Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stops functioning, you might be tempted to go to an establishment to get it reprogrammed. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.

Start with a replacement battery. Flat-watch-style batteries are affordable and readily available in hardware stores. Then take a close look at the key fob and check for buttons that are worn or out of place.

Dead Battery

The key fob is an electronic device that makes it simple to lock or unlock your vehicle. It makes use of the radio transmitter of a short range to send distinct codes to the receiver within your vehicle. Key fob batteries last for a long period of time, but can end up dying at any time. You can detect if the battery been drained by looking at the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery has failed and must be replaced.

The process of replacing the battery in a key fob is easy and quick. It's usually as easy as opening the key fob, removing the battery that was in use and replacing it with a new one. Fobs have tiny batteries, similar to those used in hearing aids and watches which are sold at all kinds of stores and home improvement centers. They're usually shaped like tiny coins with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. If you're unsure of the kind of battery your fob uses, refer to your owner's manual or check the key fob for a label.

Your key fob should work normally. If it doesn't work it could be due to an issue with your vehicle or the system which is causing it to not function properly. If this is the situation, you'll need to get roadside assistance to assist you with the issue.

You can purchase replacement key fobs from a retailer or online, based on the model and make of your car. Buying a new fob is the most efficient option, as it can save you time and money as opposed to having to fix the broken one by yourself.

Buttons Aren't Responding

If you have been driving your car for a while and you notice that the keys' buttons aren't functioning it could be due to an issue with worn out button sensors. The buttons made of rubber on a majority of fobs wear out over time. This can cause them to function correctly when you press them in a certain manner or under extreme pressure. This is a common issue with many fobs, and can be easily fixed by following some simple DIY steps.

To unlock the vehicle the fob sends an indication to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it can stop receiving the signal and will prevent the key from functioning to open or start the vehicle. This can be fixed by having a mechanic examine the receiver to look for damage. In most instances, this will be free or a small fee dependent on the model of the car you own.

It's not surprising that key fobs are often utilized and tossed around in pockets and purses. They can become finicky and only function when they are pressed in a particular way. It is not difficult to fix most fobs, as the buttons are easily strengthened by using silicone and a bit of effort.

Press and hold the lock/unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the vehicle chime. This will need to be repeated several times in order to activate the button. Next, you will need to cycle your key into and out of the ignition of your car several times more in order to reset the connection between the fob and your car. Once the connection has been restored, you are able to remove the ignition key and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process until your fob is functioning again. If you are unable to repair the fob following this procedure it might need to be replaced entirely. If you decide to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your car make and model.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop is damaged, it can break off from your keys and no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop is easily replaced.

Key fobs may also fail due to moisture and water damage. Symptoms include a reduced range of operation, or no functionality at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can fix the issue however, sometimes repairs or replacements by a professional are necessary.

Over time, key fob buttons can wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It is possible to replace the key fob's button or case however reprogramming is often able to solve the issue. Occasionally signals from nearby electronic devices may affect the connection between the key fob and your car, leading to problems with locking or unlocking. It could be necessary to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership in order to troubleshoot. This is usually the case for older electric keys that use infrared signals to operate and require a line-of-sight. Most modern microchipped keys communicate with your vehicle using radio frequency to authorize a challenge.

Lost or Corrupted Pairing

Over time the batteries of key fobs lose their charge, and if the battery has lost all of its power the remote will not respond to commands. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the battery however it could also be necessary to reprogram the remote.

Modern cars come with key fobs that control various functions. They can raise or lower windows, trigger alarms, turn on the interior lights, and even start certain vehicles. It is not uncommon for owners of vehicles to hit the wrong buttons. Keep the owner's guide close to hand when using your keyfob to easily refer to the sections that key fob repair pertain to the car's features.

A fob could malfunction due to the remote's signal being damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs utilize sophisticated signal encryption technology to stop thieves from stealing signals and creating unauthorized key fobs or remotes that can unlock a car. You'll probably have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to reprogram your fob and restore its function.

Some automakers provide their own instructions available for reprogramming key fobs yourself. In most cases, these processes are easy enough to be performed at home. This method is not recommended for those who do not have a lot of experience with electronics. It is best to leave this kind of work to experts.

Key fobs are subjected to wear and tear when they're used and handled frequently. The buttons of a fob could be pushed and the case may crack or break. Keep a spare fob with your person at all times. This will help you save time if your remote breaks down when you're out and about. Keep it near your bed at all times, so that you can press the panic button in case you hear noises during the night.