7 Small Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your Repair Car Key
How to Repair a Car Key Fob
You key fob will likely be jostled a lot. This can cause the buttons to get stuck or break. If it is necessary, give it a thorough cleaning and replace the battery.
Most cars use batteries that are coin-style that you can buy at big box stores or home improvement stores as well as pharmacies. Certain models require programming equipment that is only available to dealers.
Dead Battery
The car key fob makes it easier to start your car and then get it started. But what happens when you push the button couple of times and your car doesn't respond? The most frequent reason for this is a dead battery. Fortunately, the battery is easy to replace. You can purchase replacements at auto parts stores and supermarkets and also at some home improvement stores.
A few of the other features available through the key fob may not function. This could be due to an issue with the mechanical system, an electrical problem or even a deprogramming mistake in your car's receiver. In these situations, you should probably consult a professional.
Fortunately, a majority of manufacturers have a key slot that is mechanical inside the fob, which can be used in the event of a dead battery. In most instances, a cover is attached to the handle of the fob to conceal the key slot. You can insert the physical key into the slot to unlock your doors and start your vehicle. Be my latest blog post to re-insert the key fob after you start the vehicle!
If you're lucky enough to have a Ford car that has SYNC Connect, there's a method of starting the car without using the key fob. The majority of SYNC Connect equipped Ford vehicles have a backup "E-blade" in the cupholder. This mechanical key can be used to press the starter button in the event that your key fob fails to start the vehicle. To get the most out of this feature, ensure that your car's battery is fully charged and that you review the owner's manual in order to find out what the procedure.
If your car still has problems after changing the battery in your key fob, you might need to call an expert locksmith or your dealer to get the fob or battery repaired. In some instances, a new battery can be used to program the key fob with your vehicle at the dealership or choose Interstate All Battery Center stores. But this will only work when the circuit board and antennas have not been damaged.
Damaged Buttons
Through the course of time, your car key fob's buttons are likely to be subjected to many wear and tear. They are susceptible to being dropped and are often sat in purses and pockets. The jolting could cause internal components to become loose or damaged, leading to them not responding when you press them. A few simple steps can often solve this issue, but occasionally, you might have to take your device to a professional locksmith.
Apart from auto key repair , the most common reason a car key fob will not work is because it needs new batteries. These tiny coin-shaped batteries can be found at most hardware stores and large-box retailers. They aren't expensive. You can also find videos that explain how to replace the battery in your key fob on YouTube or in your owner's manual.
It's also important to be aware that some key fobs require a particular procedure to enter the programming mode necessary for changing the battery. In these cases you'll have to consult your owner's manual and/or an auto locksmith that is reputable to make sure you're following the correct procedure.
If you leave your key fob in extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause it to stop functioning in particular in the event that the battery has gone out. In this case you'll need to contact an automotive locksmith or your dealer to get the replacement fob.
If your key fob's buttons still don't respond it could be because the contacts inside 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 fix this problem by taking apart the key fob and putting a piece metallic tape over the worn-out contacts.
It is important to know that certain key fobs are difficult to open and can't be opened safely without specialized equipment that is only available at a dealership. If you attempt to open yours using an instrument like a screwdriver or other it's likely that you'll break the circuit board inside, and incur a more expensive repair bill than you might have otherwise required.
Circuit Board Issues
If your key fob remains able to unlock the doors of your car and start your engine, but it's not working as far as it did in the past, the problem may be with the circuit board. The circuit board is an electronic chip that's within the case. It transmits signals to the car that tell it if you want to lock the doors, open the trunk, or turn off the ignition. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob will not be able to transmit these signals.
If you have the technical know-how you can repair a damaged circuitboard yourself. Take the battery off, then remove 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 eliminate any corrosion that blocks the circuit board from transmitting signals.
Then, once you've reassembled the key fob, make sure it can enter its programming mode. Go through the owner's manual to find instructions. The majority of car manufacturers have videos online that will show how to accomplish this. If you're not confident enough to complete it yourself, send your key fob to a locksmith who specializes in your vehicle's model.
Some newer key fobs feature an integrated receiver that lets you to unlock your trunk and open the doors, as well as switch on your ignition and start the engine from an extended distance. They're generally more reliable and work over a wider range. If your key fob doesn't perform as well as it did previously, it may have an internal problem that's not working properly or an external antenna that is not working properly.
The most likely cause for a key fob not working is an insufficient or dead battery. It's inexpensive and easy to replace. However, if the fob's buttons or circuit board has been damaged, you'll have to get it repaired professionally and reprogrammed. This service is available through most dealerships, but you can find a shop specializing in your car brand.
Forgotten Key
It's a nightmare when you lose your car key fob. You could turn your home upside down, retracing your steps, and looking everywhere, including in drawers, bags, under couches, and even in your cat's bed. Then, you'll discover it. But the best way to avoid losing your key fob is by taking preventative measures. If you're susceptible to forgetfulness or have a slight touch of ADD, make 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 let you lock and unlock your doors. You can also, in some cases set off an alarm or open the trunk. However, some of the more sophisticated models have even cooler features, like the ability to summon your car at the touch of one button. This feature isn't available on all models, but if your car is one of the ones that can do it - like the Genesis GV60 or Hyundai Sonata for instance - then you're in luck.
The good thing is that if you have a spare key fob programmed to your car then you can use it to start your vehicle in the event that you lose the original. You can also talk to an automotive locksmith and have them create an entirely new key fob that has was programmed to your specific vehicle. But before you do consult with your dealer to see if they can offer the replacement key fob for you at a lower price.
If you don't have a spare key the only method to get your car started is to call an auto locksmith to come out and cut a new key or replace the current key fob with a blank. A dealer can also do this however, you'll need bring your vehicle in and some documents to prove ownership. These services are fairly inexpensive particularly when compared to the cost of a replacement key at your dealership.