Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob of your car will experience many wear and tear. It's essential to have a spare key fob in case yours breaks down.
The most common issue is an unresponsive or dead battery. There are other possible reasons that your key fob may not be functioning. Many automakers offer instructions on how to replace the battery on the fobs.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
One of the main reasons for a key fob's slow response is that its battery has died. It's time to replace your battery if find yourself having to press the unlock button multiple times before your car responds or when it's not locking as far as it used to. It's simple to replace the key fob's battery.
Press the unlock button a few times to make sure the fob is functioning. Once you're sure it isn't due to being out of range it's possible to try a few things to revive it. First, make sure you have the fob with you. If there is enough power in the battery, you can activate it by pressing it against the door handle.
The battery's type will be engraved on the key fob. It's usually a button cell, sold by brands like Duracell and Energizer. Once you have the correct battery, take out your old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side is facing up. Snap the fob halves together and test the lock/unlock/start functions.
If you would like to be extra secure and secure, take the fob to a repair shop for watches or to your car dealer and ask them to change the battery for you. It's likely to cost a little more than if you had done it yourself but it's best to let someone else handle it to ensure that you don't damage the circuit board while trying to open the key fob to replace the battery.
If you'd like to save money, you can buy a CR2032 battery from a hardware store or big box retailer, and then follow the steps in your owner's guide (which is likely to be accessible online as PDFs on the website of the manufacturer or at a minimum on YouTube) to change out the battery of your fob yourself. It's a very simple process and will restore all the functions of the remote that you rely on for your journeys around Springfield.
Damaged Buttons
While it may seem strange that the key fob in your car needs maintenance however, they are. These problems are usually not major and can be resolved by replacing the battery. However there are other problems that could occur which might indicate that the key fob requires more attention.
The power button could be the cause of 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 could be damaged or ripped loose causing the button to fail. There are DIY kits to replace power buttons, but it can be difficult to work with such tiny and delicate components. It's also risky to try and replace the power button because you risk damaging the circuitry.
Some locksmiths in the automotive industry have equipment for this type of repair, and can complete the task while you're waiting. They can repair the buttons in minutes and make them look as good as new.
If you're not ready to engage a professional, you can buy key fobs from the aftermarket at a bargain price. They look exactly like the original key fob. Some dealerships and automotive retailers allow you to program these with your vehicle, but others don't. Genesky claims that he can program his fobs to work with all cars made since the '90s but he's forced to refuse customers who have newer Audi or BMW models because he doesn't have the equipment needed to program them.
Check your vehicle's warranty to determine if it covers the cost of a replacement key fob, or at least some of the cost. This will determine whether it's worth spending the money for a repair or a replacement key fob.
Problems with the Circuitry
Your key fob experiences many abuses and stress when you use it, as it is dropped, tossed and exposed to cold and heat on a regular basis. This can cause damage to internal components which include the tiny electronic circuitry that transmits signals to the car. Depending on the damage, these signals could not function properly and hinder you from opening your doors or even starting your vehicle.
If you've tried replacing the battery, but it doesn't work, there's the possibility that your fob needs to be reprogrammed for your specific make and model of vehicle. This can be done either by a dealer, or a professional shop with experience in your vehicle. The procedure for this is usually very simple and takes only about a couple of minutes to complete.
The casing of your fob may also wear 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. They can wear away over time or snap off completely. A simple replacement casing can restore your fob's functionality.
Sometimes your key fob needs to be reprogrammed to reflect the current year, model, and make of your vehicle. This is a straightforward solution that you can accomplish at home or by an expert if you own an additional fob. The process is easy and involves just some instructions from the website of your manufacturer or your local dealership's service center.
It's key repair possible that your key fob requires to be replaced completely, but this is often more expensive and can require visiting the dealer or an independent shop with experience in your specific make and model. Replacing a key fob is typically the best option if it isn't working properly and you do not want to risk being stuck in a remote location. Replacements can cost anywhere between $50 and $150, depending on the type of model and make.
Replacement
It is unfortunate that your key fob does not always work. However it is possible to fix the majority of problems. One of the most frequent issues is a dead battery that is easily replaced and will help you get back to driving as quickly as you can. It is a good idea to keep spare batteries in your vehicle so that you can easily replace them as needed.
The process of replacing the battery in a key fob is fairly easy, though it can be tricky to do if this is your first time. Start by finding out which kind of battery your key fob is using and this will help you choose the right battery for it. This information is usually available online, but you should also check the owner's manual for your vehicle when you are unsure. Once you've determined the type of battery your key fob requires, you can head to a local retailer or home improvement center to purchase it. These kinds of batteries are usually cheap, and it is recommended to keep many on hand. When you receive the new battery, make sure to place it into your key fob correctly. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) indications are facing in the same direction as they were with your old battery. After you have inserted the new battery, put the key fob again and test it.
Replacing the battery of a key fob is an easy task, and you can do it yourself when you know how to do so. If you're unable find out what's wrong the fob or if it isn't working after replacing the batteries, it could be time to call 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, in some cases it isn't possible and it is cheaper to purchase one from a dealership.