The Under-Appreciated Benefits Of Key Fob Repair

· 6 min read
The Under-Appreciated Benefits Of Key Fob Repair

Car Key Fob Repair Service

If the car key fob stops working you may be in a difficult situation. It can be expensive to replace it, but sometimes it's the best solution.

You can save money by visiting other places before you go to the dealer.

Dead Battery

A dead battery for a fob is one of the most common problems with key fobs. This can be a surprise and especially if it happens when you're leaving to work or at a social gathering. You may have a back-up plan, such as an extra key or number for roadside help but you'll still have to repair or replace the fob. The positive side is that the majority of car key fob battery problems are easily fixable with the right information.

A majority of modern vehicles have a backup system that accounts for the possibility of fob batteries going out of service. Usually when you hold the dead fob up to the ignition button you will be able to start the vehicle. If you own a vehicle that uses push-to-start, this will also unlock your doors. The owner's manual of your car will contain specific information on where to put the key fob to start it.

Other reasons why keys not responding to press buttons or turning off include the button that isn't being fully pressed or is a battery with a low capacity, or a remote that requires programming. In some cases cleaning your key fob could be enough to make it work again. When key fob buttons are repeatedly pressed, dirt may build up and stop them from being pressed all the way.

An easy way to clean your key fob in a pinch can be to make use of the end of the paper clip. This can be used to open the case securely and remove your old battery. You should also keep an additional battery in your bag along with any tool you might need to open up the case of your key fob. You can prepare for issues with your keyfob ahead of time, so you don't have to worry about it affecting your life or having to call roadside assistance. You can also keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't get caught off guard by a malfunctioning key fob.

Button Issues

When pressed by the buttons on the remote control transmit signals to its circuit board. If the buttons wear out, signals won't be sent. The fob could cease to function. This can happen over time or be caused by another issue with the car or fob. A professional will be able to repair or replace the button if it's worn.

Key fobs are often exposed to a lot of abuse. They're dropped, tossed around and exposed to cold and heat on a regular basis. They're also very delicate and can be easily broken. The inside of the fob has parts like a circuit board and battery contacts that could be damaged if they are subjected to enough abuse.


Most issues can be solved by changing the battery in your fob, however there are some that require a greater. The battery can be inspected by opening the case of the key fob with a screwdriver and determining if it is dirty or requires replacement. The majority of key fobs utilize 3V button cells that are readily available in every store.

Even a small amount of force can cause damage to the fob. This could be a problem when you accidentally wash your key fob or go swimming with it in your pocket. This can damage the chip, preventing the key fob from working.

If you're dealing with a problem with a button, your best option is to contact an expert locksmith. They can fix or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They can also fix other electrical failures like a broken horn or lights that won't work.

It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and tools for your vehicle. Cars can be expensive. If you don't, the vehicle won't function as it should and it will be much more difficult to get there you need to be. It's also a safety issue to have faulty equipment and technology because it can lead to more serious mechanical problems in the future.

Broken Battery Terminals

If your fob doesn't work when you attempt to start your car it could be because the battery terminals are damaged. To unlock and start the car, the fob has to be able to communicate with central system of your vehicle. This communication is done via a tiny radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted to the car key's internal circuit (if there is one), which in turn unlocks the doors and starts the engine. The fob is designed to transmit this signal over distances of up to 50 feet, but the transmission may not function if the battery terminals are broken.

Luckily, these are easy fixes. The process of replacing the battery is usually straightforward as taking out the old battery, finding out which replacement batteries are required, and visiting an auto parts store or online retailer for the proper ones. It may be difficult to open some key fobs to get to the batteries. Be careful not to break any item.

Next, try the key fob again. If it still doesn't work it could be because the metal key itself inside the fob is damaged or the key has been programmed. Modern keys have to be programmed to work with certain vehicles, and certain error codes can cause a malfunction in the programming of the key fob. A professional can reprogram the key to the vehicle.

Another possibility is that the fob itself is damaged, especially in the event that it was dropped or left in the rain. It is also possible that the key fob was subjected to extreme heat or other issues that led to the circuit board to fail. Sometimes, this is because of having work done on your vehicle, which left exposed wires, which could then lead to other malfunctions such as a broken horn or a malfunctioning key fob. Examine your key fob and replace or repair it if necessary. Not having a working key could be stressful and even dangerous.

Other Issues

Car key fobs are a great convenience but they also cause problems that need professional repair. Thankfully, many of the problems that could be afflict the car key fob are relatively easy and cheap to repair. Here are a few of the most common problems with their possible solutions.

key fob repairs near me  of basic remotes last for a long time before requiring an upgrade in battery, however the lifespan of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. Fob batteries typically need to be replaced every three or four years, and will cease to function when they're too old. This is a simple problem to fix. Just purchase an alternative battery and then install it.

A damaged receiver

The transmitter inside your key fob must receive an input from the receiver in your vehicle to allow it to be able to open and begin. If the receiver is damaged, the signals won't be able to pass through and will remain unreadable. This is a simple issue to determine however it may be necessary to replace the whole receiver if it's too damaged.

Not programmed

Certain modern cars require a specific chip in the key fob for it to start. This chip communicates to the car via an exclusive code that is only known by the manufacturer. In most cases, a replacement key fob must be programmed by the dealer. However, you may locate aftermarket fobs on the internet that are compatible with all automobiles.

Not working

If your car key fob will not function after you've replaced the battery and buttons it could be due to an electrical issue or another type of issue that requires professional repair. A locksmith professional will be able to look for this kind of issue and get your key fob back to good working order in a short time. This is usually less expensive than visiting a dealer. The cost of a new fob depends on the model of your vehicle and the local locksmith. You can get a good idea of the price by contacting a few local companies before scheduling a job.