Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs can be damaged and stop working after being jostled in pockets and purses. Replacing the small battery, which the majority of car fobs have in a snap-out case, can sometimes fix this problem.
However, a fresh replacement could not be able to revive your key fob if its internal switch contacts are worn out. There's an easy fix you can attempt at home:
Replace the Battery
It may be time to change the battery in your key fob if it isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than usual. The replacement of a key fob's battery is among those easy tasks that you can perform yourself. It's also a cheap solution that will help you avoid a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
You can buy the coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts, home improvement, or general retailer. The key fobs have slots for these batteries and it is easy to replace the battery. Depending on the manufacturer, you may require a screwdriver or another tool to open the cover of the battery compartment.
If your key fob has clips that keep the batteries in place, gently take them off them using your fingers or other non-metallic tools. Remove the battery that was in use and replace it with the new one, but be cautious to note the orientation so that you can install it correctly. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as this can reduce their life.
Close the case of the key fob and test the function by pressing the button. If the key fob does not work, you'll need to open it again and ensure that the battery is correctly inserted.
It's also possible that a simple replacement of the battery will not be enough to resolve the issue, like physical or electrical injury. In this case, you'll need to bring your key fob to an auto service or dealer center to be repaired. However, before you do so, there are four common issues that a replacement battery won't solve. You should be aware of these issues, to be able to get help from a trained technician if needed. car keys repair can also read how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob in order to determine the reason why it's not working.
Clean the Contacts
Cleaning your key fob is essential to its function and life. Over time, the natural oils of your fingers and pocket lint can build up on the crevices and buttons, and can even cause keys to stop working altogether. It's not difficult to fix all you need is some ruby alcohol and a cotton swab.
Then, open the key fob by taking the lid off using the help of a coin or screwdriver and gently prying out the battery. Note the type of battery (negative and positive sides) so you can reinstall it correctly.
After that, apply a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the battery's contacts and ensure that they are clean. After you're done, make sure to let the fob and its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't function after cleaning it, it may be an idea to reset the system. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the system. This could bring the key fob back to life if the problem was due to an unresponsive battery.
It is essential to keep the key fob in good condition after it has been cleaned and resynchronized. You can ensure that your key fob working well for many years by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.
Reset the System
Despite the fact that today's high-tech keys fobs are more capable, secure, and convenient than ever, it is possible that they encounter certain issues. Luckily, the majority times the issues aren't major or complex, and can be solved with simple solutions like replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or the issue isn't resolved using simple methods, a professional auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.
Making your car lock or unlock with the key fob is the principal purpose of the device but it also can be used to enable certain vehicle features. The key fob can be used to lower or raise the sunroof. This feature is beneficial if you need to open the roof while stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Key fobs are also useful for summoning your car even if it's in a shady location.
The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. It could be a sign of intermittent behavior or failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can occasionally interfere with the function of a keyfob. If your key fob has been contaminated with dust or has become wet, it must be cleaned before you use it again.
Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts might help fix a malfunctioning device but if the device continues to run erratically it may be necessary to do a factory reset. This can fix system-related issues and restore device performance.
If you're unsure how to reset your device then consult the device's owner's manual or the manufacturer's website. Certain devices require specialized tools to reset them, but you'll find instructions for your model.
Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to solve problems with your key fob. They can program and replace keyfobs for nearly all car models. They can also fix keys that have chips.