Car Key Fob Repair Service
While the car key fob might appear to be an extravagance, if it ceases working properly you could end up in a tricky spot. It can be expensive to replace it, but often it's the best solution.
You can save money by going to other places before you go to the dealer.
Dead Battery
A dead battery for a fob is one of the most common issues with key fobs. It can catch people off guard and is most likely to happen while you're leaving to work or going to a party. While you may have an emergency plan, such as a spare key or a phone number to call roadside assistance, you will likely need to get the fob fixed or replaced. The good news is that most car key fob battery problems can be fixed with the right tools.
Many modern vehicles come with an emergency backup system to protect the possibility that a fob's batteries could go bad. If you hold an uncharged fob to the ignition, you are able to generally start the car. If car key repair cost have a push-to start vehicle, it will unlock the doors. The owner's guide for your car will contain specific information on where to place the fob of the key to start it.
Other causes for a key fob that won't respond or turn on to the button presses include a button that isn't depressed completely, a battery with low capacity, or a remote control that requires reprogramming. In some cases cleaning the device may be all that is needed to get your key fob functioning again. Since key fob buttons are repeatedly pressed, dirt may build up and stop them from being pressed all the way.
You can use the end of a clip to quickly clean your key fob. You can use this to open the case safely and take out the old battery. It is also advisable to keep an additional battery on hand along with any tool you might need to open up the key fob case. This way, you can be prepared for an issue with your key fob, so that it doesn't disrupt your day or result in having need to call for roadside assistance. You can also keep an extra car key in your pocket to avoid getting caught off guard when you encounter problems with your key fob.
Button Issues
When they are pressed on the remote control send signals to the circuit board. If the buttons become worn out, the signals might not be sent and your fob will stop functioning. This can happen over time or may be due to an issue with your car or fob. If the button has worn out it is possible to replace it or repair it.
Key fobs are often subject to quite a bit of abuse. Everyday, they're broken, dropped and exposed to cold and hot. They're also very delicate and are easily broken. The inside of the fob has components like circuit boards and battery contacts that could be destroyed with enough abuse.
Most issues can be solved by changing the battery in the fob, however there are certain issues that require more. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver to remove the fob case and determine if it needs to be replaced or cleaned. The majority of key fobs utilize 3V button cells that are available in almost any retailer.
Fobs can also be damaged by water even if it's a small amount of water. This can be a problem when you accidentally wash your key fob or swim with it in your pocket. This can harm the transponder chip and cause the key fob to stop functioning.
A professional locksmith is your best option if you're having issues with buttons. They can repair or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also address other electrical issues, such as an unresponsive light or a sound horn that isn't working.
It's essential to keep up with the most recent technology and tools for your vehicle. Cars can be expensive. If you don't, your vehicle will not function properly and it will be much harder to get to where you're required to be. It's also a big safety issue to have faulty equipment and technology because it can cause more serious mechanical issues later on.
Broken Battery Terminals
If you've tried to start your car, but the fob hasn't been working it could be a sign that your battery terminals are broken. To unlock and start the car, the fob has to be able to communicate with the central system of your vehicle. The communication happens via a tiny radio transmitter within the key fob. The transmission signals are sent through the fob to the internal key (if it is present), which unlocks the doors and turns on the engine. The fob is able to transmit the signal up to 50 feet away, but should the terminals on the battery are damaged, the transmission will not function.
These are easy solutions. Replacing the battery is typically as simple as removing the old battery, figuring out which type of replacement batteries are required, and going to an auto parts store or online retailer for the right batteries. Some key fobs are hard to open in order to access the batteries however, and it is important to be cautious to ensure that you don't damage anything inside.
The next step is to try the key fob once more. If the key fob still does not work, the metal key inside the fob might be damaged or the key could be changed in programming. Modern keys have to be programmed in order to function with a particular vehicle, and certain error codes may corrupt the programming in the key fob. A professional can reprogramme the key to the vehicle.
Another possibility is that the fob is damaged, especially in the event that it was dropped or left in the rain. The circuit board could have failed because the key fob had been exposed to heat excessively, or other problems. Sometimes, this can be the result of work that was done to your vehicle that exposed wires, which could then lead to other malfunctions such as a broken horn or a malfunctioning key fob. It is important to check your key fob for damage and replace or repair it if necessary, since not having an operational key can be very stressful and dangerous.
Other Problems
Car key fobs are extremely convenient, but they can also cause issues that require professional repair. A lot of the issues that may be a problem for a car keyfob are simple and affordable to fix. Here are some of the most common problems and solutions for them:
A dead battery
Smart Key fobs have a shorter life-span than standard remotes. Fob batteries typically need to be replaced every three or four years, and they can easily stop working when they're old. Luckily it is a simple issue to fix - just purchase a replacement battery and put it in.
A damaged receiver
To start and open your car the transmitter inside your keyfob needs to receive a message from the receiver inside your car. If the receiver is damaged, the signals will not be able to pass through, and remain unreadable. This is an easy issue to diagnose however it may be necessary to replace the entire receiver if it is damaged to the point of being unusable.
Not programmed
Certain cars of the present require a special chip inside the key fob for it to start. The chip communicates with the car through a code that only the manufacturer knows. In most instances, a replacement key fob needs to be programmed by the dealer. There are aftermarket fobs that are compatible with a variety of vehicles.
Not working
If your car key fob does not work after having replaced the battery and buttons it could be caused by an electrical issue or another type of issue that requires professional assistance to fix. A locksmith professional will be able to look for this type of issue and get your key fob back to good working order in a short time. This service is usually cheaper than going to the dealer. The cost of a new fob will depend on your car model and the local locksmith. You can get a good idea of the costs by speaking with several local businesses prior to scheduling a job.