DEV Community

Crowder Beach
Crowder Beach

Posted on

Watch Out: How Key Fob Repair Near Me Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It

Key Fob Repair Near Me

The key fob in your car gets many wear and wear and tear. It's important to always have an extra key fob in the event that yours fails.

The most common problem is the battery is dead or not functioning properly. However, there may be other causes for your key fob not functioning. Some automakers make it easy to swap out the battery in their fobs, and instructions are often available on the Internet.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

A dead battery is one of the most common causes for a keyfob to be slow. If you notice that you have to push the unlock button several times before your car is able to respond, or it's unable to lock far away as it once could It's probably time to buy replacement batteries. The good news is that unlike your car's battery, it's relatively easy to replace a key fob's battery yourself.

The first thing you should do is to ensure that the fob actually works by pressing the unlock button several times. If you're certain that it hasn't just stopped working due to being out of range it's possible to try a few things to help revive it. First, make sure you have the fob. It is usually activated by putting it on your driver's side door handle if there's enough power left in the battery to operate the door locks even if you are unable to unlock it from 2 car lengths away.

The battery's model will be engraved on the key fob. 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. The fob halves should be snapped together and test the lock/unlock/start functions.

If you want to be sure you're extra safe take the fob to a repair shop or a dealership to replace the battery. It will cost more to let someone who is not you replace the battery than if it were performed by you, but you won't cause damage to the circuit board if doing it yourself.

If you'd like to save cost, you can purchase a CR2032 battery from a hardware store or big box retailer, and follow the instructions in the owner's manual (which is probably accessible online as PDFs on the manufacturer's site, or at least on YouTube) to swap out the battery on your fob by yourself. This is a simple process that will bring back the remote functionality you use on your Springfield trips.

Damaged Buttons

Although it might seem odd that the key fob inside your car requires maintenance, they actually do. Often, these aren't serious and can be as simple as replacing the battery. However, there are other problems that could occur that could suggest that the key fob requires more attention.

The power button could be the reason for your key fob not functioning or buttons not functioning. Cell buttons can be damaged by everyday wear and tear, and the internal components could break or knocked out. There are do-it-yourself kits available to replace power buttons, however working with these tiny and delicate components can be challenging to say the least. Attempting to replace car keys repair can be dangerous as there is a real risk of damaging the interior circuitry.

There are locksmiths in the automotive industry who have specialized equipment to deal with this kind of repair and they can typically complete the repair while you sit back. They can repair the buttons in a matter of minutes and make them appear as nice as new.

If hiring a professional isn't an option, you can purchase aftermarket key fobs that look identical to your original key fob at only a fraction of the cost. Some dealers and retailers will allow you to program them using your vehicle, while others don't. Genesky claims that he can program his fobs to work with all cars made since the '90s however he must refuse customers who have newer Audi or BMW models due to the fact that he does not have the required programming equipment.

Examine your car's warranty to see if it covers the cost of a replacement key fob, or at the very least a portion of the costs. This will aid you in deciding if it's worth paying for repairs or a replacement key fob.

Circuitry Problems

The key fob you use for your keys takes many abuses and stress while you use it. This is because it is thrown around, tossed, and exposed to cold and hot on a daily basis. This can damage internal components, especially the tiny electronic circuit board within which sends signals to your car. Depending on how damaged these signals are, they may cease to function and prevent you from opening doors or starting your vehicle.

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 done either by a dealer, or a professional shop that has experience in your vehicle. The process is generally very simple and takes just a few minutes to complete.

Another possibility is that the fob casing may be worn out, which can 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. These can wear down over time, or snap completely. car keys repair can make your device functional again.

Sometimes your key fob needs to be reprogrammed for the current year, year of manufacture, and model of your vehicle. This is a straightforward solution that you can do at home or by an expert if you own an extra fob. The procedure is easy and involves just some instructions from the manufacturer's website or your local dealership service center.

It's possible that your key fob needs to be replaced entirely however this is usually more expensive and may require a visit to the dealer or an independent shop that has experience in your specific make and model. Replacement of a key fob is typically the best option if it isn't working properly and you don't want to risk getting stuck in a remote location. Depending on the make and model, replacements can vary in cost from $50 to $150 or more.

Replacement

While it is unfortunate that your car key fob doesn't always work, it is good to know that the majority of problems are quite easy to fix and can be fixed. A dead battery in the fob is among the most common problems. It is easily replaced and get you back on the road fast. To avoid this problem from happening in the future, it's best to keep extra batteries in your vehicle to replace them as needed.

The replacement of a key fob battery is quite simple, however it can be a little difficult if this is your first time. You must be aware of the type of battery that is required for your key fob before you purchase the right battery. This information is typically accessible online, however you can also consult the owner's manual of your vehicle if in doubt. You can purchase the battery from a home improvement store or a general store once you have determined what type your key fob requires. It's a good idea to have several of these batteries available because they are typically very cheap. When you have purchased the new battery, be sure to place it in your key fob with the proper orientation. This will ensure that the (+) and (-) signposts are facing the same way they did on your previous battery. After you have installed your new battery, snap the key fob again and test it.

Replacing the battery of a key fob is a relatively simple task, and you can do it yourself if you know how to do so. However, if you cannot figure out what is wrong with your key fob or the device is not functioning after changing the battery, it might be time to speak with an expert for a replacement. While it's always a good idea to attempt to fix your key fob before purchasing a replacement, in some cases this isn't feasible and it may be more cost-effective to simply buy one at a dealership.
car keys repair

Top comments (0)