10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You Get Key Fob Repair Service
Key Fob Repair Service
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse. Buttons can become stuck or break based on how they are stored and how they are thrown around.
Fortunately, the majority of key fob issues are relatively simple to solve. However, there are some that are more complicated and require expert assistance. This is where a locksmith can come in handy.
Dead Fob Battery
The key fobs for cars are quite smart, but that does not mean they do not sometimes get stuck on the "not responding zone". It's time to replace your battery when this happens. This doesn't solve the problem because there could be an issue with the connection on one of the terminals on the battery connector.
The car manufacturers are aware of the potential problem, and they often add a second mechanical key in the fob for use in an emergency. It is accessible by pressing the small release button or latch that is located behind the fob. (Check the user manual for more details). By pressing this, you will be able to open the fob, and then gain access to an actual key that you can use to unlock your car.
Another sign that your fob's batteries are dying is the fact that you have to be closer to your car to open and lock it than you did before. The transmitter of the fob is depleted in power when the battery dies. This limits its range.
Replacing the battery is easy and fairly inexpensive. You'll need the button-cell battery (which resembles a small silver coin) and then follow the steps in the user's manual to take out the old battery. Replace the battery in the same direction that the previous one (the positive side facing up towards the buttons). After reassembling your fob, test its start, lock and unlock functions to ensure that the new battery was installed correctly.
Some key fobs can be a little tricky to open but you should be able to open them by placing the latch, switch, or screw on the back of the fob, and prying it apart. Be careful not to break the fob because you'll need it to connect to your vehicle! If you're not confident making this change yourself, you can also bring your key fob to a professional. Since it's a routine service the majority of auto shops will swap the battery inside a fob for a nominal cost. Some dealers might even offer it for free depending on the model and brand of your vehicle.
Fob not working
The first thing you should do in the event that your key fob doesn't seem to be working is replace the batteries. This is the most efficient solution and will likely resolve the issue. If your device still isn't working after changing the battery, it could be due to damage.
The damage to your car key fob for a variety of reasons including physical trauma, exposure to water or a corroded circuit board. These issues could stop your key from sending a signal to the receiver in your vehicle and prevent the doors of your car and/or ignition from unlocking or starting. You may need to have a professional replace the fob if it's damaged.
The buttons on your keychain may have worn away with repeated use. The rubber can wear out and cause the buttons to become less responsive or clicky and may begin to fail to detect your press accurately. You can try wiping down the buttons and then adjusting them to see if that fixes the problem, but it's usually best to take the fob to be professionally examined for more comprehensive repairs.
Make sure that the battery you are using is exactly right for your fob. You can find a list of compatible batteries online or at most hardware stores. You must always refer to your owner's manual or engraving on the inside of your fob to determine which type of battery it needs. If the battery isn't the right one for your needs it could be a problem transmitting strong signals and supplying sufficient power to internal components.
In the rarest of cases it could be the case that the issue is not with your key fob, but rather with the vehicle's receiver or electronic components. You can test this by using an actual key to open the door, and then trying to start your car with the inductive backup system (if available). If your key isn't working to open or start your car then a mechanic should inspect the electronic components and receiver of your car to see whether they're working properly.
Fob Is Damaged
A key fob is comprised of many parts, and one malfunction can cause other components to fail. If a keyfob doesn't work, it's important that you look for obvious causes such as a cracked casing or a damaged part. Check the horn, light and other parts of the vehicle to ensure they're functioning properly.
If the fob for your key is damaged, it's recommended to obtain a replacement from your dealership or an auto locksmith instead of attempting to fix it. The fob might require reprogramming to the car, which is something that isn't something you can do at home, and it requires specialized equipment to do so.
Over time the contacts on the buttons of a key fob can wear out. This is more likely when you drop the fob or leave it in hot weather.
In time the internal wiring inside a key fob can also become worn down. It could result in buttons that don't function when it is pressed, or works when pressed very strongly. It can also lead to the car not starting or unlocking when the fob is used.
The majority of fobs have an outer cover made of plastic that can be opened up and cleaned using soap and water. This is a great way to bring a fob back to proper function and it's a good practice to clean it regularly to prevent dirt from damaging the insides.
A damaged battery is the main reason why a key fob won't turn on or work. Many mechanics and dealers are able to replace the battery quickly. If you are confident in installing the battery yourself, you can purchase the new one from an online store or a hardware store, and follow the directions on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
The worst case scenario is that your key fob is damaged internal damage, like cracks small electronic components that aren't fully attached to the circuit boards or corroded and bent contact points on the battery. If any of the above is the case, it's a good idea to consult with an auto locksmith or dealer for advice on a replacement as well as assistance in programming it for your vehicle.
Fob is not programming
Car key fobs are a convenient option that lets you unlock your car's doors and then start the engine. When they stop working, or are not working, it can be quite frustrating. In some instances, the issue can be resolved by replacing the battery. In other situations it may require a more complicated repair. The first step is to determine the reason why the fob isn't working properly.
The most common reason for a fob not working is that it fails to recognize your vehicle. This is because the connection between the remote and your car is cut off. You can sometimes reset the connection without having to call repair of your key fob.
Other issues can occur when the key fob isn't able to sends an energizing signal. This could happen if the key has been damaged or if the battery is dead. In any case, try to reconnect the key with your vehicle. This can be accomplished by following the instructions that came by the key fob. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare key with you to use it in the case that your primary key isn't working.
It's also possible that the fob isn't receiving the signal sufficiently strong from the car. This could be due an insufficient battery in the car or interference from wireless devices, or an antenna issue. With a remote tester, you can test the fob and determine if it's the issue. If the tester doesn't light up when one of the buttons is pressed, the battery may need to be replaced or the fob could be broken.
A car's immobilizer could also be preventing a fob from sending a strong signal. G28 Car Keys can occur when your key fob hasn't been properly programmed or you have a software issue.
If you're unable to solve the issue or it's not worth the effort of trying to repair the fob, you should consider buying a new one. Many online retailers offer low-cost options and some are delivered to your residence.