Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
If your remote key fob stops functioning, you might be tempted to visit a dealership to get it reset. Try some quick fixes in your home.
Start by replacing the battery. Flat-watch-style batteries are affordable and readily available in hardware stores. Check the key fob for worn buttons or those that are out of place.
Dead Battery
The key fob is a small electronic device that makes it simple to lock or unlock your vehicle. It utilizes an radio transmitter with a short range to send unique codes to the receiver in your vehicle. Key fob batteries usually last for a long period of time, but they can die at any time. Look for the LED light or press one of the buttons to determine whether the battery is dead. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery has failed and requires replacement.
It is quick and easy to replace the battery on your key fob. It's usually just an issue of opening the fob and pulling out the battery that was in use, and then putting in the new one. Fobs are powered by tiny batteries, similar to those used in hearing aids and watches and are available at general stores and home improvement centers. They're typically shaped as a small coin and have plus and minus signs on the bottom. Refer to the owner's guide or the label on your key fob if aren't sure which batteries your key fob is using.
After changing the battery the fob's key should perform as expected. If it does not then there could be a issue with your vehicle or its system that's causing the fob not to perform as it should. If this is the case you'll need roadside assistance.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be able to buy replacement key fobs online or from a dealer. It is often cheaper and more convenient to purchase a new key fob than to fix a damaged one.
Buttons aren't responding
If you have been driving for a while, and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't functioning it could be an issue with worn out buttons or sensors. The buttons that are made of rubber on most fobs can wear out with time. This may cause them to function correctly if pushed in a certain way or under extreme pressure. This is a common issue with many fobs, and can be fixed by following some simple DIY steps.
The fob sends an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it can stop receiving the signal, and stop the key from working to open or start the vehicle. The best option is to have your local mechanic examine the receiver for damage. In most cases, this is cost-free or at a minimal cost according to the make of your vehicle.
It is not surprising that key fobs are often used and jostled in pockets and purses. They can become a bit finicky, and only work properly when they are pressed in a particular manner. This is a simple fix for the majority of fobs, as the buttons can be strengthened and repaired quickly with some silicone and a bit of effort.
To get the buttons to work again, press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. This must be done several times to activate the button. Next, cycle your key in and out of the ignition for a couple of times to reset your fob's connection to your car. Once the connection is restored, you are able to remove the ignition key and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process as needed to make sure your fob is working again. If you cannot repair the fob by this method, it could be required to replace it. If you decide to replace the fob, make sure it's programmed for your vehicle's model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the key fob's plastic keychain loop gets damaged it will separate from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. Replacing the loop on your keychain is a simple fix.
Damage from water or moisture could also cause key fobs to malfunction with symptomatic problems including a reduced range of operation or even no function at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can solve the issue, but sometimes professional repair or replacement is necessary.
Key fob buttons may become worn out over time, leading to less functionality or a lack of responsiveness. This could necessitate an entirely new key fob case or replacement of the button, however usually, the issue can be resolved by reprogramming. Sometimes signals from nearby electronic devices may interfere with the connection between the key fob and your vehicle, leading to problems with locking or unlocking. It is possible to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership to troubleshoot. This is typically the case with older electric keys that use infrared signals to operate and require an optical line of sight. Most modern microchipped keys communicate with your car via radio frequency to authorize a challenge.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote could not respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to fix this problem, but you may also have to have the remote reprogrammed.
Modern cars have key fobs that can control various functions. They can raise and lower the windows, activate the alarm as well as turn on the interior lights, and even start some vehicles. It is common for owners of vehicles to accidentally hit the wrong buttons. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual close when you are using your key fob, to be able to refer to the specific sections that deal with the various functions of your car.
Another reason that causes the fob to cease working is that the signal has become corrupted or gone missing. Some of the newer key fobs have sophisticated encryption technology to keep thieves from intercepting the signals and generating remotes or keys that aren't 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 functionality.
Some automakers make their own instructions available to do-it-yourself key fob programming. These procedures are often easy enough to do at home. However, this is not the best choice for beginners without extensive knowledge of electronics. It is best to leave this sort of work to professionals.
Key fobs undergo lots of wear and tear, especially if they are frequently used and handled. The buttons of a fob can be pushed around and the case could break or crack. It is essential to have an extra key fob on you at all times, as this can help you save time and hassle if your remote stops working while you're out and wandering around. Keep it near your bed at all times, so that you can activate the panic button if you hear noises during the night.