Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stop working, you may be tempted to visit an authorized dealer to get it reset. Instead, you can try some simple fixes at home.

Start by replacing the battery. Flat-watch-style batteries are affordable and readily available at hardware stores. Check the key fob for buttons that are damaged or aren't in place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is a small electronic device that allows you to lock or unlock your car. It utilizes the radio transmitter of a short range to send unique codes to the receiver within your vehicle. Key fob batteries usually last for a long time, but they may die at any time. You can detect if the battery died by checking 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 must be replaced.

It's quick and simple to replace the battery on your key fob. It's usually a matter of opening the fob, pulling out the battery that was in use, and then inserting a new one. Fobs have small batteries, similar to the ones found in watches or hearing aids and are available at general stores and home improvement centers. They're usually shaped like an ordinary coin and are adorned with plus and minus signs on the bottom. If you're not sure of the kind of battery your key fob uses, refer to the owner's manual, or look on the key fob for a label.

After changing the battery the fob's key should perform as expected. However, if it doesn't it could be due to a different problem with your car or its system that's causing the fob not to function properly. If this is the situation you'll require assistance at the roadside.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may be able to purchase replacement keys on the internet or from a dealer. It's typically cheaper and more convenient to purchase an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a damaged one.

Buttons Aren't Responding

If you've been driving your car for a while and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't working it could be due to an issue with worn button sensors. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs can wear out with time. This can cause them to work correctly when pushed in a certain way or when pressure is high. This is a common problem with many fobs, and can be repaired by following a few simple DIY steps.

To unlock the vehicle the fob transmits a signal to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged, it may not receive the signal, and the key won't be able to open or start your car. The best solution for this is to have your local mechanic check out the receiver for damage. This service is often free or costs only little, depending on the make of your vehicle.

The key fobs that are utilized daily receive a lot of use and are often found in purses and pockets, so it is not a surprise that they sometimes become finicky and only work properly when press in a certain manner. It is simple to fix most fobs since the buttons can be strengthened by using silicone and a bit of effort.

To get the buttons working again, first press and hold the locks and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a sound in your vehicle. You will need to do this several times to trigger the button activate. The next step is to rotate your key in and out of the ignition a couple of times to reset your fob's connection to your vehicle. Once the connection is restored, you can unlock the key and you should be able unlock your vehicle with the remote. Repeat the procedure as needed to make sure your fob is working again. If you cannot fix the fob with this method, it might be necessary to replace it. If you have to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle make and model.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop breaks off it could separate from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop is easily replaced.

Water damage and moisture can also cause key fobs to malfunction, with symptomatic problems including a shortened range of operation or no function at all. The problem can be resolved by replacing the battery and drying the key fob. However, in some cases repair or replacement by a professional might be required.

Key fob buttons might get worn out over time, remote resulting in reduced functionality or unresponsiveness. It is possible to replace the key fob button or case however reprogramming is often able to solve this issue. Signal interference from nearby electronic devices can sometimes interfere with the connection between the key fob and the vehicle, causing problems with unlocking or locking. This may require a diagnostic test at the auto dealership to determine the cause and resolve. This is usually the case for older electric keys that use infrared signals to operate and require a line-of-sight. Most modern microchipped keys communicate with your car using radio frequency to authorize a challenge.

Pairings that are corrupted or remote lost

Over time keysfob batteries deplete power. If the battery has lost a lot of its charge, the remote might not respond to commands. The replacement of the battery is usually enough to solve the issue, however you may also have to change the programming of the remote.

Key fobs used in modern cars can be used to control a variety of functions. They can lower or raise the windows, activate alarms, turn on the interior lights, and even start certain cars. This means it is possible for owners to hit the wrong buttons through accident. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual nearby when you are using your key fob to be able to refer to the specific sections that deal with the different features of your vehicle.

Another common reason for a fob to stop working is that the remote's signal has been damaged or gone missing. Certain of the most recent key fobs employ sophisticated technology for encryption of signals to stop thieves from stealing signals and generating unauthorized keys or remotes that unlock cars. You will probably need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to reprogram your fob and restore its functionality.

Some automakers make their own instructions for do-it-yourself key fob reprogramming. These procedures are usually simple enough to be done at home. However, the procedure is usually not a good option for those who are not experienced with electronic experience. This kind of work is best left to experts.

Key fobs receive lots of wear and tear, particularly if they are frequently used and handled. The buttons on a key fob may be tossed around and the case could break or crack. It is important to keep an extra key fob with you at all times, because it will save you time and trouble when your remote fails to work while you are out and wandering around. Keep it close to your bed at all times, so you can use the panic button in case you hear sounds at night.