Car Key Fob Repair - How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working
Over time, key fobs could be affected by issues such as malfunction. While some issues might require expert attention, most are fixable at home.
The first step is usually to change the battery. The majority of fobs have batteries with a flat design that are readily available in hardware stores or auto parts stores.
Dead Battery
It can be a major issue when a key fob's battery is dead. This is particularly true if you are away from home. There are methods to get your car back on the road if your keyless entry system has stopped working.
The first thing to check is to see if the buttons on the fob still work. If they do not then the issue could be in the car's locks.
If your keys will not unlock, you may find an electronic slot in the trim around the door handles or elsewhere on your vehicle (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this doesn't unlock the door, certain cars come with an application that lets you unlock it remotely. For example the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app, and myMazda app permit owners to open their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps have an annual cost.
It is also important to ensure that your key fob doesn't drain the batteries of your car by resting on them. A dead key fob can drain your battery fast, especially if it is used to control the TV or phone while you are watching.
A key fob that's low on battery may be activated by bringing it right up to the start button. This simple fix can save you from having to visit your dealer or to certain Interstate All Battery Centers.
If your key fob doesn't work try testing it in a vehicle that has an electronic starter button. If it's not working, the fob battery probably requires replacement. It's a great idea to keep a spare key fob in your bag or purse.
Damaged Buttons
If your key fob doesn't have the ability to open doors or start the car remotely, it's likely that one or more of its buttons have been damaged. Your key fob is likely to have a circuit board with "contact pads" for each button, and these tiny pads are covered with a conductor of electricity that wears down over time. The wear may make your fob respond less or not at all.
The good news is that the pad in a car key fob is easy to replace, and it can be done with the help of a simple flathead screwdriver. If the key fob is severely damaged or smashed in any way, it may be more difficult to remove the case, and you'll have to take the fob into an auto shop for repair.
It's not unusual for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, tripped on, or exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to keys, which could result in them breaking or snapping them.
It could also alter the internals of the fob, which could lead to an issue. It's a good idea, so, always keep an additional fob in your wallet or in your pocket in case the one you're currently using breaks.
If the buttons on your key fob aren't working as they should, you should first verify that the battery is in good condition. Key fobs don't require any special electronic device. They utilize the same battery for two dollars that is used in hearing aids and watches. The batteries are available at hardware, drug, and online stores.
If the battery is in good condition the buttons could be dirty or worn out. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If they're still not responding, try a different type of key fob to determine whether the issue is with yours or with a particular type of car key fob. If the other key fob is working, then yours may need to be reset or replaced.
Reprogramming
The secret world of car key fobs is much more complicated than the myths would suggest. The basic fobs operate on unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific vehicles. The fobs must be properly programmed to unlock and begin the vehicle. Unfortunately the process of reprogramming a fob isn't as easy as pressing a few buttons, and with very few exceptions it must be handled by the dealer.
The process of reprogramming a fob is based on the model and model year of your car It is therefore essential to read the owner's manual for step-by-step instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes have proprietary technology that only dealerships are able to create a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. However some independent shops provide this service as well and you should look up reviews and prices prior to selecting a shop.
Certain car models erase other fobs when they're changed. This means that you'll have to have any additional fobs programmed by a professional. This is an expensive proposition especially if you're only just one functional fob. The Key Lab is always advisable to have a spare mechanical key you can use to open the doors and trunk, even if it won't start the car.
Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you opt to reprogram your fob yourself. There are numerous guides available online that promise success however, you're likely to be disappointed. A lot of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated assertions. Some of them even claim that you can program your car key fob in only a few clicks, which can be very confusing.
The battery is typically held in place with a plastic clip, which is easily removed. However the circuit board is home to the battery, so you will need to carefully remove the battery using the aid of a tool. Once you've gotten inside, you should be able to find the button cell battery, which is usually a small watch battery that can be found in most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. Removing the battery is typically an easy process, but it's always worthwhile to try this first before replacing the entire device.
Replacement
There are many methods to fix a broken or non-functioning car key fob. A quick fix can be as easy as replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob, but a more in-depth repair may be required. It is also helpful to keep a spare fob in case one gets lost or stolen.
Modern key fobs are more expensive and more difficult to replace due to the fact that they have a physical key along with electronics. Some "smart fobs" include remote starters. It's important to be aware that it could take up to an hour to cut and program an alternative fob for your vehicle.
Fobs use a small radio transmitter that is mounted on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. When you press a button, the transmitter transmits an RF signal unique to the car receiver. The receiver detects and compares the signal with preprogrammed codes. This lets the driver unlock the vehicle and begin it from a distance without inserting the key into the ignition or turning a lock.
If the buttons on the fob you have purchased fail to respond or work sporadically, it can indicate that they've been damaged by water or other factors. You may be able to repair the fob by disassembling it and examining it for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, you can try reprogramming or buying an entirely new fob.
It is recommended to consult an auto dealer in your area or a locksmith before purchasing a replacement keyfob to ensure that it is compatible with the security system of your vehicle. The fobs from the aftermarket can be less expensive but you should research reviews and brands before trying to program them yourself. Certain fobs can be programmed by a locksmith who is reputable and other models require programming equipment that only a mechanic or dealer can use.