Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About Car Key Fob Repairs
Car Key Fob Repairs Like all electronic devices keys for cars can have issues with their function. Fortunately, the majority of these problems are fairly simple to fix. The majority of hardware stores and online provide the option to replace a flat battery in key fobs for as little as $10. Some repairs, however require the help of a professional shop or dealer. Dead Batteries The majority of key fobs run on batteries and the most frequent problem that causes them to stop working is the battery is dead. It's not difficult to fix this problem, especially when spare batteries are on hand. The majority of hardware and auto stores carry flat watch-style batteries, which are often cheaper than you'd think. You can also use a multi-tool to open your key fob and replace the battery from the inside however this is more difficult and may require professional help. Having an extra battery on hand is a great idea, but there are other things that can be wrong with your key fob that can't be fixed with a simple new battery. For example, if you find that you must be nearer to your vehicle to unlock it or start it with the key fob, this could mean that the fob has lost its connection to the receiver in your vehicle. You can fix this issue by resetting the key fob. However, you will need to consult your owner's manual for specific directions. Certain vehicles come with keys that can be used to start the engine and ignition without the traditional keys to the car. They are more complicated and are more expensive to replace in the event of being damaged or lost. You'll have to visit the dealership to have the fobs reprogrammed. This can cost you hundreds of pounds. You can often get this done by an independent shop who can work with your specific brand and model. It's also important to steer clear of the temptation of purchasing a cheap fob from an online retailer because these can be more expensive and less reliable than a fob made by a dealer. It is recommended to contact your local shops to see whether they can take on this kind of job, and make sure to get a quote before committing to anything. Some insurance companies also cover this expense however, it can increase when you have high-deductible insurance. Damaged Buttons Car key fobs take quite a beating. They bounce around in purses, pockets and are frequently dropped on hard surfaces. They also get wet to various degrees. The jolting could cause the buttons on a key fob to become unresponsive and may require replacement. Another common cause of key fob buttons not working is the batteries are depleted. Fob batteries are small, coin-shaped and easy to replace at home. The owner's guide for your car will provide details about the type of batteries you require and how to replace them. If you don't have the manual you can search online for guides for your specific vehicle. It's important to be careful when opening a key fob, however, as the circuitry and buttons are delicate. A screwdriver could damage the components and make the problem worse. If you're not sure how to open your key fob the best thing to do is go to an establishment that provides this service. They can take the case off and determine what kind of battery is inside (usually a flat watch style), and replace it with a brand new one. The climate and the space in which you store your fob will also affect the battery life. Storage in extreme temperatures or cold conditions can lead to premature battery death and result in the fob losing its connection to your car's receiver. The majority of remotes can reset, but this usually requires the help of a professional locksmith or a car dealer. If you've tried changing the batteries and the actuators on the buttons, and the key fob still not responding, it could be the time to bring your vehicle to Hillside Auto Repair for a checkup. A certified technician from Hillside Auto Repair will inspect the key fob to determine if it requires a simple replacement, or it needs to be reprogrammed. If it's the latter then you might have to come back in to purchase a dealer-made fob. Certain automakers don't allow other manufacturers to design fobs that are compatible with their vehicles. Unresponsive Buttons If your key fob is unresponsive The first thing to examine is the battery. These batteries are usually less than $10 and are available at hardware stores, big-box retailers, and online. YouTube videos and numerous owner's manuals provide instructions on how to replace the battery. Once this is done the buttons should function again. If the issue continues it could be an issue with the relay or another electrical component that interferes with communication between the vehicle's button and the button. If you still get an odd silence when you press the page, no, or arrow buttons, then you might need to speak with someone who can help troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists the issue persists, it's time to replace your key fob. These keychain-sized remotes usually include buttons that let you unlock doors or lock them, start the vehicle, and even sound an alarm. If you have a newer vehicle, these remotes can also be used to park your vehicle. If these handy devices fail they can cause major inconvenience and a significant loss of security. A lost or stolen key fob can cause problems to start your car, making you at risk of thieves and scammers. Some drivers might be enticed to purchase a cheaper replacement key fob online instead of visiting a dealer, but this is a costly and risky mistake. The reason is that not all aftermarket key fobs can be reprogrammed to the specific vehicle settings. Contact your automaker or local locksmith to determine the cost of replacing the lost key fob using a dealer made one. If you don't want to wait for repairmen, you can go to NAPA Auto Parts, which provides replacement fobs. They offer hundreds of different models. The replacement fobs are similar to the originals and can be reprogrammed at home with a cheap tool. This is a better option than programming an individual fob. It will only take a few moments and can be done in the convenience of your garage. Unresponsive Car The car key fob is a modern device that is convenient to get into your car and controlling functions like unlocking the doors and starting the engine. They function by sending an electronic signal with an unique radio frequency to a device in the car that can determine if the signal sent is the correct one. These devices aren't inexpensive, and they can be expensive when they malfunction. This can be particularly frustrating if you are on the road and you are unable to drive your vehicle due to this issue. Luckily, there are many ways to address this issue so that you can be back on the road quickly. The first step is to change the battery. These are usually flat-watch-style batteries that can easily be found at the hardware store or an auto parts stores. It is possible that you don't need any other items to fix the problem. If the problem continues to persist, it might be necessary to replace the key fob. Key fobs are a complicated piece of technology, and are not cheap to replace. Based on the type of key fob and the year of the vehicle replacing it can cost you hundreds of dollars. key repair could cost more in the event that you have to change the programming on it. Replacing a lost or stolen key fob can be accomplished at a variety of locations, from automotive locksmiths to the dealership. The dealership is typically the most expensive option. They may provide a more convenient alternative by visiting your home and programming the remote there. It can be a hassle and a nuisance when your key fob does not work. This can be an indicator of something more serious, but it can be a sign that you need a new battery or the button has become stuck or pressed. These simple solutions can be frustrating but will help you get back on your path in a reasonable amount of time. If you are having issues, you may want to go to an automotive locksmith for assistance with a replacement fob for your key. They can program your new key fob to be compatible with your vehicle.