Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
When they are tossed around in pockets and purses keys fobs can get damaged and stop registering presses accurately. Replacing the small battery, which a majority of car fobs have in a snap-out case can fix this problem.
If the contacts on your key fob have worn, a new replacement may not be sufficient to make it work again. This is a simple fix you can perform at home.
Replace the battery
It's possible to replace the battery if your key fob is slow or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than usual. Replacing the battery of your key fob is among those easy tasks that you can perform yourself. It's also a cost-effective fix that can save you a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
You can purchase a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement general store. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept the batteries and opening the case for battery replacement is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use an instrument such as a screwdriver to open the cover for the compartment for batteries.
If your key fob is equipped with clips that keep the batteries in place, remove them using your fingers or other non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to place it in the correct way. Note its orientation when removing the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries as this could reduce their lifespan.
Close the case of the key fob and test its function by pressing the button. If the key fob isn't working, you might need to open it again and make sure the battery is inserted correctly.
It's also possible that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to solve the problem, such as physical or electrical trauma. In this case, you will be required to bring your key fob to a dealership or auto service center for repairs. Before you do that, there are four issues a replacement battery cannot solve. You should be aware of these issues to be able to seek assistance from a certified technician if you need it. It is also important to learn how to fix a key fob's faulty transmitter to learn more about the reasons why it might not be working properly.
Clean the Contacts
Keeping your key fob clean is vital to its functionality and lifespan. Over time the natural oils on your fingers and pocket dust can accumulate in the key fob buttons and crevices. This can lead to keys to stop working. All you need is rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab and some alcohol rubbing.
The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery out using a coin or screwdriver. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive side) so that you can put it back in the correct way.
Then you can apply a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Be sure to pay particular attention to the contacts of the battery and make sure they are clean. After you have finished, let the fob and all its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't work even after cleaning, you may need to reset the system. Check the owner's manual to find out how to reset the system. This could bring the key fob back to normal if the issue was simply due to a dead battery.
It is important to maintain the key fob regularly after it has been cleaned and resynchronized. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can be sure that your key fob will work well for the years to come.
Reset the System
Even though today's high tech key fobs have more features, are safer, and are more convenient than ever before however, they may still experience some problems. Most of the time these issues aren’t serious or complex and can be resolved with simple solutions, like changing the battery. If the issue is more serious or if the issue isn't resolved using simple methods, a professional auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.
Getting your car to lock or unlock with the key fob is the main purpose of the device, however, it can also be used to activate some car features. The key fob can be used to lower or lift a sunroof. This feature is very useful when you're stuck in traffic and require to open your roof. Similarly, the key fob can be used to summon your car when it's stuck in a parking place.
key fob repairs and buttons could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. Symptoms may include erratic behavior or total failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources may sometimes interfere with the proper function of the keyfob. If your key fob is dirty or has been wet, it needs to be cleaned before you use it again.
If the device continues to behave unpredictably after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you could require a factory resetting. This can fix system bugs and restore device performance.
If you're not sure how to perform a factory reset on your device, consult the official website of the manufacturer or the owner's manual. Certain devices require a specific tool to complete the reset, however, you should be able find instructions that apply to the specific model you have.
Contacting a mobile locksmith for cars in Apache Junction is another option to solve problems with your keyfob. These experts can replace and program keyfobs for almost all car models. They can also repair keys with chips.