Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs may be damaged and stop working properly after being jostled in pockets and purses. This issue can be addressed by replacing the small battery that is typically found in the snap-out cases of most car fobs.
If the contacts inside the key fob are damaged, a replacement might not be enough to bring it back to life. This is a simple fix that you can perform at home.
Replace the Battery
It could be time to replace the battery if your key fob isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than it does on a regular. Luckily, replacing a key fob's battery is one of the easiest tasks that you can do yourself. This is a straightforward fix that will save you money on a trip to the dealership or locksmith.
The majority of key fobs require batteries that look like coins (CR2032 or similar) which can be found at any general store or home improvement center or auto parts stores. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept the batteries and opening the case to swap out batteries is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use a screwdriver or another tool to open the cover of the compartment for batteries.
Certain key fobs have clips which hold the battery in place; If this is the case you can gently lift them up using your fingers or a non-metallic device. Remove the old battery and install a new one, being mindful of its orientation to ensure that you install it correctly. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as this could reduce their lifespan.
Once the new battery is installed then close the key fob's case and test it by pushing the button to confirm it works. If the key fob isn't working, you might need to open it again and ensure that the battery is properly inserted.
You may also find that replacing the battery isn't enough to fix the problem. This could be caused by physical or electrical trauma. In this case you'll be required to take your key fob to a dealership or auto service center for repairs. Before you do, there are four issues the replacement battery can't fix. It is important to be aware of these issues so that you can get help from a trained technician when necessary. It is also important to learn how to repair a key fob's defective transmitter to find out more about the reasons why it might not be working properly.
Clean the Contacts
Cleaning your key fob is crucial to its function and lifespan. Over time, the natural oils of your hands and pockets can accumulate on the crevices and buttons and may cause keys to cease working altogether. All you need is rubbing alcohol a cotton swab and some alcohol to rub it on.
Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery out using a coin or screwdriver. Make sure you note the type of battery it's (negative and positive sides) to ensure that you put it back in the correct way when you're done.
Then then, use a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the battery contacts, making sure they are free of dirt or grease. After you're done, you must let the fob as well as its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't work even after cleaning, you might want to reset the system. Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to do this, and follow them. If the key fob was dead, this might be enough to bring it back to life.
After the key fob's been cleaned and resynced, it is a great idea to maintain regular maintenance. You can ensure that your key fob is in good working order for a long time by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.
Reset the System
Although today's modern key fobs are equipped with more features that are safer, more secure, and are more convenient than ever, they can still encounter some issues. Most of the time these issues aren't too serious or difficult and can be fixed by simple methods, such as changing the battery. If the problem is serious or isn't resolved with simple methods, an auto repair shop will replace and change the key fob.
The primary function of the device is to lock or unlock your car, but you can also use it to activate certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof using the key fob. This feature is extremely useful when you're stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. In the same way, the key fob can be used to call your car when it's parked in a tight spot.
The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs could include erratic behavior or total failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can sometimes affect the function of the keyfob. If your key fob has been dirty or has become wet, it must be cleaned before you use it again.
Replacing the battery of your key fob or cleaning the contacts could fix a malfunctioning device, but if the device continues to run erratically you might need to perform a factory reset. This will eliminate bugs in the system and restore the performance of the device.
If you're not sure how to reset your device then consult the device's owner's manual or the manufacturer's website. Certain devices require specialized tools to reset them, however you'll need to find the correct instructions specific to your model.
Another option for resolving issues with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. They are able to replace and program key fobs for nearly all makes of cars. car key repairs near me can also repair keys with chips.