Repair Car Key: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Repair a Car Key Fob
Your key fob gets jostled around a lot, so its buttons can get stuck or broken. If necessary, you can give it a good cleaning and replace the battery.
Most cars are equipped with a coin-style battery that you can buy at pharmacies or big box stores as well as home improvement stores. However certain models require special programming equipment that dealers only have.
Dead Battery
The car key fob is a small and handy little device that makes entering your vehicle and launching it easier than ever. What happens if you push the button a couple of times and your car doesn't respond? The most frequent reason for this is an unresponsive battery. The battery can be replaced easily. You can locate replacements at auto parts stores, supermarkets and even some home improvement centers.
visit the website of the other features available through the key fob may not work. This could be because of a mechanical problem or an electrical problem inside the vehicle or even a malfunctioning deprogramming in the car's receiver. In these situations it is recommended to call an expert.
Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers include a mechanical key slot inside the fob for use in case of an inoperative battery. In the majority of cases, a cover is put on the handle of the fob in order to cover the key slot. The key's physical form can be placed into the slot which allows you to unlock your door and start your vehicle. Be sure to re-insert the key fob when you have started the vehicle!
If you own a Ford equipped with SYNC Connect, you are able to start the car with the key fob. The majority of SYNC Connect equipped Ford vehicles come with an additional "E-blade" within the cupholder. This key is used to push the starter button in the event that your key fob isn't able to start the vehicle. For the best use of this feature, you should make sure the battery is charged. You can also refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to use it.
If your car continues to have problems after changing the battery in your key fob, you may need to contact an authorized locksmith or dealer to have the battery or fob repaired. In some cases the new battery could be used to program the key fob in your vehicle at the dealership or choose Interstate All Battery Center stores. This will only work so long as the antennas and circuit board have not been damaged.
Damaged Buttons
In the course of its life your car key fob's buttons are likely to undergo a lot wear and wear and tear. They're susceptible to droppings and also are often being tossed around in purses and pockets. The jolting may cause internal components to become loose or damaged, leading to them not responding when you press them. A few simple steps can solve this issue, but sometimes you may need to take your fob to an expert locksmith.
In addition to a dead battery The most frequent reason a car key fob will not work is because it requires new batteries. These tiny coin-shaped batteries are fairly inexpensive, and it's not difficult to find them in hardware stores or large-box retailers. You can also find videos explaining how to replace the battery in your key fob on YouTube or in your owner's manual.
It's important to remember that certain keyfobs require an exact procedure to enter the appropriate programming mode for changing the batteries. In these instances you'll need to read the owner's manual or an auto locksmith to make sure that you follow the correct procedure.
If you leave your key fob in extreme cold or hot temperatures can also cause it to stop working, especially if the battery has died. If this happens, you will have to call an automotive locksmith or a dealer for a new fob.
If you are still unable to press the buttons on your key fob, it could be because the contacts are worn out. These contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electricity-conducting film, but they can start to wear out over time due to repeated use. You can try to fix this by disassembling the key fob and placing a piece of metallic tape over the worn out contacts.
It is important to know that some key fobs can be extremely difficult to open and can't be opened safely without specialized tools that are only accessible at a dealer. If you attempt to open yours with an instrument like a screwdriver or other it's likely that you'll break the circuit board inside, and incur an expensive repair bill than you would have required.
Circuit Board Issues
The circuit board could be the reason behind your key fob not functioning as well as it did to. The circuit board is an electronic chip in the case. It sends signals to the car telling it if you want to close the doors, lock the trunk or shut off the ignition. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob won't be able to send these signals.
Repairing damaged circuit boards by yourself with a little technical expertise. Remove the battery, and then separate the rubber button assembly and holder from the circuit board. Clean the plastic frame and contacts using rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This should remove any corrosion that has stopped the circuit board from transmitting signals.
Then, once you've reassembled the key fob, make sure it is able to enter programming mode. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions. Many vehicle manufacturers have online videos that explain how to do it. If you're not confident enough to complete it yourself, you can bring your key fob to a locksmith who is trained to work on the specific model of your vehicle.
Some modern key fobs have a built-in receiver that enables you to unlock your trunk and open the doors, and also turn on your ignition and start your engine from an extended distance. They are generally more reliable and operate with greater precision. If your key fob doesn't perform as well as it did previously it could be due to an internal issue that isn't working or an antenna that isn't functioning properly.
If you can't get your key fob working, the most likely culprit is an inoperative battery. It's cheap and easy to replace. If the circuit board or buttons on the fob are damaged, it's going to require professional repair and programmed again. This service is available through the majority of dealerships, but you can find a shop specializing in your car brand.
Forgotten Key
If you've lost your car key fob, it could be an absolute nightmare. It's possible to turn your house upside down and retrace your steps and searching everywhere including in drawers, bags or under couches, and even in your cat's bed. Then, you'll discover it. The best way to prevent losing your key fob is to taking precautions. If you're prone to forgetfulness or even a hint of ADD Create several copies and give these to your family and friends so that you won't be sweating and cursing for four hours if you lose your key fob.
Most cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your doors and sometimes, set off the alarm or open the trunk. Some of the more advanced models offer even cooler features, such as the ability to summon your car by pressing a button. This feature isn't included in every model however if you own one of the cars that do it (Genesis GV60 and Hyundai Sonata are two examples) it's an awesome feature to have.
If you have an extra car key fob, which has been programmed for your vehicle, you may make use of it in the event that you lose the original. You can also ask an automotive locksmith to make the key fob programmed to your vehicle. But before you do consult with your dealer to see if they're able to offer a replacement key fob at a lower cost.
If you don't have a spare, the only way to start your vehicle is to contact an auto locksmith who will either replace your existing key fob or cut an entirely new one. A dealer can also do this however you'll need to bring your vehicle in along with proof of ownership papers. But the good news is that these services are fairly affordable, especially when compared to getting a new replacement key from a dealership that can cost between $200 and $250.