How to Repair a Car Key Fob
The key fob you have will likely be jostled a lot. car key repair can cause its buttons to get stuck or break. You can give it a thorough check and swapping out the battery if you need to.
Most cars are equipped with the coin-style battery, which you can buy from pharmacies and big box stores, as well as home improvement stores. However, some models require special programming equipment that dealers only have.
Dead Battery
The car key fob is a tiny and useful device that makes entering your vehicle and launching it much easier than ever. What happens when you press the button a few times, but nothing happens? The most common reason for this is the battery is dead. Fortunately, the battery can be simple to replace. You can find replacements in supermarkets and auto parts stores, as well as some home improvement stores.
However certain other features that the key fob has may not work. This could be due to a mechanical problem, an internal electrical issue or even a malfunctioning deprogramming in the car's receiver. In these cases, you should probably call an expert.
Fortunately, Click On this page of manufacturers include a mechanical key slot inside the fob, which can be used in case of an inoperative battery. In most cases, a cover is put on the handle of the fob in order to cover the key slot. The key's physical form can be inserted into the slot, which allows you to unlock your door and start your vehicle. Don't forget to put the key fob back into the slot once you have started your car.
If you happen to own a Ford car that has SYNC Connect, there's a method to start the car without using the key fob. Most of the SYNC Connect equipped Ford vehicles have a backup "E-blade" within the cupholder. It is a mechanical key that can be used to push the starter button should your key fob fail to start the vehicle. To make the most of this feature, you should ensure that the battery is fully charged. You can also refer to your owner's guide for instructions on the best way to use it.
If your car still has problems after replacing the battery in your key fob you may need to speak with a locksmith or your dealer to have the battery or fob repaired. In certain cases, a new battery can be used to program the key fob with your vehicle at the dealership or select Interstate All Battery Center stores. This will only work as long as the circuit board and antennas have not been damaged.
Damaged Buttons
The buttons on your car key fob are bound to suffer an extensive amount of wear and wear and tear throughout their lives. They are susceptible to falling and are often sat in pockets and purses. The jolting may cause the internal components to loosen or become damaged, resulting in them not responding when you press them. This problem can be fixed by a few simple steps, but you might require the assistance of a locksmith.
Apart from a dead battery The most frequent reason why a key fob for a car can't function is because it requires new batteries. These little coins-shaped batteries are relatively inexpensive and are easy to find them in hardware stores or big-box retailers. You can also find videos on how to replace the key fob battery on YouTube or in your owner's manual.
It's also important to be aware that some key fobs require a special procedure to enter the programming mode needed for changing the battery. In these cases you'll need read the owner's manual or an auto locksmith to make sure that you follow the proper procedure.
The fob you have left in extreme cold or hot temperatures could cause it to stop functioning in particular when the battery has failed. If this happens, you'll have to call an automotive locksmith or a dealer to purchase a new fob.
If you're still unable to push the buttons on your key fob, it may be because the contacts are worn out. These contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electricity-conducting film, but they can start to wear out over time due to repeated use. You can fix this problem by removing the key fob and placing the metallic tape over the worn-out contacts.
It's important to remember that certain key fobs are extremely difficult to open and can't be opened safely without specialized equipment only available at a dealership. If you attempt to open it with the screwdriver or any other tool it's likely that you'll break the circuit board inside and pay an expense for repairs that is higher than you would have required.
Circuit Board Issues
The circuit board may be the reason behind your key fob not functioning as well as it did too. The circuit board is a tiny electronic chip inside the case that sends signals to your car telling it whether or not to lock your doors, open the trunk, or switch off your ignition. If the circuit board has been damaged, your key fob will not be able transmit these signals.
You can fix the damaged circuit board on your own with a little technical expertise. Take the battery off, then separate the rubber button assembly and the holder from the circuit board. Clean the contacts and plastic frame using rubbing alcohol and cotton swab. This should remove any rust that is preventing the circuit board from transmitting signals.
Once you've reassembled the key fob, ensure that it's in programming mode. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. Many car manufacturers also have videos online that show how to accomplish this. If you're not confident enough to complete it yourself, send your key fob to a locksmith that is trained to work on the specific model of your vehicle.
Certain of the latest key fobs come with an integrated receiver that allows you unlock your trunk, open your doors, and switch on your ignition from a distance. They are generally more reliable and operate across a wider area. If your latest key fob isn't working as well as it used to, it could have an antenna that is not working properly or other issue within the internals.
The most likely cause of a key fob that isn't working is a dead or low battery. It's affordable and easy to replace. However, if the fob's buttons or circuit board are damaged, you'll need to have it professionally repaired and changed to a new program. This service is available through most dealerships, but you can also find a shop that is specialized in your specific car model.
Forgotten Key
If you've lost your car key fob, it's a nightmare. You could turn your home upside down retracing your steps and searching everywhere including in drawers, bags, under couches, and even under your cat's bed. Eventually, you'll find it. However, the best way to ensure you don't lose your key fob is to taking preventative measures. If you are prone to forgetfulness or have a slight touch of ADD, make multiple copies and hand them out to your family and acquaintances so that you don't be sweating and cursing for 4 hours if you lose your key fob.
A lot of cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock the doors, and in certain instances activate the alarm system or open the trunk. However, a few of the more sophisticated models have even cooler features, like the ability to call your car at the press of one button. This feature isn't available on all models, but if your car is one of the models that can do it - like the Genesis GV60 or Hyundai Sonata for example and you're a lucky person, then you're in good hands.
If you have an extra car key fob programmed for your vehicle, you could make use of it in the event that you lose your original. You can also contact an automotive locksmith to make an electronic key fob that can be programmed for your vehicle. Check with your dealer to determine whether a replacement keyfob is available for sale at a lower cost.
If you don't have a spare and you don't have a spare, the only way to start your car is to call an auto locksmith who will either replace the key fob you have or create an entirely new one. Dealers can also help, but they'll require your vehicle to be towed as well as proof of ownership. These services are relatively inexpensive particularly when compared to the cost of replacing a key at the dealership.