Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You may be enticed when your remote key fob is not working, to bring it to a dealer to get it reprogrammed. Try some quick fixes in your home.

Start by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat watch-style batteries that are affordable and easy to locate. Look over the key fob to find worn buttons or those that are out of place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is an electronic device that allows you to lock or unlock your car. It works by using a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver in your car. Key fob batteries last for a long period of time, but they can die at any moment. Look for the LED light or press one of the buttons to see if it's dead. If the key fob will not respond to press, then the battery is dead and has to replaced.

Changing the battery in the key fob is simple and quick. It's usually a matter of opening the fob and pulling out the battery that was in use, and then installing the new one. The batteries for fobs are small, similar to those used in watches or hearing aids. They can be found at home improvement stores and general stores. They're typically shaped like tiny coins with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. If you're not sure of the kind of battery your fob uses, refer to the owner's manual or look at the key fob itself for the label.

After you have changed the battery the fob's key should perform as expected. If it does not it could be due to a different issue with your car or its system that is making the fob fail to work properly. If this is the situation you'll require assistance at the roadside.

Based on the model and make of your vehicle, you may be able to purchase replacement keys on the internet or from a dealer. It's typically cheaper and easier to buy a new key fob than to repair a broken one.

Buttons aren't responding

If you have been driving your car for a while and you notice that the buttons on your keys aren't working it could be an issue with worn out buttons or sensors. Rubberized buttons on most fobs wear out over time. This can cause them to function properly when you press them in a certain manner or when pressure is high. This is a problem that occurs for many fobs, and can be repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.

The fob sends an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it will stop receiving the signal and will prevent the key from working to unlock or start the vehicle. This can be fixed by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to check for damage. In many cases, this is free or for a small cost dependent on the model of your car.

It's not surprising that key fobs are often used and are often tossed into pockets and purses. They can become finicky and only function properly if pressed in a specific way. This is a simple fix for most fobs as the buttons can be reinforced and fixed quickly using silicone and a little effort.

Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the vehicle sound chime. This must be done several times to activate the button. Next, you will need to switch your key into and out of the ignition of your car key fob repair a few more times to reset the connection between the fob and the car. After the connection has been restored, you are able to remove the ignition key and then unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the procedure as needed to make sure your fob is working again. If you cannot fix the fob with this procedure, it may be required to replace it. If you decide to replace the fob, broken be sure that it is programmed for your vehicle's model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop breaks off it could break off from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. The replacement of the keychain loop is an easy fix.

Key fobs can also malfunction due to moisture and water damage. Signs of this include a diminished range of operation, or even no function at all. The problem can be resolved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob, but in certain cases, repairs or replacements by a professional may be required.

Over time the buttons on key fobs can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It is possible to replace the key fob button or case however, reprogramming may resolve this problem. Sometimes signals from nearby electronic devices can cause interference between the key fob and your vehicle which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. It may be necessary to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership to determine the cause of. This is usually the case with older electric keys that rely on infrared signals to operate and require the use of a line-of-sight. Most modern microchipped keys communicate with your vehicle using the challenge-response method of authorization via radio frequency.

Lost or Corrupted Pairing

Over time keys fob batteries deplete their charge. If the battery has lost too much of its power the remote will no longer respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to solve the issue, but you may also need to have the remote reprogrammed.

The key fobs in modern cars can perform a range of functions. They can lower or raise windows, turn off alarms, switch on interior lights, and even start certain vehicles. It is easy for owners of vehicles to accidentally hit the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's guide close by when using your key fob to easily refer to the sections that cover your car's features.

A fob may malfunction because the remote signal is damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs utilize sophisticated signal encryption technology to prevent thieves from intercepting signals and generating unauthorized keys or remotes that allow you to unlock your car. To re-program the fob, you'll need to go to a dealer or auto locksmith.

Some automakers make their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs yourself. These procedures are often simple enough to perform at home. However, the process is usually not a good option for those who are not experienced with electronics experience. This kind of work is best left to experts.

Key fobs receive a lot of wear and tear, especially when they are often used and handled. The buttons on a fob could be pushed and the case could break or crack. It is essential to keep an extra key fob repair service fob with you at all times, because it will save you time and stress if your remote stops working while you are out and about. Keep it near your bed at all times, so that you can use the panic button if you hear sounds at night.