Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob in your car gets a lot of wear and wear and tear. It's crucial to always have a spare key fob just in the event that yours fails.
The most common problem is the battery is dead or not functioning properly. There are other reasons for why your key fob may not be functioning. Some automakers make it easy to swap out the battery on their own fobs, and the instructions are usually available on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Battery
A dead battery is one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to become slow. If you find that you have to push the unlock button multiple times before your car responds or it can't lock from as far away as it used to it's likely time to get an upgrade to the battery. It's easy to replace your battery on the key fob.
The first thing you should do is to ensure that the fob works by pressing the unlock button a few times. If you're certain that it hasn't just stopped working due to being out of range it's possible to try a few things to help bring it back to life. Ensure you have your fob. If there is enough power in the battery, you can turn it on it by pressing it against the driver's door handle.
Next, make sure that you have the correct type of battery, which is embossed on the fob itself. It's usually a button manufactured by brands like Duracell and Energizer. When you have the correct battery, remove your old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side is facing upwards. Snap the fob halves back together and then test it to make sure the start, lock and unlock functions are working properly again.
If you would like to be extra secure, you can bring the fob to a watch repair shop or to your car dealership and ask them to replace the battery for you. This is likely to cost a little more than if you did it yourself but it's a good idea to get someone else to do it so that you don't damage the circuit board while you're trying to open the fob to change the battery.
You can save money by buying a CR2032 from a big box retailer or a hardware store. Then, follow the instructions on your owner's guide (which is available online in PDF format on the manufacturer's site, or on YouTube) to replace the battery on the fob. It's an easy procedure that will restore the handy remote function that you rely on so often on your journeys around Springfield.
Damaged Buttons
The key fob is a crucial part of our lives and while it may seem strange to think that your car key fob requires maintenance, the truth is that they do break down. car keys repair near me are generally not a major issue and can be resolved by replacing the battery. However, there are other issues that can occur that could suggest that the key fob is in need of more attention.
The power button may be the cause of your key fob not functioning or buttons not working. Cell buttons are subject to a lot of abuse from wear and tear. The internal components may be damaged or ripped loose and cause the button to fail. There are DIY kits to replace power buttons, but it isn't easy to work with such tiny and delicate components. It's also dangerous to attempt to replace the power button as you run the risk of damaging the circuitry.
Certain locksmiths for automotive use equipment for this kind of repair, and can complete the task while you're waiting. They can repair the buttons and have them looking like new in just a few minutes.
In the event that a professional isn't an option you can buy aftermarket key fobs that appear identical to your original key fob at less than half the cost. Some automotive retailers and some dealerships will let you have them programmed with your vehicle but others do not. Genesky claims he is able to program his fobs with most cars made since the '90s but he's forced to refuse customers who have newer Audi or BMW models since he doesn't have the necessary programming equipment.
Examine your car's warranty to determine if it covers the cost of replacing a key fob, or at a minimum a portion of the costs. This will allow you to decide whether it is worth the cost of a key fob repair or just getting a replacement altogether.
Issues with the Circuitry
Your key fob is subject to lots of abuse and stress when you use it, as it is thrown around, tossed, and exposed to cold and hot every day. This can damage internal components, including the tiny electronic circuit board within that sends signals to your car. Based on the extent of damage, these signals may cease to function properly and stop you from opening your doors or even starting your vehicle.
If you've tried replacing the battery but it's still not working the fob could require reprogramming for your particular model and make. This can be done by a dealer or a professional shop with experience with your vehicle. This is a very simple procedure that takes just a few moments to complete.
The casing of your fob could also be worn out and lose contact with 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 simple replacement of the casing will restore your fob's functionality.
Sometimes, your key fob only requires reprogramming with the current year model, make, and model of your vehicle. If you have a spare fob, this is an easy solution that can be carried out at home or by an expert. The process is easy and involves just a few directions from the website of your manufacturer or your local dealership's service center.
If your key fob isn't functioning properly, you might require replacing it. This is more expensive and will require an appointment with a dealer or independent shop who is familiar with your specific make and model. Replacement of a key fob is usually the best option in cases where it's not functioning properly and you do not want to be stuck in a remote location. Depending on the make and model, replacements could range in price from around $50 to $150 or more.
Replacement
Although it's unfortunate that your car's key fob does not always work, it is good to know that the majority of issues are relatively easy to fix and are easily fixed. One of the most frequent issues is a dead battery that is easily replaced and will allow you to get back on the road as soon as possible. It is a good plan to have spare batteries on hand to be able to replace them as needed.
The process of replacing a key fob battery is relatively simple, but it can be a little difficult to complete if it is your first time. Start by finding out which type of battery your key fob is using to ensure you purchase the correct battery for it. It is common to find this information on the internet however, it's useful to refer to your car's manual if you are unsure. You can buy the battery at an home improvement store or general retailer once you've decided the type of key fob your needs. It's a good idea to have a variety of these batteries in your inventory since they're usually extremely affordable. Once you have the new battery, be sure to place it in your key fob in the correct orientation. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) signs are facing the same direction as they were when you used your previous battery. After you have installed the new battery, snap the key fob together again and test it.
If you are familiar with the procedure to replace the battery on a key fob is a straightforward task. If you're unable identify the issue the 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 buying one replacement. However, this might not be feasible. In these instances, it is more cost-effective to buy one from an online retailer.