The key fob in your car is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. That's why it's important to have a backup in the event that yours fails.
The most common problem is the battery is dead or not functioning properly. There are other possible reasons that your key fob is not working. Many automakers offer instructions on how to replace the battery on the fobs.
Dead Key Fob Battery
One of the most common reasons for a key fob's slow response is that its battery has died. It's time to replace your battery if you are finding yourself pressing the unlock button a few times before your car responds or when it's not locking as well as it used to. It's easy to replace the battery in the key fob.
The first thing you should do is to ensure that the fob actually works, which means pressing the unlock button a few times. If you're sure that it hasn't just stopped working because it's out of range there are some things you can do 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 door handle.
The battery's model will be engraved on the key fob. It's usually a button cell that is sold by brands such as Duracell and Energizer. Once you've found the correct battery, remove the old one and put the new one in place with the positive side facing upwards. The fob halves should be snapped back together and test it to ensure that the lock/unlock and start functions are working properly again.
If you want to be sure you're protected take the fob to a watch repair store or your car dealership to have them replace its battery. This will probably cost you a bit more than if you had done it yourself, but it's a good idea have someone else do it to ensure that you don't damage the circuit board when you're trying to open the fob to change the battery.
You can save money by buying a CR2032 from a big box retailer or hardware store. Then, follow the instructions in your owner's guide (which you can download online in PDF format on the manufacturer's site, or on YouTube) to change the battery on the fob. This is a simple process that will bring back the remote functionality you use during your Springfield excursions.
Buttons damaged
Although it might seem odd that the key fob in your car needs to be maintained, they actually do. Most of the time, these issues aren't too serious and can be as easy as replacing the battery. Other issues could occur that could indicate that the keyfob requires more attention.
If your key fob won't turn on or the buttons don't function it could be due to an issue with the power button. Cell buttons can be damaged from wear and tear, and internal components could be damaged or knocked out. There are DIY kits for replacing power buttons, but it isn't easy to work with such tiny and delicate parts. Making an attempt to replace the power button could be dangerous since there is a risk of damaging the interior circuitry.
Some automotive locksmiths have specialized equipment for this type of repair and are able to complete it while you are waiting. They can repair the buttons and get them looking like new in just a few minutes.
In the event that you don't have the luxury of a professional, you can purchase aftermarket key fobs that appear exactly like your original key fob for only a fraction of the cost. Some dealerships and automotive retailers will allow you to program them with your vehicle, but others will not. Genesky claims that he can program his fobs for most cars made since the '90s but he's forced to refuse customers who have newer Audi or BMW models since he doesn't have the required programming equipment.
Verify the warranty of your vehicle to see whether it covers the cost of a replacement key fob, or at a minimum some of the cost. This will help you decide whether it's worth the cost of repair or replacement key fob.
Issues with the Circuitry
The key fob you use for your keys takes lots of abuse and stress while you use it, since it is thrown around, tossed, and exposed to cold and heat every day. This can damage internal components, particularly the tiny electronic circuit board inside which transmits signals to your car. Depending on how damaged these signals are they may stop working and stop you from opening your doors or starting your car.
If you have tried replacing the battery, but it doesn't work, there's a chance that your fob needs to be reprogrammed for the specific model and make of vehicle. This can be done either by a dealer or a professional shop that has expertise in your vehicle. The process is generally very simple and only takes some minutes to complete.
The casing of your fob could also be worn out and lose contact with 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 break completely. A replacement casing is an easy solution that can restore your device to full functioning.
Sometimes the fob has to be changed with the current year model, make, and model of your vehicle. This is a simple solution that you can perform at home or with an expert if you have an extra fob. The procedure is easy and requires only the instructions on the manufacturer's website or your local dealership's service center.
If car key repair near me fob isn't functioning properly, you might need to replace it. This is more expensive and will require a trip to an independent or dealer that is familiar with your specific make and model. Replacing a key fob is generally the best option when it's not functioning properly and you do not want to risk being stuck in a remote location. Replacements can cost anything from $50 to $150 depending on the model and brand.
Replacement
While it's not ideal that the car key fob will not always work, it is important to be aware that the majority of problems are quite easy to fix and can be fixed. One of the most frequent issues is a dead battery, which can be replaced very easily and will help you get back on the road as quickly as you can. To avoid this problem from occurring in the future, it is best to keep extra batteries in your vehicle to replace them as needed.
It's relatively simple to replace a key fob's battery however it can be difficult if it's the first time you've done it. It is important to be aware of the type of battery that is required for your key fob before deciding to purchase the right battery. This information is usually available online, but you may also refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle for clarification. Once you know which kind of battery your key fob needs then you can go to a general store or home improvement center to purchase it. It is a good thing to have a variety of these batteries available since they're usually very cheap. Once you have the new battery, take care to insert it into your key fob in the proper orientation. This will ensure the (+) and (-) signposts are facing the same way they did on your previous battery. Once you have inserted the new battery, you can then snap your key fob back together and test it to ensure that it functions correctly.
If you are familiar with the procedure, replacing the battery on a key fob is an easy task. If you're unable to find out what's wrong with your fob, or it doesn't work after replacing the batteries, it may be time to consult an expert to replace it professionally. While it's always an excellent idea to try and repair your key fob prior to purchasing a replacement, there are times when it isn't possible and it is more cost-effective to simply buy one at a dealership.
