Key Fob Repair Near Me Isn't As Difficult As You Think
Key Fob Repair Near Me Isn't As Difficult As You Think
Blog Article
Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob on your car is subject to a lot wear and tear. It's why it's essential to have a backup ready in the event that yours fails.
The most common problem is the battery being dead. There are other reasons for why your key fob may not be functioning. Some automakers allow you to change the battery on their own fobs. Instructions are usually on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Battery
One of the most common reasons for the key fob's slow response is that the battery has failed. If you find that you have to press the unlock button several times before your car is able to respond, or it's unable to lock as far away as it once could it's likely time to get a new battery. The good news is that unlike the battery in your car, it's pretty easy to replace the battery on your key fob yourself.
The first step is verify that the fob works, which means pressing the unlock button several times. If you're confident that it's not malfunctioning because it's not in range, there are a few things you can do to bring it back. First, make sure you have the fob. It is usually activated by putting it on your driver's side door handle If there's enough juice in the battery to trigger the door locks, even if you can't unlock it from 2 car lengths away.
The battery's type will be engraved on the key fob. It's usually a battery called a button cell. Brands such as Duracell or Energizer sell these. When you have the correct battery, you can remove the old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side is facing up. Join the fob halves and test the lock/unlock/start functions.
If you want to be sure you're safe, bring the fob to a repair store or your dealer to replace its battery. It's more expensive to have someone who is not you replace the battery than if it was done by you, however you won't cause damage to the circuit board if doing it yourself.
If you'd like to save cost, you can purchase a CR2032 battery at an hardware store or a big box retailer, and follow the directions in the owner's manual (which is probably accessible online as PDFs on the website of the manufacturer, or at least on YouTube) to change out the battery of your fob yourself. This is a simple procedure that will restore the remote function you've used on your Springfield excursions.
Damaged Buttons
While it may seem odd that the key fob in your car requires maintenance, they are. These issues are generally not major and can be solved by replacing the battery. However, there are other issues that may be noticed that could indicate that the key fob requires more attention.
If your key fob isn't turning on or the buttons don't function it could be due to a problem with the power button. Cell buttons can take a beating through everyday wear and tear. The internal components can be knocked loose or broken which can cause the button to fail. There are DIY kits to replace power buttons, however it isn't easy to work with such small and delicate parts. Attempting to replace the power button could be dangerous since there is a possibility of damaging the inside 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 fix the buttons in a matter of minutes and make them appear as nice as new.
If you don't want to employ an expert then you can purchase key fobs from the aftermarket for a small cost. They are exactly like the original key fob. Some automotive retailers and some dealerships will let you program them with your vehicle, while others do not. Genesky says he can program his fobs with most vehicles manufactured since the 1990s but he has to refuse customers who have newer Audi or BMW models since he doesn't have the necessary programming equipment.
Verify the warranty of your vehicle to determine whether it covers the cost of replacing a key fob, or at the very least some of the cost. This will allow you to decide if it's worth the expense of a fob repair, or simply getting a replacement altogether.
Circuitry Issues
Your key fob is used every throughout the day, so it is subjected to a lot abuse and stress. It is damaged when it is dropped, tossed around and exposed to cold or heat. This can cause damage to internal components, including the tiny electronic circuitry that sends signals to the car. Depending on how badly damaged the signals are, they may cease to function and prevent you from opening doors or even starting your car.
If you have tried replacing the battery but it doesn't work, there is the possibility that your fob must be reprogrammed according to the specific model and make of vehicle. This can be accomplished by a dealer, or a professional shop that has experience in your vehicle. It is a straightforward procedure that takes only a few 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. These can wear down over time or even snap completely. A replacement casing is a simple fix that will bring your device back to its original functionality.
Sometimes your key fob just needs to be reprogrammed for the current year, year of manufacture and model of your vehicle. This is a straightforward solution that you can do at your home or with an expert if you have an additional fob. The process is simple and requires only a few directions from your manufacturer's site or your local dealership's service center.
It is possible that your key fob needs to be replaced entirely, but this is often more expensive and may require a visit to the dealer or an independent shop that has expertise in your particular brand and model. If your key fob doesn't perform as it should replacing it is the most effective solution. You don't need to worry about getting stuck somewhere. The cost of replacements ranges between $50 and $150 depending on the model and make.
Replacement
While it's not ideal that the car key fob doesn't always work, it's important to be aware that the majority issues are relatively easy to fix and can be fixed. One of the most common issues is a dead fob battery, which can be replaced very easily and will get you back on the road as quickly as possible. To prevent this from happening again in the future, it's best to keep extra batteries on hand to replace them if needed.
It's relatively simple to replace the battery of a key fob however, it can be tricky if it is your first time. It is important to be aware of the type of battery that is required for your key fob before you buy the correct battery. It is common to find this information online however, it's beneficial to consult the repair broken car key manual of your car if you aren't sure. Once you've identified the type of battery your key fob needs and you are ready to go to a general retailer or home improvement center to purchase it. It is beneficial to keep a few of these batteries in your inventory, as they are usually very cheap. After you have received the new battery, take care to put it into your key fob in the correct orientation. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) indications are facing the same direction that they were facing with your previous battery. After you have installed the new battery, you can then connect your key fob together and test it to ensure that it works correctly.
If you are familiar with the procedure to replace the battery on a key fob is an easy task. If you're unable to determine what is wrong the fob or it does not work after changing the batteries, it might be time to consult an expert to replace it professionally. While it's recommended to try and repair your key fob prior to purchasing a replacement, in some cases this is not possible and it is more cost-effective to simply buy one at a dealership.