Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob in your car will be subject to a lot wear and wear and tear. It's why it's essential to have a backup ready in the event that yours fails.
The most frequent issue is a dead or low battery. However, there could be other reasons for your key fob not working. Many automakers provide instructions on how to replace the battery on the fobs.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
A dead battery is one of the most frequent causes for a keyfob to be slow. If you find that you have to press the unlock button several times before your car responds or it's not able to lock from far away as it once could, it's probably time for replacement batteries. It's easy to replace your battery in the key fob.
Press the unlock button a few times to ensure that the fob is functioning. Once you're certain it's not malfunctioning because it's not in range there are a few things you could do to get it back. Make sure you have your fob. You can usually activate it by holding it against your driver's side door handle If there's enough juice in the battery to trigger the door locks, even if you can't unlock it from 2 car lengths away.
Then, ensure that you have the right type of battery, which is embossed on the fob itself. It's usually a button cell manufactured by brands like Duracell and Energizer. Once you have the correct battery, remove your old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side is facing upwards. Snap the fob halves back together and test to ensure that the start, lock and unlock functions are working properly again.
If you would like to be extra secure then you can take the fob to a watch repair shop or to your car dealer and ask them to change its battery for you. It's likely to cost you a bit more than if doing it yourself, but it's a good idea to let someone else handle it to ensure that you don't accidentally damage the circuit board while trying to open the fob to replace the battery.
You can save money by buying a CR2032 from a big box retailer or a hardware store. Follow the instructions in your owner's guide (which is available online in PDF format on the manufacturer's site, or on YouTube) to replace the battery in the fob. It's a simple procedure that will restore the handy remote function that you rely on so often on your journeys around Springfield.
Damaged Buttons
While it may seem odd that the key fob inside your car requires maintenance, they actually do. Most of the time, these issues aren't too serious and could be as easy as replacing the battery. However, there are other issues that can occur which might indicate that the key fob needs more attention.
If your key fob won't turn on or the buttons don't function, it could be a problem with the power button. Cell buttons can get damaged through wear and tear, and the internal components could break or knocked out. There are kits that can be made to replace power buttons, but working with these tiny and delicate pieces are not easy to say the least. It's also risky to attempt to replace the power button as you risk damaging the circuitry.
There are electronic car key repair who have specialized equipment for this kind of repair, and they are able to generally complete the work while you wait. They can repair the buttons in minutes and make them appear as nice as new.
In the event that a professional isn't an option You can buy aftermarket key fobs that look identical to the original key fob for a fraction of the price. Certain automotive stores and dealerships will allow you to program them with your vehicle, but some will not. Genesky claims he is able to program his fobs with most vehicles manufactured since the 1990s however he must refuse customers who have newer Audi or BMW models because he doesn't have the required programming equipment.
Verify the warranty of your vehicle to determine if it covers the cost of replacing a key fob, or at the very least part of the cost. This will help you decide whether it's worth the cost of a repair or a replacement key fob.
Circuitry Issues
The key fob you use for your keys takes many abuses and stress while you use it, since it is dropped, jostled, and exposed to heat and cold on a regular basis. This can cause damage to internal components, especially the tiny electronic circuit board within that sends signals to your car. Based on how damaged these signals are, they may cease to function and stop you from opening your doors or starting your car.
If you've tried replacing the battery, but it doesn't work, your fob may require reprogramming specifically for your make and model. This can be accomplished by a dealer or a professional shop that has experience with your vehicle. The procedure for this is typically very easy and only takes some minutes to complete.
Another possibility is that your fob casing may be damaged, which could cause it to lose contact with the internal components. The casing contains contacts, which are rubber-like components coated in electricity-conducting film that assist with sending the signal to your car. The casings can wear down over time or snap off completely. A simple replacement casing should restore your fob's functionality.
Sometimes your key fob has to be changed to reflect the current year model, model, and make of your vehicle. If you have a spare fob this is a simple solution that can be accomplished at home or by an expert. The process is simple and involves just some instructions from the manufacturer's website or the local dealership service center.
If your key fob isn't functioning properly, you may need to replace it. This is more expensive and will require the visit of a dealer or independent shop that is familiar with your particular make and model. Replacing a key fob usually the best option in cases where it's not working correctly and you do not want to be stranded somewhere. Based on the manufacturer and model, replacements may range in price from around $50 to $150 or more.
Replacement
It's a shame that your key fob does not always work. However it is possible to repair the majority of problems. A dead fob battery is one of the most common issues. It is easily replaced and get you back on the road fast. To avoid this problem from happening again in the future, it's best to keep spare batteries on hand so that you can replace them if needed.
It's relatively simple to replace the battery of a key fob, but it can be difficult if it's your first time. You will need to be aware of the type of battery that is required for your key fob before deciding to buy the correct battery. You can typically find this information online however, it's helpful to look in the manual for your car if aren't sure. Once you've identified the type of battery your key fob needs and you are ready to go to a general store or home improvement center to purchase it. It is beneficial to have a variety of these batteries in your inventory because they are typically inexpensive. Once you have the new battery, take care to put it into your key fob in the proper orientation. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) indications are facing in the same direction that they were facing with your old battery. Once you have inserted the new battery, you are able to snap your key fob back together and check that it functions correctly.
The replacement of a key fob's battery is a fairly simple job, and you can do it on your own if you are able to do it. If you are unable to find out what's wrong with your device, or it doesn't work after changing the batteries, it might be time to contact an expert to replace it professionally. While it's always a good idea to attempt to repair your key fob prior purchasing a replacement, there are times when it isn't possible and it is more cost-effective to buy one from a dealership.
electronic car key repair