Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob on your car is subject to a lot of wear and wear and tear. It's important to always have a spare key fob just in case yours breaks down.
The most frequent issue is a dead battery. However, there may be other reasons for your key fob to stop working. Many automakers offer instructions on how to replace the battery in the fobs.
Dead Key Fob Battery
One of the main reasons for the slow response of a key fob is that the battery has failed. If you notice that you have to press the unlock button multiple times before your car responds, or it can't lock from as far away as it used to It's probably time to buy an upgrade to the battery. The good news is that unlike your car's battery it's pretty easy to replace a key fob's battery yourself.
Press the unlock button several times to verify that the fob is functioning. If you're sure that it hasn't malfunctioning because it's not in range, there are a few things you could do to bring it back. First, make sure you have the fob. If there is enough power in the battery, you can turn it on it by pressing it against the driver's door handle.
Make sure you have the correct kind of battery, which is embossed on the fob itself. It's usually a button cell, sold 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 that the positive side is facing up. Re-snap the fob halves together and test to ensure that the start, lock and unlock functions are working correctly.
If you want to be sure you're extra safe you can take the fob to a repair store or your dealer to replace the battery. This is likely to cost you a little more than if doing it yourself however it's a good idea to get someone else to do it to ensure you don't end up damaging the circuit board while you're trying to open the fob to swap the battery.
You can save money by purchasing a CR2032 from a big box retailer or hardware store. Follow the directions on 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 an easy process and will restore all the useful functions of the remote you use so often on your journeys around Springfield.
Buttons Damaged
While it may seem strange that the key fob in your car needs maintenance, they do. These issues are typically not major and can be solved by replacing the battery. However there are other issues that can occur which might indicate that the key fob is in need of more attention.
If your key fob isn't turning on or the buttons don't work, it could be a problem with the power button. Cell buttons can take a beating due to wear and tear and the internal components could be damaged or ripped loose which can cause the button to fail. There are kits for DIY to replace power buttons, however dealing with these tiny and delicate components can be difficult to say the least. It's also dangerous to attempt to replace the power button as you run the risk of damaging the circuitry.
Some automotive locksmiths have specialized equipment for this kind of repair, and can complete it while you are waiting. They can repair the buttons in just a few minutes and make them appear as good as new.
In the event that a professional isn't an option You can buy aftermarket key fobs that look exactly like your original key fob for less than half the cost. Some dealerships and automotive retailers will allow you to program them using your vehicle, while others won't. Genesky says he can program his fobs for most cars made since the '90s but he's forced to deny customers with more recent Audi or BMW models because he doesn't have the equipment needed to program them.
It's also important to check the basic warranty of your vehicle, extended warranties or roadside assistance coverage to see whether they cover the cost of a replacement key fob or at the very least some of the charges. This will help you decide if it's worth paying for a key fob repair or just getting a replacement altogether.
Circuitry Problems
The key fob you use for your keys takes lots of abuse and stress when you use it, since it is thrown around, tossed, and exposed to cold and hot on a daily basis. This can cause damage to internal components, including the tiny electronic circuit board within that sends signals to your car. Depending on the damage, these signals could cease to function properly and stop you from opening your doors or even starting your vehicle.
If you have tried replacing the battery and it still doesn't work, there is an opportunity that your fob needs to be reprogrammed for the specific model and make of vehicle. This can be accomplished by a dealer, or a professional shop with experience in your vehicle. This is a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes to complete.
Another possibility is that your fob casing is worn out, which may 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 out over time or even break completely. A replacement casing is a straightforward fix that should restore your fob to proper functioning.
Sometimes, your key fob requires reprogramming to match the current year, make, ignition key repair near me and model of your vehicle. This is a straightforward solution that you can accomplish at your home or with an expert if you own an additional fob. The process is usually quite simple and involves only following a few guidelines from the website of your manufacturer or your local dealership's service center.
If your key fob is not working properly, you may require replacing it. This is more expensive and requires an appointment with an independent or dealer that has experience with your particular brand and model. If your key fob doesn't work properly replacing it is the best solution. You don't have to worry about being stuck in a bind. Replacements can cost anything between $50-$150 depending on the model and brand.
Replacement
Although it's unfortunate that the car key fob will not always function, it's important to know that the majority of issues are relatively easy to fix and are easily fixed. A dead battery in the fob is one of the most common problems. It can be quickly replaced and get you back on the road quickly. To prevent this from happening again in the future, it is a good idea to keep extra batteries on hand to replace them when needed.
It is relatively easy to replace the battery of a key fob however it can be tricky if it is your first time. Start by finding out which kind of battery your key fob uses and this will help you choose the right battery for it. You can typically find this information online however it can be useful to refer to your car's manual if you aren't sure. Once you've determined the type of battery your key fob requires, you can head to a retailer or home improvement center to purchase it. It is a good thing to keep a few of these batteries on hand because they are typically extremely affordable. Once you have the new battery, be sure to place it in your key fob with the correct orientation. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) indications are facing in the same direction as they were when you used your previous battery. After you have installed the new battery, snap the key fob again and test it.
Replacing the battery of a key fob is a relatively simple job, and you can do it on your own when you know how to do so. If you're unable determine what is wrong with your device, or it doesn't work after changing the batteries, it might be time to consult an expert to replace it professionally. While it's recommended to attempt to repair your key fob prior buying a replacement, sometimes it isn't possible and it can be more cost-effective to simply buy one at a dealership.