Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob on your car is subject to a lot of wear and tear. It's essential to have an extra key fob in case yours gets damaged.
The most common issue is an unresponsive battery. There are other possible reasons for why your key fob may not be functioning. Some automakers allow you to replace the battery in their fobs, and instructions are usually on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Battery
A dead battery is among the most frequent causes for a keyfob to become slow. If you notice that you have to press the unlock button several times before your car responds, or it's unable to lock far away as it once could It's probably time to buy replacement batteries. The good news is that, unlike your car's battery it's pretty simple to replace a key fob battery yourself.
The first step is check whether the fob is actually working by pressing the unlock button several times. Once you're sure it isn't due to being out of range, you can try a few things to revive it. First, ensure that you have the fob. If there is enough power in the battery, you can turn it on it by pressing it against the driver's door handle.
Make sure you have the correct type of battery, which will be embossed on the fob itself. It's typically a battery known as button cells. Brands such as Duracell or Energizer sell buttons. Once you've got the correct battery, remove the old one and put in the new one with the positive side facing up. The fob halves should be snapped together and test the lock/unlock/start functions.
If you want to ensure your safety then you can take the fob along to a watch repair shop or to your car dealer and ask them to replace the battery for you. It's likely to cost a little more than if you had done it yourself, but it's a good idea to let someone else handle it so that you don't damage the circuit board while trying to open the fob to swap the battery.
If you'd rather save the money, you can buy a CR2032 battery at an online hardware store or big box retailer, and follow the steps in your owner's manual (which is likely to be available online as PDFs via the manufacturer's website, or at least on YouTube) to swap out the battery of your fob yourself. It's a very simple procedure and will restore the useful functions of the remote you use so often on your excursions around Springfield.
Damaged Buttons
Although it might seem odd that the key fob in your car needs maintenance however, they do. Most of the time, these issues aren't too serious and it can be as simple as replacing the battery. Other issues may occur that could indicate that the keyfob is in need of attention.
If your key fob isn't turning on or the buttons don't function there could be a problem with the power button. Cell buttons are subject to a lot of abuse through everyday wear and tear, and the internal components may be smashed or damaged causing the button to fail. There are kits that can be made to replace power buttons, however dealing with these tiny and delicate pieces can be challenging to say the least. It's also dangerous to attempt to replace the power button since you run the risk of damaging the circuitry.
Some locksmiths in the automotive industry have equipment for this type of repair, and they can finish the repair while you are waiting. They can repair the buttons and get them looking as good as new in a matter of minutes.
If you're not ready to hire an expert or even a professional, you can purchase key fobs from the aftermarket for a small cost. They're exactly like the original key fob. Some dealerships and automotive retailers allow you to program them using your vehicle, but others don't. Genesky claims he is able to program his fobs with most vehicles manufactured since the 1990s however he must turn away customers with newer Audi or BMW models because he doesn't have the required programming equipment.
It's also important to verify your vehicle's warranty basic extended warranties, roadside assistance coverage to see if they cover the cost of a replacement key fob or at least some of the costs. This will help you to decide if it's worth the expense of a fob repair or buying a new one.
Circuitry Issues
Your key fob is used every day, which means it is exposed to a lot of abuse and stress. It is knocked around, tossed and exposed to cold or heat. This can damage internal parts which include the tiny electronic circuitry that transmits signals to the car. Based on how damaged these signals are, they could stop working and stop you from opening your doors or starting your car.
If you've tried replacing the battery but it doesn't work the fob could require reprogramming specifically for your make and model. This can be done by a dealer or a professional repair shop with expertise in your vehicle. The procedure for this is typically very easy and takes just some minutes to complete.
Another possibility is that the fob casing may be worn out, which can 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 wear down over time, or break completely. A replacement casing is a simple solution that can bring your device back to its original functioning.
Sometimes, your key fob only 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 by an expert if you have an additional fob. The procedure is easy and involves only following some instructions from the manufacturer's website or your local dealership service center.
It is possible that your key fob requires to be replaced entirely however this is usually more expensive and may require an appointment with a dealer or an independent shop that has expertise in your particular brand and model. Replacing a key fob is generally the best option when it isn't working correctly and you don't want to risk getting stranded somewhere. Based on the manufacturer and model, replacements can vary in cost from $50 to $150 or more.
Replacement
While it is unfortunate that your car key fob does not always work, it's important to be aware that the majority of problems are quite simple and can be repaired. A dead battery in the fob is one of the most common issues. It is easily replaced and will get you back on the road in no time. It is recommended to have spare batteries on hand to be able to replace them if needed.
It's relatively simple to replace a key fob's battery however, it can be a bit difficult if this is the first time you've done it. Begin by determining the type of battery your key fob uses and this will help to choose the correct battery for it. The information is generally available online, but you can also consult the owner's manual of your vehicle if in doubt. You can buy the battery at a home improvement store or a general retailer once you've decided what type your key fob needs. It is a good thing to keep a few of these batteries in your inventory since they're usually inexpensive. Once you have the new battery, take care to put it into your key fob in the proper orientation. This will ensure the (+) and (-) signs are positioned in the same way they did when you used the old battery. After you've inserted the new battery, put the key fob again and test it.
Replacing the battery of a key fob is a relatively simple task, and you'll be able to do it yourself if you know how to do it. If you are unable to identify the issue with your fob, or it doesn't work after replacing the batteries, it may be time to contact an expert to replace it professionally. It is always a good idea to repair your keyfob prior to purchasing a replacement. However, car key repairs near me might not be feasible. In these cases it is more economical to purchase a replacement from an authorized dealer.