Remote Key Fob Repair: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home
You may be tempted, when your remote key fob is not working, to take it to the dealership to get it reset. Instead, you can try some simple fixes at home.
Start by replacing a battery. G28 Car Keys -style batteries are inexpensive and easily found in hardware stores. Check the key fob for worn buttons or those that are out of the right place.
Dead Battery
The key fob, a small electronic device, makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. It utilizes a short-range radio transmitter to send unique codes to the receiver inside your vehicle. Key fob batteries typically last for a long period of time, but they may end up dying at any time. You can usually detect if the battery been drained by looking at the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob won't respond it means the battery has failed and requires replacement.
It's simple and quick to replace the battery on your key fob. It's typically opening the fob, pulling out the old battery, then inserting the new one. Fobs have small batteries, like those used in watches or hearing aids which are sold at general stores and home improvement stores. They're typically shaped like a small coin, and feature plus and minus symbols on the bottom. If you're not sure of the kind of battery your key fob is using, check your owner's manual or check the key fob for a label.
After changing the battery, your key fob should perform as expected. However, if it doesn't, there may be another issue with your vehicle or its system that's causing the fob not to function properly. If this is the case, you'll need help from a roadside service to assist you with the issue.
Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be able to purchase replacement fobs for your keys on the internet or from a dealer. It's usually cheaper and less expensive to purchase a new key fob than to fix a damaged one.
Buttons are not responding
It could be worn out button sensor if you've driven for a long period of time and you notice that your keys aren't working. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons that can wear out over time, which may cause them to work properly if they are pushed in a certain manner or with a lot of force. This is a problem that occurs for many fobs, and can be easily repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.
To unlock the vehicle the fob sends an alert to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it may stop receiving the signal and the key will not operate to unlock or start your vehicle. The best solution for this is to have a local mechanic check out the receiver for damage. In many cases, this will be free or for a small cost depending on the make of your car.
It's not a surprise that key fobs are often used and jostled in pockets and purses. They can be finicky, and only work properly if pressed in a specific manner. This is a simple fix for the majority of fobs, as the buttons can be reinforced and fixed very quickly with a little silicone and a bit of effort.
Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your keyfob until you hear the car sound chime. This will need to be repeated several times to activate the button. Then, you need to cycle your key in and out of the ignition a couple of times to reset your fob's connection to the vehicle. Once the connection is restored, remove the key and will be able to unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the procedure as needed to make sure your fob is working again. If you are not able to repair the fob by this procedure, it may be required to replace it. If you decide to replace it, make sure that the new key is programmed to work with your car model and make.
Keychain Loop Breaks
If the loop made of plastic on the key fob gets damaged it won't function to lock or unlock your vehicle. The replacement of the keychain loop is a simple fix.
Damage from water or moisture could also cause key fobs to malfunction, with a variety of symptoms, including reduced range of operation or even no function at all. The problem can be resolved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in certain cases, repairs or replacements by a professional may be required.
Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. This may necessitate the purchase of a new case for your key fob or replacement of the button, however usually, the issue is solved by reprogramming. Signal interference from electronic devices nearby can sometimes interfere with the connection between your key fob and vehicle, causing problems with unlocking or locking. It may be necessary to conduct a diagnostic test at the dealership in order to troubleshoot. This is typically the case for older electric key fobs that operate using infrared signals and require a clear line-of-sight in order to function however, the majority of modern microchip keys use challenge-response authentication over radio frequency to communicate with your vehicle.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost a significant amount of its charge, the remote might not respond to commands. This issue is usually fixed by replacing the battery, however, it could be necessary to reprogram the remote.
The key fobs in modern cars are capable of controlling lots of functions. They can raise and lower windows, trigger the alarm as well as turn on the interior lights and even start some vehicles. It is easy for owners of vehicles to make a mistake and hit the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's manual close by when using your keyfob so you can easily refer to the sections that cover the car's features.
A fob might malfunction due to the remote's signal being damaged or lost. Some of the newer key fobs have sophisticated signal encryption technologies to keep thieves from intercepting the signals and creating remotes or keys that aren't authorized which can unlock your vehicle. To reprogram the fob, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer.
Certain automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs yourself. Often, these procedures are simple enough to be done at home. This process is not recommended for novices who don't have a lot of experience with electronics. It is best to leave this kind of work to experts.
Key fobs undergo a lot of wear and tear, particularly when they are used frequently and handled. The buttons on a key fob can get jostled around, and the case could break or crack. Keep a spare fob with you at all time. This will save you time if your remote breaks down while you're out and about. Keep it near your bed at all times, so you can activate the panic button in case you hear sounds at night.