How to keyless entry repair Car Key Fobs

Key fobs can become damaged even if we use them frequently. In fact, they can be destroyed in a variety of ways.

While the most common issue is an unresponsive battery, other issues can be more grave. Fortunately, many of these can be fixed by a simple DIY fix at home.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is likely the most common reason a car key fob stops working. Fob batteries can deplete quickly, especially if they are exposed or humid temperatures or water. It's a good idea keep an extra battery in your wallet just in case.

The LED light will generally stop glowing when the battery in the car key fob is low. The fob may also stop working at the same distance it was previously working to. In this scenario the key fob could require reprogramming or replaced entirely.

Fortunately, replacing the car key fob battery is easy. Find out the type of battery that is used. The type of battery should be engraved on the back of the fob. If you are not sure, an easy Google search will help. Once you've identified the battery type and the key fob, you can open it at the seam. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to break the two halves. Then, remove the old battery and put an alternative one in its place. Insert the new battery so that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob.

Some drivers don't realize that their fob has died until they lock or unlock their car and the buttons no longer work. This can be fixed by reprogramming your fob. However, it can be costly and time-consuming. You can also contact roadside assistance to find out whether they are able to start your vehicle and get it back on the road.

If you have tried all three of these methods and your car still won't start, then it's time to contact an expert. A qualified technician will be able to determine if your vehicle's computer system requires reprogramming or if the fob requires an upgrade in battery. They can also suggest an auto shop to replace the fob that you use to access your car. Sometimes it is possible that a new fob might be the best option.

Circuit Board Damage

A key fob is able to withstand a lot of physical abuse and is not impervious to destruction. The battery, the circuit board and buttons will all experience their fair share of wear and tear over the course of time, so it's important to be aware and take care of them in order to keep your car key fob functioning efficiently.

The easiest thing to check is to ensure that the battery inside the key fob isn't dying. Replace the battery to determine if it resolves the issue. If not, you may have to remove the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. This can be a challenge since some key fobs don't have easy-release mechanisms that allow you to open them and you may end up damaging your key fob if try to pull it apart. You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, but you must always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it.

Another problem that is frequently encountered is a damaged or corrupted circuit board on the key fob. It can be caused by a number of things like dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment software, hardware issues or even an accidental firmware update. If your key fob isn't working, you may think about having it changed. This can be done by a locksmith who specializes in this work.

Radio interference is another possibility. It could happen when you have other wireless devices around that transmit at the same frequency, for example, radar detectors or home security systems. If this is the situation you need to contact the other device manufacturer to ensure that your key fob will not be affected by their signals.

It's also possible that your key fob may have an unreliable switch or electrical component that should be replaced. This is a more difficult fix, but you can find guides online that explain how to repair car key Fob to do it yourself. Be careful when doing this, however, because the circuit board in your key fob is very small and is prone to breaking if handled roughly. If you're doing this yourself, how to repair car key fob be sure to make use of an SMT switch that is of high-quality and then solder the switch into the correct position.

Worn Out Buttons

Car key fobs can suffer quite a bit of wear and tear. They are prone to getting dropped and spend a lot time being tossed around in your pocket or purse. Sometimes, this can cause the buttons to wear out or stuck. A simple adjustment can solve the problem.

The majority of modern key fobs have sensors on them that detect when they've been used. They're designed to detect this because they can help decrease the chance of theft by someone else of your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when pushed this is a sign that they're worn-out and need to be replaced.

Key fobs also have an electronic circuit inside that transmits signals to the car. Those signals include commands to unlock and lock, as well as instructions to start your engine. If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, your key fob might not allow you to unlock your car or start the engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, force blunt, or something scratching the circuit board.

If you have to press the buttons more than normal to make them function the fob's buttons are becoming worn out. Your fob could not be sending a signal to your vehicle or have a shorter range.

If you're not able to unlock your key fob, unlock or start your car, it's important to call a locksmith in your area immediately. They'll be able determine whether the key fob is damaged or if your ignition cylinder is worn out.

Fortunately, most key fobs for cars problems aren't complicated or serious. The best way to ensure you don't get surprised by an unresponsive key fob is to keep a spare in your possession at all times. You'll never be stranded because of an unresponsive or lost key. If you lose your spare key a professional locksmith can rekey it to work with your car's engine. They'll also be able to repair any internal damage that's occurred to the key fob.

Broken Case

The case of a key fob does more than just shield the batteries and buttons. It also houses the circuit board that is responsible for performing all the electrical magic when you press the button on your key fob. This board takes the signal from your key fob and sends it to your car.

Your key fob won't function if the board is damaged. Sometimes, a key fob that is dead may need to be reprogrammed, which is something that your local auto locksmith or the dealership can assist you with.

Batteries could be the cause the key fob's not working. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished at home by replacing the battery. The good thing is that you can find the replacement battery on the internet or at your local auto parts shop since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs.

Depending on the kind of key fob, there is a variety of ways to open it up and gain access to the inside. You can find out what type of battery your key fob has by conducting a quick online search. From there, you can buy an alternative and then simply pop the old one out and the new one in.

The main concern when you repair an old car key fob is that you don't want to cause damage to the circuit board or buttons any further. When you try to break the fob using an edge that is sharp like screwdrivers can break the case or crack the plastic. Fortunately, a replacement case is inexpensive and you can get the entire fob and the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40.

So, if your key fob isn't functioning, check to see if the batteries are dead or if the circuit board is damaged. If this isn't the case, you can have it repaired quickly and cheaply by a professional. If not, it could be time to invest in a replacement. Be sure to check the warranty of any fob replacement or used purchased online.