Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob on your car is subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. It's essential to have an extra key fob in case yours gets damaged.
The most common problem is an unresponsive or dead battery. There are other possible reasons why your key fob isn't working. Some automakers make it easy to change the battery in their own fobs, and instructions are usually available on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
A dead battery is among the most common causes for a keyfob to become slow. It's time to replace the battery if you are finding yourself pressing the unlock button several times before your car responds or when it's not locking as tightly as it used too. It's easy to replace the key fob's battery.
The first thing you should do is verify that the fob works, which means 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 help bring it back to life. Make sure 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.
Make sure you have the correct kind of battery, which will be embossed on the fob itself. It's typically a button cell that is sold by brands such as Duracell and Energizer. Once you have the right battery, you can remove the old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side is facing up. Join the fob halves and test the lock/unlock/start functions.
If you want to be sure you're extra safe take the fob to a repair shop or a car dealership to have them replace the battery. This is likely to cost a little more than if you had done it yourself but it's a good idea to get someone else to do it so you don't end up damaging the circuit board while you're trying to open the fob to replace the battery.
If you'd like to save money, you can buy a CR2032 battery from a hardware store or big box retailer, and then follow the steps in your owner's manual (which is probably available online as PDFs via the manufacturer's website or at a minimum on YouTube) to replace the battery on your fob by yourself. It's a very simple process and will restore all the functions of the remote that you rely on so often on your journeys around Springfield.
Buttons Damaged
Although it might seem odd that the key fob inside your car requires maintenance however, they are. These issues are generally not serious and can be solved by replacing the battery. Other issues may occur that could indicate that the keyfob needs more attention.
If your key fob isn't turning on or the buttons aren't working it could be due to a problem with the power button. Cell buttons can be damaged by everyday wear and tear, and internal components could break or knocked out. There are kits for DIY for replacing power buttons but working with these tiny and delicate parts can be challenging to say the least. It's also dangerous to try and replace the power button as you risk damaging the circuitry.
car key fob repairs for automotive use equipment for this kind of repair and are able to finish the repair while you are waiting. They can fix the buttons and get them looking as good as new in a matter of minutes.
If you don't wish to engage a professional then you can purchase aftermarket key fobs at a bargain price. They look exactly like your original key fob. Some dealers and retailers allow you to program them using your vehicle, but others don't. Genesky says he can program his fobs with most cars made since the '90s but he has to turn away customers with newer Audi or BMW models because he doesn't have the necessary programming equipment.
It's also important to verify the basic warranty of your vehicle and extended warranties as well as roadside assistance coverage to determine whether they cover the cost of replacing a key fob, or at least some of the charges. This will help you decide whether it's worth spending the money for repairs or a replacement key fob.
Circuitry Problems
You use your key fob every throughout the day, so it is exposed to a lot of stress and abuse. It is damaged when it is dropped, tossed around and exposed to cold or hot. This can cause damage to internal parts which include the tiny electronic circuitry which sends signals to the car. Based on how damaged these signals are they may cease to function and stop you from opening your doors or even starting your car.
If you've tried replacing the battery and it still doesn't work, there is a chance that your fob has to be reprogrammed according to your specific make and model of vehicle. This can be done by a dealer or a professional shop that has experience with your vehicle. This is a simple procedure that takes only 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 even break completely. A simple replacement of the casing will make your device functional again.
Sometimes the fob needs to be reprogrammed to reflect the current year model, model, and make of your vehicle. If you have a spare fob, this is a simple solution that can be accomplished at home or by an expert. The process is simple and requires only some instructions from the website of your manufacturer or the local dealership service center.
It's possible that your key fob has to be replaced completely however this is usually more expensive and requires visiting the dealer or an independent shop that has experience in your specific make and model. If your key fob does not perform as it should replacing it is the most effective solution. You don't have to worry about being stuck in a place. Replacements can cost anywhere between $50-$150 based on the model and make.
Replacement
While it's not ideal that your car key fob will not always work, it's important to be aware that the majority of issues are relatively easy to fix and are easily fixed. One of the most common problems is a dead fob battery that is easily replaced and will allow you to get back to driving as quickly as you can. It is recommended to keep spare batteries in your vehicle so that you can replace them when needed.
It's fairly easy to replace a key fob's battery however, it can be a bit tricky if it is your first time. Begin by determining what kind of battery your key fob is using and this will help you choose the right battery for it. The information is generally available online, however, you may also refer to your car's owner's manual when you are unsure. Once you know which kind of battery your key fob needs, you can head to a local retailer or home improvement center to purchase it. It is beneficial to have a variety of these batteries available since they're usually very cheap. Once you have the new battery, take care to place it in your key fob in the proper orientation. This will ensure that the (+) and (-) signposts are facing exactly the same way as they did when you used the old battery. After you have inserted the new battery, snap the key fob again and test it.
The replacement of a key fob's battery is a fairly simple task, and you'll be able to do it yourself if you are able to do it. If you're unable determine what is wrong with your device, or if it isn't working after changing the batteries, it could be time to call an expert to replace it professionally. It is always a good idea to repair your keyfob prior to purchasing an alternative. However, this might not be possible. In these cases it is more economical to buy one from a dealer.