Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs may become damaged and stop working after being tossed around in purses and pockets. Replacing the battery, which a majority of car fobs come with in a snap-out bag, can sometimes fix this problem.
If the contacts inside your key fob have damaged, a new replacement may not be sufficient to make it work again. This is a simple fix you can do at home.
Replace the battery
If your key fob is feeling sluggish or takes longer than normal to unlock or lock your car, it may be time to replace the battery. Replacing the battery of your key fob is one of those simple tasks that you can perform yourself. It's also a cost-effective fix that can save you the hassle of an expert locksmith or a dealership.
You can purchase the coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement general retailer. The key fobs usually have a slot to accept these batteries and opening the case for battery replacement is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer you will need make use of a screwdriver to open the compartment.
If car key repairs near me has clips that hold the batteries in place, remove them using your fingers or with non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to place it in the correct way. Take note of the orientation when removing the old one. It is essential to avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces, since finger marks can reduce their lifespan.
After the new battery has been installed and the key fob is closed, close its case and test it by pressing the button to make sure it works. If the key fob still doesn't function, you may need to open it again and verify that the battery is correctly inserted.
It's also possible that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to fix the issue, for instance physical or electrical trauma. In that situation, you'll need bring your key fob into an auto service or dealer center to repair. However, before doing this, you should be aware of four common problems that a replacement battery won't fix. You should be aware of these issues, to be able to seek assistance from a certified technician if you need it. You can also find out how to fix the defective transmitter of a key fob in order to discover the reason it's not working.
Clean the Contacts
It is important to keep your keys clean to ensure their function and durability. Over time, the natural oils of your fingers and pocket lint can accumulate on the keys' buttons and crevices, and can even cause keys to stop working altogether. All you need is rubbing alcohol, the cotton swab, and some alcohol rubbing.
Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery away with a coin or screwdriver. Be sure to note the type of battery it is (negative and positive sides) so that you can put it back in the correct way when you are finished.
After that then, apply a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and surrounding areas of the fob. Be particular about the battery contacts, making sure that they are clean of dirt or grease. Once you are done, you must let the fob as well as its components dry completely.
If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you may need to reset the system. Check the owner's manual for directions on how to do this, and follow them accordingly. This could bring the key fob back to life if the issue was simply the battery being dead.
It is essential to keep the key fob in good condition after it is cleaned and resynchronized. By regularly wiping it clean with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can be sure that your key fob will continue to function well for many the years to come.
Reset the System
Although today's modern key fobs have more features that are safer, more secure, and are more convenient than ever before but they are still susceptible to some issues. Fortunately, most of the time problems aren't severe or complex and are usually solved with simple solutions such as replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious, or if the issue cannot be resolved using simple methods, a professional auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.
Getting your car to lock or unlock with the key fob is the main purpose of the device, however, it can also be used to activate certain vehicle features. The key fob can be used to lower or raise the sunroof. This feature is useful when you have to open the roof while you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. The key fob can be used to summon your vehicle when it is parked in a tight location.
The internal circuitry inside the key fob may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. Symptoms may include erratic behavior or total failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes, moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can affect the operation of a key fob. If your key fob is wet or contaminated with dust, it will require cleaning prior to being used again.
If the device continues to behave erratically after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you might require the factory reset. This can fix system-related issues and improve the performance of your device.
If you're not sure how to do a factory reset on your device, refer to the official website of the manufacturer or your owner's manual. Some devices require a special tool to complete the reset, but you should be able find instructions that apply to your specific model.
Another option to resolve problems with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts can repair and program keyfobs for nearly all car models. They can also fix car keys with chips in the keys.