10 Ways To Build Your Key Fob Repair Empire
Car Key Fob Repair Service
If the car key fob isn't working, you could be in a bind. It can be expensive to replace it, but in some cases it's the most effective solution.
However, before you go to the dealer to get one re-evaluated, there are several other locations that will save you money.
Dead Battery
One of the most frequent issues with key fobs is batteries that are dead. This can be a surprise and especially if it happens right before you leave to work or at a social event. You may have a back-up plan, like an additional key or a number for assistance at the roadside however, you will have to repair or replace the fob. The good news is that the majority of car key fob battery issues can be fixed with the right knowledge.
A lot of modern cars have an emergency backup system to protect the possibility that a fob's batteries might fail. If you connect a dead fob to the ignition, you are able to typically start the vehicle. If you own a car with push-to-start technology, this will also unlock your doors. The owner's manual for your car will provide detailed information about where to put the fob that will start it.
Other causes of a key fob that doesn't turn on or respond to button presses could be the button isn't being pressed completely, a battery with low capacity, or a remote control that needs to be reprogrammed. In some instances, cleaning your key fob might be enough to get it working again. As key fob buttons get pressed repeatedly, dirt can accumulate and prevent them from being pressed all the way.
You can make use of the end of a clip clean your key fob. You can use this to safely open the case and remove the battery. Keep an extra battery and any other tools you might require to open the case of your key fob in your possession. You can prepare for problems with your keyfob ahead of time, so you do not have to worry about it affecting your day or having to call roadside assistance. Alternately, you can keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't get surprised by a malfunctioning key fob.
Button Issues
The buttons on a key fob transmit signals to the circuit board on the remote when they're hit. If these buttons wear out, the signals may not be transmitted and the fob won't be working. This can happen over time or may be due to another issue with the car or fob. If the button is worn or damaged, a professional can replace or repair it.
Key fobs often get quite a bit of abuse. They're dropped, banged around and exposed to heat and cold every day. remote key repairs are also quite fragile and can easily be damaged. The inside of the key fob contains components such as a circuitboard and battery contacts which can be destroyed if you use it enough.
Changing the battery in your key fob is usually enough to solve most issues, but certain issues are more complex than that. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver to remove the case of your key fob and see whether it is required to be cleaned or replaced. The majority of key fobs utilize 3V button cells, which are readily available in any retailer.
Even a small amount of force can damage the fob. This could be a concern if you go swimming with the key fob in your purse or accidentally run it through a washing machine. This can damage the chip and prevent the key fob from working.
If you're dealing with a button issue, your best option is to speak with an expert locksmith. They can fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also address other electrical issues, such as the broken light or horn that won't work.
Automobiles are costly, so it's important to keep up to date with technology and equipment that help them run. If you don't, your vehicle won't function as it should and will be harder to get to where you need to be. A malfunctioning technology or equipment can also pose a risk to safety and can lead to serious mechanical problems in the future.
Broken Battery Terminals
If you've tried to start your car, but the fob isn't functioning, this may be a sign that the battery terminals are broken. The fob has to be able to communicate with the vehicle's central system in order to unlock and start it. The communication happens through a small radio transmitter inside the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted to the car key's internal circuit (if there is one) and it unlocks the doors and starts the engine. The fob can transmit the signal up to 50 feet away. However, when the battery's terminals are damaged, the transmission might not function.
Luckily, these are easy fixes. Replacing the battery is typically as easy as removing the old battery, finding out what type of replacement batteries are required and then heading to an auto parts retailer or online store to find the correct ones. Some key fobs are hard to open to access the batteries, however, and it is important to be careful so that you do not break anything inside.
The next step is to try the key fob once more. If it doesn't work, it is possible that the key's metal part inside the fob has been damaged or the key has been reprogrammed. Modern keys must be programmed in order to function with a particular vehicle, and certain error codes could affect the programming of the key fob. This can be fixed by a professional who can re-program the key to the car.
A damaged fob is another possibility, particularly if the fob was dropped or left out in the rain. It could also be that the key fob was exposed to excessive heat or had other issues that led to the circuit board to fail. This could happen when you work on your vehicle and accidentally exposed wires. This could lead to other malfunctions like a broken key fob or broken horn. Make sure you check your key fob, and replace or repair it if needed. The absence of a functioning key could be stressful and even dangerous.
Other Problems
Car key fobs are a wonderful convenience to have but they also cause problems that need professional repair. Many of the problems that can affect a car keyfob are simple and affordable to fix. Here are some of most common problems with their solutions.
A dead battery
Most basic remotes can last for a long period before they require an upgrade in battery, however the lifespan of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries need to be replaced every three to four years, and they can cease working if they are too old. Fortunately it is a simple solution - just purchase a replacement battery and install it.
A damaged receiver
The transmitter in your key fob must receive signals from the vehicle's receiver to allow it to allow it to be opened and started. If this receiver is damaged, signals won't be able to pass through, and remain unreadable. This is a simple issue to diagnose however it may be necessary to replace the entire receiver if it is damaged.
Not programmed
Certain modern cars require a special chip in the key fob to start. The chip communicates with your car through a code that only the manufacturer is aware of. In most cases, a replacement fob must be programmed by the dealer. You can find replacement fobs that are compatible with many vehicles online.
Not working
If you have tried replacing the batteries and buttons but your car key fob still isn't working it could be due to an electrical issue or other kind of problem that requires professional repair. A locksmith expert can swiftly resolve the issue by examining for the issue. This service will normally be cheaper than a trip the dealership. The cost of a new fob depends on the model of your car and the locksmith in your area. Check with a few companies in your area to know the price before committing to a job.