Skip to main content

Blog entry by Rosaria Tulk

14 Savvy Ways To Spend Left-Over Repair Car Key Budget

14 Savvy Ways To Spend Left-Over Repair Car Key Budget

How to Repair a Car Key Fob

You key fob is likely to be jostled often. This can cause the buttons to get stuck or break. If necessary, you can give it a good cleaning and replace the battery.

Most cars are powered by the coin-style battery available at big box stores as well as home improvement stores and pharmacies. However certain models require specialized programming equipment that is only available to dealers.

Dead Battery

The car key fob makes it easier to start your car and even get it into. What happens if you press the button a few times, but nothing happens? The most frequent reason for this is an unresponsive battery. The battery can be easily replaced. You can locate replacements at auto key repair near me parts stores, supermarkets, and some home improvement stores.

Some of the other features that are available on the key fob may not work. It could be due to an issue with the mechanical system or an electrical problem inside the vehicle or even a deprogramming error in the receiver of your car. In these instances you should definitely consult a professional.

Fortunately, a majority of manufacturers have a key slot that is mechanical inside the fob to be used in the event of an inoperative battery. In most cases the slot for keys is concealed behind a cover on the handle of the fob. You can insert the actual key into the slot to unlock your doors and then start your vehicle. Don't forget to put the key fob back into the slot once you've started the vehicle.

If you're fortunate enough to have a Ford vehicle that is equipped with SYNC Connect, there's another way you can start the car without the key fob. Most of the SYNC Connect equipped Ford vehicles come with an additional "E-blade" within the cupholder. This is a key that's mechanical that can be used to press the starter button, should your key fob fails to start the car. For the best use of this feature, make sure the battery is charged. You can also consult your owner's manual to find out how to use it.

If your car continues to have issues after replacing the battery in your key fob, you may need to contact a locksmith or your dealer to get the fob or battery repaired. In some instances the key repair service fob can be programmed to your vehicle by replacing the battery at the dealership or at selected Interstate All Battery Center locations. However, this can only be done in the event that the circuit board and antennas have not been damaged.

Damaged Buttons

The buttons on your car key fob are bound to endure a lot of wear and wear over the course of their lives. They're prone to drops and spend a lot of time being carried around in pockets and purses. The jolting could cause the internal components to become loose or damaged, leading to them not responding when you press them. A few simple steps can resolve this issue, however sometimes you may have to take your device to a professional locksmith.

The most frequent reason for a car keyfob to stop working is that the batteries are dead. These little coin-shaped batteries are relatively inexpensive and are easy to find them at hardware stores or big-box retailers. You can also find videos explaining how to replace the key fob battery on YouTube or in your owner's manual.

It is important to know that some keyfobs require specific steps to enter the appropriate programming mode to replace the batteries. In such cases you'll need to refer to the owner's manual as well as a reputable auto locksmith to ensure you're following the correct procedure.

If the battery is dead, putting your key fob at extreme temperatures could cause it to stop functioning. If this happens, you'll require contacting an automotive locksmith or dealer to request a replacement fob.

If you still can't press the buttons on your key fob, it could be due to the contacts being worn out. These contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electricity-conducting film, but they can start to wear out over time due to repeated use. You can fix this by taking the key fob apart and putting a piece of metallic tape over the worn out contacts.

It's important to remember that some key fobs can be extremely tricky to open and cannot be opened with confidence without the right tools that are only accessible at a dealer. If you attempt to open it with the screwdriver or any other tool, it's possible you could break the circuit board inside and incur an expensive repair bill than you would have required.

Circuit Board Issues

If your key fob remains capable of unlocking the doors of your car and even start your engine but it's not as well as it did previously, the problem may be with the circuit board. The circuit board is an electronic chip within the case. It sends signals to the car telling it that you want to lock the doors, open the trunk, or turn off the ignition. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob will not be able to send these signals.

You can fix a damaged circuit board by yourself If you have some technical expertise. Remove the battery, and then remove the rubber button assembly and the holder from the circuit board. Clean the contacts and plastic frame using rubbing alcohol and cotton swab. This should eliminate any corrosion that blocks the circuit board from transmitting signals.

Once you've reassembled your key fob, check whether it's in programming mode. Go through the owner's manual to find instructions. Most vehicle manufacturers also have videos online that will show how to accomplish this. If you're not confident enough to do it yourself, you can bring your key fob to a locksmith that specializes in your vehicle's model.

Some newer key fobs feature a built-in receiver that enables you to unlock your trunk and open the doors, as well as switch on the ignition and start your engine from some distance. These are generally more reliable and work across a greater range. If your newer key fob isn't working as well as it did previously, it could have an issue with the antenna or other internal issue.

If you're unable to get your key fob key repair near me (Suggested Resource site) to function The most likely cause is the battery is dead. It's cheap and simple to replace. If the circuit board or buttons of the fob are damaged, it will need to be professionally repaired and reprogrammed. Many dealerships provide this service but you can also locate a shop that is specialized in the brand of your car.

Forgotten Key

It's an absolute nightmare if you lose the car key fob. You can turn your house upside down by retracing your steps and searching all over. This is a case of searching in drawers, bags and under couches. Then, you'll discover it. But the best way to prevent losing your key fob is by taking preventative measures. If you're prone to forgetfulness or even a hint of ADD Make several copies and give these to your family and acquaintances so that you don't be sweating and cursing for four hours if you lose your key fob.

A lot of cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock doors, and in some instances, activate the alarm system or open the trunk. But a few of the more advanced models have even cooler features, such as the ability to call your car at the touch of a button. This feature isn't in every model however if you own one of the cars that can do it (Genesis GV60 and Hyundai Sonata are two examples) it's an awesome feature to have.

If you have a spare car key fob programmed for your vehicle, you can use it in the event you lose your original. You can also talk to an automotive locksmith and have them create a new key fob that's was programmed to your specific vehicle key repairs. However, before doing this consult with your dealer to determine if they are able to provide an alternative key fob at a cheaper cost.

cropped-KeyLab-1.pngIf you don't have an extra key alternative to start your car is to call an auto locksmith to replace the key fob you have or create a new one. Dealers are also able to do this however they'll need your vehicle to be towed as well as proof of ownership. But the good thing is that these services are inexpensive, especially compared to purchasing a new key from your dealer that can cost between $200 and $250.

  • Share

Reviews