Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs can become damaged and stop working properly after being jostled in pockets and purses. Replacing the small battery, which most car fobs come with in a snap-out bag, can sometimes fix this issue.
If the contacts on the key fob are worn, a new replacement may not be enough to make it work again. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix that you can try at home:
Replace the battery
It may be time to replace the battery in your key fob if it isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than usual. It's good news that replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the easiest tasks that you can do yourself. This is a simple fix that will save you money when you go to the dealership or locksmith.
You can purchase coins-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general retailer. The key fobs have slots for these batteries and it is simple to replace the battery. Depending on the brand you will need to use a screwdriver to open the compartment.
If your key fob has clips that hold the batteries in place, gently take them off them using your fingers or non-metallic tools. Remove the old battery and install an alternative one, and be careful to note its orientation so that you can install it correctly. It is important to avoid touching the batteries' flat surfaces, as finger marks can shorten their lifespan.
Close the case of the key fob and test its functionality by pressing the button. If it's still not working it may be necessary to reopen the fob and check whether the new battery has been inserted correctly.
It's also possible that a simple battery replacement will not be enough to resolve the issue, like electrical damage or physical trauma. In this scenario, you will have to take your key fob to a dealer or auto service center for repairs. Before you do, there are four issues a replacement battery cannot solve. It is important to be aware of the issues so that you're able to seek out an experienced technician should you need. You should also read about how to fix a key fob's faulty transmitter to understand the reasons it may not be working properly.
Clean the Contacts
Cleaning your key fob is crucial to its function and longevity. Over time, the natural oils of your fingers and pocket lint can accumulate on the keys' buttons and crevices, and can even cause the keys to stop functioning completely. All you require is rubbing alcohol, the cotton swab, and some alcohol rubbing.
First, you need to open the key fob by popping the lid off using a screwdriver or coin and gently prying out the battery. Note the nature of the battery (negative and positive side) to ensure you install it correctly.
Then, moisten a cotton small or swab with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start taking off the dirt from all the buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Pay particular attention to the battery contacts, ensuring that they are clean of grease or dirt. Once you are done, make sure to let the fob and its components dry completely.
If your fob doesn't work after cleaning it, it could be a good idea to reset the system. Refer to the owner's manual of your device for the instructions on how to do this and follow them accordingly. If the key fob is dead, this may be enough to bring it back to life.
After the key fob's been cleaned and resynched it is a great idea to keep up with regular maintenance. You can ensure that your key fob is 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 key fobs are more powerful and secure than ever before, it's possible for them to encounter some problems. Most of the time these issues aren’t serious or complex and can be fixed by simple solutions, like changing the battery. If the problem is serious or is not resolved with simple methods, an auto repair shop will replace and reset your key fob.
The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, but 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 with the key fob. This feature is useful when you have to open the roof while stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your car when it is parked in a tight location.
A key fob's internal circuitry and buttons could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs are erratic behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, or other sources of electromagnetic interference could interfere with the operation of a key fob. If your key fob has been contaminated with dust or has been wet, it needs to be cleaned prior to attempting to use it again.
If the device continues to behave in a strange manner after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you might need to perform a factory resetting. This can fix system-related issues and improve the performance of your device.
If you're unsure of how to perform a factory reset on your device, refer to the website of the manufacturer of your device or the manual of your owner. Some devices require a special tool to complete the reset however, you should be able find the instructions for the model you're using.
Contacting key repair near me for cars in Apache Junction is another option to solve problems with your key fob. These professionals are able to replace and program key fobs for nearly all makes of cars. Additionally, they can also repair car keys that have chips inside the keys.