The Top Repair Car Key Is Gurus. 3 Things
How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Even though we put them through many a times, key fobs are not impervious to destruction. They can be destroyed in a variety of ways.
Other issues can be more serious than the battery being dead. Most of these issues can be resolved by a quick fix at home.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is likely the most common reason a car key fob stops working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, especially when they are exposed or cold temperatures, humidity or water. It's a good idea to keep an additional fob battery in your wallet in case.
The LED light will generally stop blinking when the battery in the car key fob is low. The key fob could also stop working at the same distance it was previously working to. In this case, the key fob may need to be reprogrammed or replaced entirely.
Fortunately replacing the car key fob battery is easy. Find out the type of battery that is used. The type of battery should be embossed in the side of your key fob. If you are not sure, an easy Google search can help. The key fob can be opened along the seam once you've identified the battery type. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers or even your fingernail to split the two halves. Take the old battery out, and replace it with a brand new one. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.
Some drivers aren't aware that their fob has died until they lock or unlock their car and the buttons don't work anymore. This can be fixed by reprogramming your fob. However, it can be time-consuming and expensive. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they are able to jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you have tried all three of these methods and your car still won't start and you're not sure why, it's time to call a professional. A qualified technician can determine whether your car's computer system needs reprogramming or if the fob requires an upgrade in battery. They can also recommend a reputable auto shop to replace your fob's keys. In the end, though it is not always the case that a new fob is the best solution.
Circuit Board Damage
A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and isn't indestructible. The battery, circuit board, and buttons all get their fair share of wear and tear over the course of time and it's crucial to be vigilant and take care of them in order to keep your car key fob functioning well.
Check that the battery is still functioning in your key fob. Replace the battery to see if it fixes the issue. If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be tricky since some key fobs do not have a release mechanism that is easy to open them and you may end up damaging your key fob if try to force it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, however it is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is a common problem. This can be due to a number of things like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment, software issues or even an unintentional firmware update. If your key fob isn't functioning completely, you should think about having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this type of work.
Radio interference is a different possibility. This can occur in the event that you have other wireless devices around that transmit on the same frequency, for example, radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the case, consult with other manufacturers of the device to ensure that your key fob's signal isn't affected by their signals.
It's also possible that your key fob is equipped with an unreliable switch or electrical component that needs to be replaced. There are online guides that will show you how to fix this yourself. Be careful when doing this, however, because the circuit board in the key fob is tiny and can easily break if handled roughly. If you do this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and then solder it in place correctly.
Worn Out Buttons
Car key fobs are susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. They are prone to getting lost and spend a significant amount of time being jostled in your purse or pocket. The jolting can cause the buttons to wear down or become stuck. When this happens an easy adjustment could be all it takes to get it working again.
Modern key fobs come with sensors that detect when they have been pressed. They're designed to detect this to decrease the chance of someone stealing your car. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when pressed, they are worn out and should be replaced.
The circuit board that is in the key fob also transmits signals to your car. Those signals include unlock and lock commands and instructions to start your engine. If the internal circuit board is damaged, your key fob will not unlock or start your engine. This type of damage is usually caused by blunt force or water.
You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing down when you press them harder than usual to get them to function. In addition the fob might stop sending a signal to the car or it'll have less range than before.
If you're not able to get your key fob to unlock or start your vehicle, it's crucial to call a locksmith near you immediately. They'll be able determine whether the key fob itself is damaged or your ignition cylinder is worn out.
Fortunately, the majority of car key fob issues aren't a major or difficult issue. Keep a spare key fob in your car at all times to avoid being surprised by a malfunctioning one. You won't be left stranded because of an issue with your key or a lost one. If you lose your spare key, an expert locksmith can rekey it to work with your car's engine. They'll also be able to fix any internal damage that may have occurred on your key fob.
Broken Case
The case of the key fob is more than protect the buttons and batteries. g28carkeys.co.uk houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic when you press the key fob button. This board transmits the signal from your keyfob to your car.
The key fob won't function if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a dead key fob will just need to be reset which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can help you with.
Another reason why your key fob may not be functioning is that the batteries are dead. The battery can be replaced at your home. The good thing is that you can find an alternative battery online or at your local auto parts store, since these batteries aren't exclusive to key fobs.
Depending on the kind of key fob, there are different ways to open it and gain access to the inside. You can determine the kind of battery your key fob uses by doing a quick online search. From there, you can buy a replacement and easily pop the old one out and the new one in.
When repairing a broken key fob, the primary concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons further. If you attempt to pull off the key fob with the screwdriver or another sharp edge, it could break the plastic or damage the case. A replacement case is inexpensive and you can buy a complete fob assembly including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for under $40.
If your key fob does not work, check if you have damaged the circuit board or batteries. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and inexpensively by a professional. Otherwise, it might be time to invest in an upgrade. Make sure you check the warranty of any fob replacement or used that you purchase online.