Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs can be damaged and stop working properly after being tossed around in purses and pockets. This issue can be resolved by replacing the battery that is usually found in the snap-out case that comes with most car fobs.
If the contacts on your key fob are worn, a new replacement might not be enough to bring it back to life. This is a simple fix you can perform at home.
Replace the Battery
It's possible to change the battery if your key fob isn't working properly or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than usual. It's good news that replacing a key fob battery is one of the easiest tasks you can tackle yourself. It is also an inexpensive fix that can save you a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
The majority of key fobs require the use of a coin-type battery (CR2032 or similar) which you can purchase at any general store or home improvement store or auto parts store. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept these batteries and opening the case to swap out batteries is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use an instrument such as a screwdriver to remove the cover from the battery compartment.
Some key fobs have clips that hold the battery in place; if so you can gently lift them up using your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Note its position when you take out the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries since this can reduce their life.
Close the case of the key fob and test the functionality by pressing the button. If it doesn't work it may be necessary to open the case again and make sure that the new battery is properly installed.
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 that scenario, you'll have to bring your key fob to an auto service or dealer center to repair. Before you do, there are four issues that the replacement battery can't fix. It is important to be aware of these issues so that you can get help from a trained technician when necessary. It is also important to learn how to fix a key fob's faulty transmitter to find out more about the reasons it may not be working properly.
Clean the Contacts
Keeping your key fob clean is crucial to its function and life. Over time, natural oils from your hands and pockets can build up on the crevices and buttons, and can even cause keys to stop working completely. All you require is rubbing alcohol, an swab of cotton and alcohol to rub it on.
Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery out with the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Make sure to note down the kind of battery it is (negative and positive sides) so that you can re-insert it correctly when you're done.
Then then, apply a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the battery's contacts, making sure they are free of any grease or dirt. After you have finished cleaning the fob, let it and all its components completely dry.
If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you might need to reset the system. Consult your owner’s manual to learn how to reset the system. This could bring the key fob back to life if the problem was due to the battery being dead.
After the key fob has been cleaned and resynthesized it is a great idea to ensure regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can be sure that your key fob will function well for many long time to come.
Reset the System
Despite the fact that today's modern-day key fobs are more capable, secure, and convenient than ever before, it's possible that they encounter some issues. Most of the time, these issues aren’t serious or complex and can be fixed by simple procedures, such as changing the battery. If the problem is more severe, or if the issue isn't resolved by simple solutions, a professional auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.
The ability to lock or unlock using the key fob is the main function of the device, but it also can be used to activate some vehicle features. One example is the ability to lower or raise a sunroof by using the key fob. This feature is very helpful when you are stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. The key fob can be used to call your car when it's parked in a tight spot.
The internal circuitry of a key fob can malfunction due to defects in manufacturing or wear and wear and tear. Symptoms may include 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 is contaminated with dust or has been wet, it needs to be cleaned before you use it again.
Replacing the key fob battery or cleaning the contacts could help fix a malfunctioning device however, if it persists to operate in a erratic manner, you may need to perform a factory reset. This will help eliminate system issues and restore operation of the device.
If repair broken car key unsure the best way to perform a reset, consult your device's owner's manual or manufacturer's website. Certain devices require a specific tool to perform the reset, however, you should be able to find the instructions for the model you're using.
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 nearly all car models. Additionally, they can also repair car keys that have chips inside the keys.