Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You may be tempted, in the event that your remote key fob doesn't working, to take it to a dealership to get it changed. Instead, you can try some simple fixes at home.

Begin by replacing the battery. Flat watch-style batteries are cheap and easy to find at hardware stores. Look over the key fob to find worn buttons or ones that are not in the right place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is a small electronic device that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle. It uses the radio transmitter of a short range to send unique codes to the receiver within your vehicle. The batteries inside key fobs last for a long period of time, however they may die at any moment. Look for the LED light or try pressing one of the buttons to see whether the battery is dead. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery is dead and has to replaced.

The process of replacing the battery in the key fob is simple and quick. It's usually as easy as opening the key fob, then removing the old battery, and replacing it with a fresh one. Fobs have tiny batteries, similar to the ones found in watches or hearing aids and are available in general stores and home improvement stores. They're usually shaped like a small coin and have plus and minus symbols on the bottom. Refer to the owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't certain which batteries your key fob is using.

After changing the battery your key fob will work as normal. If it does not it could be due to a different issue with your car or its system that's making the fob fail to work properly. If this is the case, you'll need to contact roadside assistance to assist you with the issue.

You can purchase replacement key fobs from a dealer or online, based on the make and models of your car. It's usually cheaper and less expensive to purchase a new key fob instead of to fix a damaged one.

Buttons Aren't Responding

It could be worn out button sensor if you've been driving for a long period of time and notice that your keys aren't working. The buttons that are made of rubber on most fobs can wear out with time. This could cause them to function correctly if pushed in a certain way or when pressure is high. This is a common issue with a lot of fobs and can be easily repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.

The fob sends an unlocking signal to the car's receiver. If the receiver is damaged it may not receive the signal, and the key will not be able to open or G28Carkeys start your vehicle. The best way to resolve this is to have your local mechanic examine the receiver for damage. This is usually free or only costs little, depending on the car's model.

The key fobs that are used daily get a lot of use and are often jostled around in pockets and purses, so it is no surprise that they sometimes be finicky and work properly when press in a certain manner. It is easy to fix most fobs, because the buttons are strengthened by using silicone and a bit of effort.

To get the buttons to work once more, press and hold the locks and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. You'll need to repeat this multiple times in order to get the button to activate. Then, you need to cycle your key in and out of the ignition a couple of times to reset your fob's connection to your vehicle. Once the connection is restored, you can take the ignition key and then unlock your car using the remote. Repeat the procedure until your fob is working properly. If you are unable to fix the fob following this process it could need to be replaced completely. If you decide to replace the fob, be sure it's programmed to match 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 cannot longer be used to lock or unlock your car. Replacing the loop on your keychain is a simple solution.

Key fobs may also fail due to moisture and water damage. Symptoms include a reduced range of operation, or no functionality at any time. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery may solve the issue, but sometimes an expert repair or replacement is required.

Key fob buttons might wear out over time, leading to decreased functionality or inability to respond. It may be necessary to replace the key fob button or the case, but reprogramming can often solve the issue. Occasionally signals from nearby electronic devices may affect the connection between the key fob and your vehicle which can cause problems with locking or unlocking. This could require a diagnostic test performed at the auto dealership to determine the cause and resolve. This is typically the case with older electric keys that rely on infrared signals to operate. They require an optical line of sight. Modern microchip keys communicate with your car using challenge-response authorization over radio frequency.

Corrupted or lost pairing

Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost a lot of its charge, the remote could not respond to commands. Replacing the battery will usually fix this problem, 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 and raise windows, turn off the alarm, turn on the interior lights and even start some vehicles. It is possible for owners to press the wrong buttons by accident. It is a good idea to keep your owner's manual close when you use your key fob to be able to refer to the specific sections that deal with the different features of your car key repairs.

Another common reason for the fob to cease working is that the remote's signal has been damaged or gone missing. Some of the more modern key fobs use sophisticated signal encryption technologies to stop thieves from stealing the signals and generating remotes or key fobs that are not authorized which can unlock your vehicle. You'll probably have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer in order to reprogram your fob and restore its function.

Certain automakers offer their own instructions available to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are usually simple enough to be done at home. This method is not recommended for those who do not have a lot of experience with electronics. This kind of work is best left to professionals.

Key fobs can suffer wear and tear if they're used and handled frequently. The buttons on a key fob are susceptible to being pushed around, and the case itself may crack or break. Keep a spare fob on you at all times. This will help you save time should your remote break down while you're out and out and about. It is ideal to keep it by your bed at night because it will permit you to activate the panic button when you hear noises coming from the house during the night.