Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
When they are tossed around in purses and pockets key fob buttons may get damaged and stop registering presses with accuracy. Replacing the battery, which the majority of car fobs have in a snap-out case may fix the problem.
However, a new replacement could not be able to revive your key fob if the internal switch contacts are worn out. Fortunately, this is an easy fix that you can attempt at home:
Replace the Battery
If your key fob is feeling slow or takes longer than normal to unlock or lock your car, it may be time to replace the battery. Replacing a key fob's battery is among those easy tasks that you can perform yourself. It is also an inexpensive solution that will help you avoid a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
You can purchase the coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general store. The key fobs have slots for these batteries and it is simple to replace the battery. Based on the brand you will need make use of a screwdriver to open the compartment.
If your key fob is equipped with clips that keep the batteries in place, gently take them off them with your fingers or non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, taking care to place it in the correct way. Take note of the orientation when you remove the old one. It is essential to avoid touching the batteries' flat surfaces, since finger marks can reduce their life.
Once the new battery is installed and the key fob is closed, close its case and test it by pressing the button to ensure it works. If the key fob still does not work, you'll have to reopen it and ensure that the battery is properly inserted.
It's also possible that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to solve the problem, such as electrical damage or physical trauma. In this instance, you will have to take your key fob to a dealership or auto service center for repairs. Before key fob repairs do, there are four issues that replacing the battery won't solve. You should be aware of these issues so that you can get help from a trained technician if you need it. You should also read about how to repair a defective key fob transmitter to understand why it may not be working correctly.
Clean the Contacts
It is important to keep your key fobs clean to maintain their function and durability. Over time, natural oils from your hands and pockets can build up on the crevices and buttons and even cause keys to stop working completely. It's not difficult to fix, though - all you need is some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.
The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery out with the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Be sure to note the type of battery it is (negative and positive sides) to ensure that you re-insert it correctly when you are finished.
After that, make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the contacts of the battery and make sure they are clean. Once you are done, be sure to let the fob as well as its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't work even after cleaning, you might need to reset the system. Check the owner's manual for the instructions on how to do this and follow them. This could be able to bring the key fob back to life if the problem was simply an unresponsive battery.
After the key fob's been cleaned and resynched, it is a great idea to keep up with regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can be sure that your key fob will perform well for years to come.
Reset the System
Although today's modern key fobs have more features, are safer, and more convenient than ever before however, they may still experience some problems. Most of the time, these problems aren't major or complicated and can be solved with simple methods, such as changing the battery. If the issue is more severe or if the issue can't be solved 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 purpose of the device but it can also be used to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof by using the key fob. This feature can be very useful if you need to open the roof when stuck in traffic or when your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your car when it's located in a tight place.
The internal circuitry inside a key fob can malfunction due to defects in manufacturing or wear and 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 may sometimes affect the function of a keyfob. If your key fob is damp or contaminated by dust, it will need to be cleaned before being used again.
Replacing the battery of your key fob or cleaning the contacts might fix a malfunctioning device, but if it continues to run erratically, you may need to do a factory reset. This will help eliminate system bugs and restore the performance of the device.
If you're unsure how to reset your device, consult your device's owner's manual or the manufacturer's site. Some devices require a special tool to complete the reset but you should be able locate instructions that are applicable to your specific model.
Another option for resolving problems with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts can program and replace keyfobs for nearly all models of cars. They can also repair keys with chips.