5 Repair Car Key Lessons From The Pros

How to Repair Car Key Fobs
Key fobs can be damaged even if we use them often. In fact, they can break down in many different ways.
While the most common issue is a dead battery but other issues can be much more serious. The majority of these issues can be resolved with a simple 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 if they are exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures, humidity or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you require it.
You will usually know when the battery of your car key fob is dying because the light on the LED will cease to blink. It's also possible that your key fob won't function from the same distance as it used to. In this case, the key fob may need to be reprogrammed or replaced entirely.
It is easy to replace a car keyfob battery. Find out the kind of battery used. The type should be engraved on the back of the fob. If you're unsure it is, a quick Google search will help. Unlock the key fob across the seam after you've identified the type of battery. Utilize G28 Car Keys or even your fingernail to separate the two halves. Remove the old battery 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 don't even realize that their fob has died until they lock or unlock their vehicle and the buttons no longer work. In some cases this problem can be resolved by reprogramming the fob however, this can be expensive and time-consuming. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and ask them to jump your vehicle and get you back on the road.
If you have tried all of these options but your car won't start and you're not sure why, it's time to call an expert. A trained technician can tell whether your car's computer requires reconfiguring, or if your key fob only requires a new battery. They can also suggest an auto repair shop that can replace your key fob. Sometimes it is possible that a new fob might be the best option.
Circuit Board Damage
A key fob can take a lot of physical abuse and is not indestructible. The circuit board, battery and buttons are all subject to wear and wear and tear. It is important to take care of these components to ensure that your key fob is in good working order.
The easiest thing to check is to make sure the battery in the key fob isn't dying. If it is then replace the battery and see if that fixes your issue. If this doesn't work, you may have to open the fob and clean its contact surfaces. This can be difficult because some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to open them, and you can easily end up damaging your key fob if try to pull it apart. You can purchase a specific tool to open your key fob, but it is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.
A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is another frequent issue. This can be caused by a number of things, such as dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment, software issues, or even an accidental firmware update. If your key fob isn't working completely, think about having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this type of work.
Radio interference is also a possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency as your key fob, like radar detectors, home security systems. If this is the case you must contact the other device manufacturer to make sure that your key fob will not be 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. You can find online guides that show you how to fix this yourself. You should be careful, however, as the circuit board that is inside your key fob is very small and could easily break if handled with care. If you decide to do this yourself, be certain to use a top quality SMT switch and solder it to the correct place.
Buttons that are worn out
Car key fobs can suffer a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot of time being tossed around in your pocket or purse. This jostling can sometimes cause buttons to wear out or get stuck. A simple adjustment can solve the problem.
Most modern key fobs have sensors that detect if they've been pressed. This is due to the fact that they decrease the possibility of someone taking your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding when you press them, they're worn out and should be replaced.
The circuit board in the key fob transmits signals to your car. Those signals include commands to unlock and lock, as well as instructions to start your engine. If your internal circuit board is damaged then your key fob might not be able to unlock your vehicle or start the engine. Most of the time, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt or something that scratches the circuit board.
You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing down when you press them harder than normal to get them to work. Your fob could be unable to send signals to your vehicle or have a shorter range.
Contact a locksmith right away in the event that you are unable to use your key fob to access your car. They can determine if your key fob is damaged, or if your ignition cylinder is worn out.
Fortunately, most car keyfob issues aren't very complicated or even serious. Keep an extra key fob in your car at all times to avoid being surprised by a malfunctioning one. You'll never be caught in the middle due to an unresponsive or lost key. If you do happen to lose your car key spare, a locksmith will be able to rekey it to work with the ignition in your car. They'll also be able repair any internal damage that's occurred on the key fob.
Broken Case
The case for your key fob provides more than just protection for the buttons and battery. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic every time you press the key fob button. The circuit board relays the signal from your keyfob to your car.
Your key fob will not work if the board is damaged. A dead key fob might require reprogramming by your local auto locksmith or dealer.
Another reason why your key fob might not be working is because the batteries are dying. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. You can find an alternative battery at your local auto parts shop or online. These batteries aren't just for key fobs.
There are many ways to open a key fob to get inside it, depending on the type. You can find out what type of battery your key fob uses by doing a quick online search. You can then purchase a new replacement and pop the old one out and then put the new one in.
The most important thing to consider when fixing a broken car key fob is that you don't want to harm the circuit board or buttons any further. If you attempt to remove the key fob using a sharp edge, such as a screwdriver can cause damage to the case or damage the plastic. A replacement case isn't much and you can find an entire fob, including the electronic components on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.
If your key fob doesn't function, make sure you have damaged the circuit board or the batteries. If this isn't the situation, you can get it repaired quickly and cheaply by a professional. If not, it may be time to replace the fob. Make sure you check the warranty of any fob replacement or used that you purchase on the internet.