Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob in your car gets lots of wear and tear. It's crucial to always have a spare key fob in case yours breaks down.
The most common problem is an unresponsive battery. However, there may be other causes for your key fob to stop working. Numerous automakers offer guidelines on how to replace the battery in the fobs.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
A dead battery is one of the most common causes for a keyfob to be slow. It's time to replace your battery if find yourself having to press the unlock button a few times before your car responds or the key fob isn't locking as far as it used to. The good news is that unlike your car's battery it's relatively simple to replace a key fob battery yourself.
The first thing to do is verify that the fob actually works by pressing the unlock button a few times. Once you're sure it hasn't just stopped working due to being out of range it's possible to try a few things to revive it. Make sure you have your fob. If there is enough power in the battery, you can turn it on it by pressing it against the driver's door handle.
The battery type will be embossed onto the key fob. It's usually a battery called a button cell. Brands like Duracell or Energizer sell buttons. When you have the correct battery, you can remove the old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side is facing up. The fob halves should be snapped back together and then test it to make sure the start, lock and unlock functions are working correctly.
If you want to make sure you're protected, bring the fob to a watch repair shop or your car dealership to have them replace its battery. This will probably cost you a little more than if doing it yourself, but it's best to get someone else to do it to ensure that you don't damage the circuit board while trying to open the fob to swap the battery.
You can save money by buying a CR2032 from a big box retailer or hardware store. Follow the directions on your owner's guide (which you can download online in PDF format on the manufacturer's website or on YouTube) to replace the battery in the fob. It's a simple process and will restore all the functions of the remote that you rely on so often on your journeys around Springfield.
Buttons Damaged
While it may seem odd that the key fob in your car requires maintenance however, they actually do. Often, these aren't serious and could be as easy as replacing the battery. However, there are other issues that can be noticed that could indicate that the key fob needs more attention.
The power button could be the reason for your key fob not functioning or buttons not working. Cell buttons are subject to a lot of abuse from wear and tear, and the internal components may be knocked loose or broken which can cause the button to fail. There are DIY kits to replace power buttons, however it can be difficult to work with such tiny and delicate parts. It's also risky to attempt to replace the power button because you run the risk of damaging the circuitry.
Some locksmiths in the automotive industry have equipment for this kind of repair, and can finish the repair while you are waiting. They can fix the buttons and get them looking like new in just a few minutes.
If you don't wish to engage a professional or even a professional, you can purchase aftermarket key fobs at a fractional price. They look exactly like the original key fob. Some dealerships and automotive retailers allow you to program these with your vehicle, whereas others won't. Genesky claims he is able to program his fobs to work with all cars made since the '90s but he's forced to deny customers with more recent Audi or BMW models since he doesn't have the necessary programming equipment.
Verify the warranty of your vehicle to see whether it covers the cost of a replacement key fob, or at a minimum part of the cost. This will aid you in deciding if it's worth paying for a repair or a replacement key fob.
Circuitry Problems
You use your key fob every day, which means it is subject to a lot of wear and tear. It gets knocked around, tossed and exposed to cold or hot. This can cause damage to internal components, particularly the tiny electronic circuit board inside that sends signals to your car. In the event of damage, these signals may stop working properly and could hinder you from opening your door or starting your vehicle.
If you've tried replacing the battery but it still doesn’t work, your fob may need to be reprogrammed specifically for your particular model and make. car keys repair can be done by a dealer or a professional shop with experience with your vehicle. The procedure for this is generally very simple and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Another possibility is that your fob casing is 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. The casings can wear down over time or even break completely. A simple replacement of the casing will restore your fob's functionality.
Sometimes, your key fob only needs to be reprogrammed with the current year model, model, and make of your vehicle. If you have a spare fob, this is a simple solution that can be done at home or by a professional. The procedure is easy and involves just some instructions from the website of your manufacturer or the local dealership service center.
It's possible that your key fob has to be replaced entirely However, this is typically more expensive and may require visiting the dealer or an independent shop with expertise in your particular brand and model. If your key fob doesn't function properly replacing it is the best solution. You don't have to worry about being stuck in a bind. The cost of replacements ranges between $50-$150, depending on the model and brand.
Replacement
While it is unfortunate that your car key fob doesn't always function, it's important to be aware that the majority of problems are quite simple and can be repaired. A dead battery for the fob is one of the most common issues. It is easily replaced and will get you back on the road in no time. To avoid this problem from occurring in the future, it is recommended to keep extra batteries on hand so that you can replace them as needed.
The procedure of replacing the battery of a key fob is quite simple, however it can be a little difficult if this is your first time doing it. Begin by determining what kind of battery your key fob takes to ensure you purchase the correct battery for it. This information is usually available online, however, you can also consult the owner's manual of your vehicle if in doubt. Once you know which kind of battery your key fob needs and you are ready to go to a local retailer or home improvement center to purchase it. It is a good thing to have several of these batteries available because they are typically very cheap. Once you have the new battery, make sure to insert it into your key fob in the correct orientation. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) signs are facing the same direction that they were facing with your old battery. After you have installed the new battery, snap the key fob back together and test it.
If you know the process, replacing the battery of a key fob is a simple task. However, if you cannot determine what's wrong with your key fob, or the device is not functioning after changing the battery, it might be time to contact an expert for a professional 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 is more cost-effective to simply buy one from a dealer.