Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs may be damaged and stop working after being jostled in pockets and purses. Replacing the small battery, which most car fobs are equipped with in a snap-out case may fix the issue.
If the contacts on the key fob are damaged, a new replacement might not be enough to bring it back to life. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can do at home:
Replace the battery
It may be time to replace the battery if your key fob isn't working properly or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than normal. Replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the easy tasks that you can perform yourself. It's a simple fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealership or a locksmith.
Most key fobs require the use of a coin-type battery (CR2032 or similar) which can be found at any general store or home improvement store or auto parts stores. The key fobs come with an opening for these batteries, and it is simple to replace the battery. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to use a screwdriver or other tool to open the cover of the compartment for batteries.
If your key fob has clips that keep the batteries in place, gently remove them using your fingers or non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, taking care to put it in the right place. Note its orientation when removing the old one. It is crucial to avoid touching the batteries' flat surfaces, since finger marks can reduce their life.
Close the case of the key fob and test the function by pressing the button. If it still doesn't work it may be necessary to reopen the fob and make sure that the new battery is inserted correctly.
You may also find that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to resolve the issue. This could be caused by physical trauma or electrical damage. In that scenario, you'll have to bring your key fob to an auto service or dealer center to be repaired. However, before you do this, you should be aware of four common issues that a battery replacement 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 can also learn how to fix the faulty transmitter of a key fob to discover the reason it's not working.
Clean the Contacts
It is important to keep your key fobs clean to ensure their functionality and longevity. Over time, the natural oils on your fingers and pockets can accumulate in the key fob's buttons and in the crevices. This can cause keys to stop working. All you need is rubbing alcohol an swab of cotton and alcohol rubbing.
First, open up the key fob by taking the lid off with a screwdriver or coin and gently removing the battery. Note the type of battery (negative and positive sides) so that you can reinstall it correctly.
Then, wet a swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start cleansing the dirt off all buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Make sure to pay special attention to the contacts of the battery and make sure they are clean. After you're done, make sure to let the fob and its components completely dry.
If your device isn't working even after cleaning, you might be required to reset your system. Check the owner's manual to learn how to reset the system. This could be able to bring the key fob back to life if the problem was due to an unresponsive battery.
Once the key fob has been cleaned and resynthesized, it is a great idea to maintain regular maintenance. You can ensure that your key fob functioning for many years by wiping it clean 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 before, it's possible that they have some issues. Fortunately, most of the time the issues aren't major or complex, and can be resolved with simple techniques such as replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or cannot be resolved by simple techniques such as auto repair shops, they will replace and reset your key fob.
The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise a sunroof using the key fob. This feature is beneficial if you need to open the roof while you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your car when it's stuck in a parking location.
The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs are erratic behavior or a complete 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 has become wet or contaminated with dust, it will need to be cleaned before being used again.
If car remote key repair continues to behave unpredictably after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you might require a factory resetting. This can fix system bugs and improve device performance.
If you are unsure of the best way to perform a reset make sure you consult the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website. Some devices require a special tool to complete the reset however, you should be able to find instructions that apply to your specific model.
Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to fix problems with your keyfob. They are able to replace and program key fobs for almost all makes of cars. They can also fix keys with chips.