
The replacement of the battery in a key fob is fairly easy, though it can be a little tricky to do if this is your first time doing it. Begin by determining what kind of battery your key fob is using and this will help you choose the right battery for it. You can typically find this information online however, it's helpful to look in the manual for your car if are unsure. You can purchase the battery from an home improvement store or general store after you have decided the type of key fob your needs. These kinds of batteries are usually inexpensive, so it is an ideal idea to have plenty of them in your inventory. After you have received the new battery, take care to put it into your key fob in the proper orientation. This will ensure the (+) and (-) signs face the same way as they did with your old battery. After you've inserted the new battery, you can then put your key fob back together and test it to make sure that it is working correctly.
repair car key fob of a key fob's battery is an easy task, and you'll be able to do it yourself If you know how to do so. If you are unable to identify the issue with your fob, or it doesn't work after replacing the batteries, it might be time to consult an expert to replace it professionally. While it's recommended to try and repair your key fob prior to purchasing a replacement, there are times when this isn't feasible and it can be more cost-effective to buy one at a dealership.