Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
Getting jostled around in pockets and purses, key fob buttons can be damaged and not register presses accurately. This issue can be addressed by replacing the small battery that is usually found in the snap-out cases of the majority of car fobs.
If the contacts on your key fob have worn, a new replacement may not be enough to revive it. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix you can attempt at home:
Replace the battery
It may be time to change the battery in your key fob if it isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than usual. Luckily, replacing the battery of your key fob is among the simplest tasks that you can do yourself. This is a straightforward fix that will save you money when you go to the dealership or locksmith.
Most key fobs require the use of a coin-type battery (CR2032 or similar) which you can purchase at any general store or home improvement center or auto parts store. The key fobs usually come with a slot for these batteries and opening the case to replace batteries is relatively simple. Based on the brand you will need to use a screwdriver in order to open the compartment.
If your key fob comes with clips that hold the batteries in place, gently take them off them using your fingers or non-metallic tools. Remove the old battery and install an alternative one, and be cautious to note the orientation to ensure that you install it correctly. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries as this could reduce their lifespan.
Close the case of the fob's key and test the functionality by pressing the button. If it doesn't work, you may need to open the fob again and verify that the new battery is inserted correctly.
It's also possible that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to fix the problem, such as electrical damage or physical trauma. In that scenario, you'll have to bring your key fob into a dealer or automotive service center to repair. However, before you do so, there are four common problems that a replacement battery won't solve. It is important to be aware of these issues so that you can seek help from a qualified technician when necessary. It is also important to learn how to repair a key fob's defective transmitter to learn more about the reasons why it might not be working properly.
Clean the Contacts
Cleaning your key fob is vital to its functionality and life. Over time, the natural oils of your hands and pockets can accumulate on the key fob's buttons and crevices and may cause keys to stop working completely. All you need is rubbing alcohol a cotton swab and some alcohol to rub it on.
Then, open the key fob by taking the lid off with the help of a coin or screwdriver and gently removing the battery. Note the nature of the battery (negative and positive side) to ensure you put it back in the correct way.
Then, use a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the contacts of the battery and make sure they are clean. After you're done, you must let car key remote repair near me the fob and its components completely dry.
If your device doesn't work after cleaning it, it may be a good idea to reset the system. Refer to the owner's manual of your device for directions on how to do this, and follow them accordingly. This could be able to bring the key fob back to life if the issue was simply a dead battery.
Once the key fob has been cleaned and resynced it is a good idea to ensure regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can ensure that your key fob will function well for many years to come.
Reset the system
Even though today's high tech key fobs come with more features that are safer and are more convenient than ever however, they may still experience some problems. Fortunately, most times problems aren't severe or complicated and are often fixed with simple methods like replacing the battery. If the problem is more serious, or if the issue cannot be resolved with simple methods an expert auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.
Getting your car to lock or unlock using the key fob is the principal purpose of the device, but it also can be used to activate some features of your vehicle. The key fob can be used to lower or raise a sunroof. This feature can be very useful when you have to open the roof while you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your vehicle when it is located in a tight place.
The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or an inability to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, as well as other electromagnetic interference sources can affect the operation of the key fob. If your key fob has become wet or contaminated with dust, it's likely to need to be cleaned before being used again.
If the device continues to behave in a strange manner after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you could require the factory reset. This will help eliminate system issues and restore performance of the device.
If you're unsure of how to do the factory reset on your device, consult the official website of the manufacturer or the owner's manual. Certain devices require specialized tools to reset them, however you should find instructions for your model.
Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to fix problems with your key fob. They can program and replace keyfobs for nearly all car models. They can also repair keys with chips.