Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs may be damaged and stop working properly after being tossed around in purses and pockets. Replacing the battery, which a majority of car fobs are equipped with in a snap-out case can fix this issue.
If the contacts in the key fob are damaged, a new replacement may not be sufficient to revive it. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can try at home:
Replace the battery
It may be time to replace the battery in your key fob if it isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than normal. Luckily, replacing a key fob battery is one of the most simple tasks that you can do yourself. It's also a cheap fix that can help you avoid a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
You can buy a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts, home improvement, or general store. Key fobs typically come with a slot for these batteries and opening the case to replace batteries is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use a screwdriver or another tool to open the cover for the battery compartment.
If your key fob has clips that keep the batteries in place, remove them using your fingers or non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to place it in the correct way. Take note of the orientation when removing the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as this can reduce their life.
Once the new battery is installed and the key fob is closed, close its case and test it by pressing the button to ensure it works. If the key fob still does not work, you'll need to open it again and ensure that the battery is inserted correctly.
It could also be that simply replacing the battery isn't enough to resolve the issue. This could be caused by electrical damage or physical trauma. In this situation, you'll need bring your key fob into an auto service or dealer center to repair. Before my review here do, there are four problems that a replacement battery cannot solve. It is important to be aware of these issues to be able to seek assistance from a certified technician if needed. You should also read about how to fix a key fob's faulty transmitter to find out more about the reasons it may not be functioning properly.
Clean the Contacts
Maintaining your key fob's cleanliness is crucial to its function and longevity. Over time, the natural oils on your fingers and pockets can build up in the key fob's buttons and crevices. This can lead to the keys not to work. All you need is rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab and some alcohol to rub it on.
First, open the key fob by gently prying the battery out with the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Make sure you note the kind of battery it is (negative and positive sides) to ensure that you insert it again correctly after you're done.
After that then, apply a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Be sure to pay particular attention to the contacts of the battery and make sure they are clean. Once you are done, make sure to allow the fob and its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't work even after cleaning, you may be required to reset your system. Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to do this and follow them. This could bring the key fob back to life if the problem was simply due to a dead battery.
It is crucial to maintain the key fob regularly after it is cleaned and resynchronized. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can be sure that your key fob will function well for many long time to come.
Reset the system
Despite the fact that today's modern-day key fobs are more powerful, secure, and convenient than ever before, it's possible to encounter certain problems. Most of the time, these issues aren’t serious or complex and can be resolved with simple methods, such as changing the battery. If the problem is serious or cannot be resolved by simple techniques, an auto repair shop will replace and reprogram your key fob.
The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, but you can also make use of it to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof with the key fob. This feature can be very beneficial if you need to open the roof when you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Key fobs are also helpful in bringing your car to life if it's parked in an awkward place.
The internal circuitry of the key fob could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. The signs could include unpredictable behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources may sometimes affect the function of a keyfob. If your key fob has become damp or contaminated by dust, it's likely to need to be cleaned before being used again.
Replacing the key fob battery or cleaning the contacts could help fix a malfunctioning device but if the device persists to operate in a erratic manner, you may need to perform a factory reset. This can clear up bugs in the system and restore the operating efficiency of the device.
If you are unsure of the best way to perform a reset, consult your device's owner's guide or the manufacturer's website. Certain devices require a specific tool to perform the reset, however, you should be able find instructions that apply to the model you're using.
Another option to resolve issues with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. They are able to replace and program key fobs for nearly all car models. They can also repair keys with chips.