Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob in your car gets many wear and tear. It's important to always have a spare key fob just in case yours gets damaged.
The most common issue is an unresponsive battery. There are many other reasons why your key fob isn't functioning. Some automakers make it easy to replace the battery on their own fobs. Instructions are often available on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
One of the most frequent reasons for the slow response of a key fob is that its battery has died. If you find that you have to press the unlock button multiple times before your car is able to respond, or it's not able to lock from as far away as it once could, it's probably time for replacement batteries. The good news is that, unlike your car's battery it's pretty simple to replace a key fob's battery yourself.
The first thing to do is verify whether the fob is actually working by pressing the unlock button several times. If you're certain that it hasn't just stopped working due to being out of range, you can try a few things to help bring it back to life. First, ensure that you have the fob. You can usually activate it by putting it on the handle of your driver's side door if there's enough power left in the battery to trigger the door locks even if you're unable to unlock it from 2 car lengths away.
The battery's type will be printed on the key fob. It's usually a button that is sold by brands such as Duracell and Energizer. Once you've got the correct battery, remove the old one and place in the new one with the positive side facing up. Join the fob halves and test the lock/unlock/start function.
If you want to ensure your safety, you can bring the fob along to a repair shop for watches or your local car dealership and ask them to replace the battery on your behalf. It will cost more to have someone who is not you replace the battery than if it were performed by you, but you won't cause damage to the circuit board if you attempt to do it yourself.
If you'd prefer to save money, you can buy a CR2032 battery at a hardware store or big box retailer, and follow the steps in the owner's manual (which is likely to be accessible online as PDFs on the manufacturer's site or at a minimum on YouTube) to swap out the battery on your fob by yourself. It's an easy procedure and will restore the functions of the remote that you rely on for your journeys around Springfield.
Damaged Buttons
The key fob is an essential part of our lives and while it may seem strange to think that your car key fob needs maintenance, the truth is that they do fail. Most of the time, these issues aren't too serious and it can be as easy as replacing the battery. However, there are other issues that may be noticed that could indicate that the key fob is in need of more attention.
If your key fob isn't turning on or the buttons don't work it could be due to a problem with the power button. Cell buttons can be damaged by everyday wear and tear, and the internal components could be damaged or knocked out. There are kits for DIY for replacing power buttons but working with these tiny and delicate components are not easy to say the least. Attempting to replace the power button can be dangerous since there is a real possibility of damaging the inside circuitry.
There are locksmiths in the automotive industry equipped with specialized equipment to deal with this kind of repair and they can typically complete the repair while you wait. They can repair the buttons in minutes and make them appear as good as new.
If hiring you don't have the luxury of a professional you can buy aftermarket key fobs that appear exactly like your original key fob at less than half the cost. Some automotive dealers and dealerships will allow you to program these with your vehicle, whereas others will not. Genesky can program his fobs to most vehicles manufactured after the 1990s, but they are not compatible with the most recent Audi or BMW models.
Verify the warranty of your vehicle to determine if it covers the cost of a replacement key fob, or at the very least a portion of the costs. This will aid you in deciding whether it's worth spending the money for repair or replacement key fob.
Circuitry Issues
Your key fob is used every day, which means it is subject to a lot of stress and abuse. It gets damaged when it is dropped, tossed around and exposed to cold or hot. This can damage internal components, including the tiny electronic circuit board inside which transmits signals to your car. Depending on the damage, these signals may stop working properly and could prevent you from opening your doors or starting your vehicle.
If you've tried to replace the battery and it still doesn't work, there is an opportunity that your fob has to be reprogrammed for the specific model and make of vehicle. This can be done either through a dealer, or a professional repair shop with experience in your vehicle. The process is typically very easy and takes just about a couple of minutes to complete.
Another possibility is that the fob casing may be worn out, which may 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 become worn down over time or snap completely. A simple replacement of the casing will make your device functional again.
Sometimes your key fob requires reprogramming to reflect the current year model, make, and model of your vehicle. This is a straightforward solution that you can accomplish at home or with a professional if you have an additional fob. The procedure is easy and involves just a few directions from the manufacturer's website or your local dealership service center.
If your key fob isn't functioning properly, you may need to replace it. This is more expensive and requires an appointment with an independent shop or dealer that is familiar with your particular brand and model. Replacing a key fob usually the best option in cases where it isn't working correctly and you do not want to risk being stuck in a remote location. Replacements can cost anything between $50 and $150 based on the model and brand.
Replacement
It's unfortunate that your fob's key does not always work. However it is possible to solve the majority of issues. A dead battery in the fob is one of the most frequent problems. It is easily replaced and will get you back on the road quickly. It is a good plan to keep spare batteries in your vehicle to be able to replace them if needed.
It's fairly easy to replace the battery of a key fob however, it can be a bit tricky if it is the first time you've done it. You must be aware of what kind of battery is required for your key fob before deciding to buy the right battery. This information is typically available online, however, you may also refer to the owner's manual for your vehicle if in doubt. Once you know which kind of battery your key fob needs then you can go to a store or home improvement center to purchase it. These types of batteries are generally very inexpensive, so it is a good idea to have plenty of them in your inventory. When you receive the new battery, ensure to insert it in your key fob correctly. This will ensure the (+) and (-) signposts are facing exactly the same way as they did when you used the old battery. After you have inserted the new battery, put the key fob together again and test it.
If repair car key know how to replace the battery of a key fob is an easy task. However, if you cannot find out what's wrong with your key fob or when it isn't working after replacing the battery, it could be time to call an expert for a replacement. It is always a good idea to fix your keyfob before purchasing one replacement. However, this might not be possible. In these situations, it is more cost-effective to purchase one from an authorized dealer.