Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs can become damaged and stop working properly after being tossed around in purses and pockets. Replacing the battery, which a majority of car fobs are equipped with in a snap-out case may fix the issue.
If the contacts on your key fob are damaged, a replacement might not be enough to make it work again. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix you can attempt 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 vehicle than usual. Luckily, replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the easiest tasks you can tackle yourself. It's also a cheap fix that could save you the hassle of an expert locksmith or dealer.
You can buy a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general store. Key fobs come with a slot for these batteries, and it is easy to replace the battery. Depending on the brand, you may have to use a screwdriver to open the compartment.
Some key fobs have clips which hold the battery in place. If this is the case, gently lift these up with your fingers or a non-metallic device. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Be aware of its orientation when you remove the old one. It is essential to avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces, as finger marks can shorten their lifespan.
Close the case of the key fob and test the functionality by pressing the button. If the key fob still does not work, you'll have to open it again and make sure the battery is correctly inserted.
You may also find that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to fix the problem. car key repair service could be due to physical or electrical trauma. In this case you'll need to bring your key fob to a dealer or auto service center to make repairs. Before you do that, there are four problems that replacing the battery won't solve. You must be aware of these issues, so that you can get help from a trained technician if you need it. You should also read about how to fix a key fob's faulty transmitter to understand the reasons it may not be functioning properly.
Clean the Contacts
Maintaining your key fob's cleanliness is vital to its functionality and longevity. Over time, the natural oils on your fingers and pockets can build up in key fob's buttons and crevices. This can cause keys to not function. All you require is rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab and some rubbing alcool.
First, open up the key fob by popping the lid off using an instrument or coin and gently prying out the battery. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive side) to ensure you put it back in the correct way.
Then, wet a swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and begin cleaning away the dirt from all of the fob's buttons and the surrounding areas. Pay special attention to the battery's contacts, making sure they are free of grease or dirt. After you have finished your task, allow the fob and its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't work after cleaning it, it may be an ideal idea to reset the system. Consult your owner's manual for directions on how to do this and follow them. This could be able to bring the key fob back to life if the problem was simply an unresponsive battery.
After the key fob has been cleaned and resynched, it is a great idea to keep up with regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can ensure that your key fob will continue to work well for years to come.
Reset the System
Although today's modern key fobs are equipped with more features that are safer, more secure, and more convenient than ever before but they are still susceptible to some problems. Luckily, the majority of the time, these issues aren't serious or complicated and are often resolved with simple techniques like replacing the battery. If the issue is severe or isn't resolved with simple techniques, an auto repair shop will replace and change the key fob.
Getting your car to lock or unlock using the key fob is the primary purpose of the device, however, it can also be used to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof by using the key fob. This feature is extremely useful when you are stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. The key fob can be used to summon your vehicle when it is stuck in a parking place.
The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. It could be a sign of unpredictable behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can occasionally interfere with the function of the keyfob. If your key fob is dirty or wet, or is contaminated by dust, it's going to require cleaning prior to being used again.
If the device continues to behave unpredictably after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you could require the factory reset. This can fix system bugs and improve device performance.
If you're unsure of how to do the factory reset on your device, consult the website of the manufacturer of your device or the manual of your owner. Certain models require a specific tool to complete the reset however, you should be able find the instructions for the specific model you have.
Contacting a mobile locksmith for cars in Apache Junction is another option to resolve issues with your key fob. They can repair and program keyfobs to fit almost all models of cars. Additionally, they can also repair car keys with chips in the keys.