Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob of your car will experience many wear and tear. That's why it's important to have a backup in the event that yours ceases to function.
The most common issue is a dead or low battery. However, there may be other reasons for your key fob not working. Certain automakers make it simple to change the battery on their own fobs, and instructions are usually available on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
A dead battery is among the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to be slow. If you notice that you have to press the unlock button several times before your car responds, or it's not able to lock from as far away as it used to, it's probably time for an upgrade to the battery. The good news is that unlike the battery in your car, it's pretty simple to replace a key fob battery yourself.
Press the unlock button a few times to verify that the fob is working. Once you're certain it's not just stopped working because it's out of range, there are a few things you could do to get it back. First, ensure you have the fob with you. It can be activated by pressing it against the door handle on your driver's side in the event that there's enough power in the battery to activate the door locks even if you're unable to unlock it from two car lengths away.
The battery's type will be printed on the key fob. It's typically a type of battery known as button cells. Brands like Duracell or Energizer sell them. When you have the correct battery, remove your old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side is facing up. Snap the fob halves together and test the lock/unlock/start functions.
If you want to be extra safe and secure, take the fob to a repair shop for watches or your local car dealership and ask them to replace its battery for you. This will probably cost a little more than if doing it yourself but it's best to get someone else to do it so that you don't accidentally damage the circuit board while trying to open the fob to change the battery.
If you'd prefer to save money, you can buy a CR2032 battery at a hardware store or big box retailer, and follow the directions in your owner's manual (which is likely available online as PDFs on the website of the manufacturer, or at least on YouTube) to replace the fob's battery yourself. This is a simple procedure that will restore the remote function you've used for your Springfield excursions.
Damaged Buttons
The key fob is an essential part of our lives and while it may seem strange to think that your car key fob requires maintenance, the reality is that they do wear out. Most of the time, these aren't major and can be as easy as replacing the battery. However there are other issues that can occur that could suggest that the key fob requires more attention.
If your key fob isn't turning on or the buttons aren't working it could be due to a problem with the power button. Cell buttons can take a beating from wear and tear. The internal components can be knocked loose or broken causing the button to fail. There are DIY kits for replacing power buttons, however it isn't easy to work with these small and delicate components. It is also dangerous to try and replace the power button as you risk damaging the circuitry.
Some automotive locksmiths have specialized equipment for this kind of repair, and they can complete it while you are waiting. They can fix the buttons and have them looking as good as new in a matter of minutes.
If you don't have the luxury of a professional You can buy aftermarket key fobs that look exactly like your original key fob at only a fraction of the cost. Some automotive dealers and dealerships allow you to program them with your vehicle, but others won't. Genesky claims that he can program his fobs with most automobiles manufactured prior to the '90s but he has to deny customers with more recent Audi or BMW models because he doesn't have the required programming equipment.
It's also important to verify the basic warranty of your vehicle, extended warranties or roadside assistance to determine whether they cover the cost of replacing a key fob or at the very least some of the charges. This will aid you in deciding whether it's worth the cost of repairs or a replacement key fob.
Problems with the Circuitry
Your key fob experiences lots of abuse and stress while you use it. This is because it is dropped, jostled and exposed to cold and hot every day. This can damage internal components, especially the tiny electronic circuit board inside which sends signals to your car. Depending on the damage, these signals could cease to function properly and stop you from opening your door or even starting your car.
If you've tried replacing the battery, but it's still not working the fob might require reprogramming for your make and model. This can be accomplished by a dealer, or a professional shop with expertise with your vehicle. This is a very simple procedure that takes only a few moments to complete.
The casing of your fob could also wear out and lose contact with internal components. The casing contains contacts, which are rubber-like components coated in electricity-conducting film that assist with sending the signal to your car. They can wear out over time or even snap completely. A simple replacement casing can make your device functional again.
Sometimes your key fob needs to be reprogrammed for the year, make and model of your vehicle. This is a simple fix that you can perform at your home or with a professional if you have an extra fob. The process is simple and requires only some instructions from your manufacturer's site or the local dealership service center.
It is possible that your key fob has to be replaced completely, but this is often more expensive and may require a visit to the dealer or an independent shop that has expertise in your particular brand and model. Replacement of a key fob is typically the best option if it's not functioning properly and you do not want to risk being stranded somewhere. Depending on the brand and model, replacements could cost anywhere from $50 to $150 or more.
Replacement
It's a shame that your fob's key does not always work. However you can solve the majority of issues. One of the most common issues is a dead battery, which can be replaced quickly and will allow you to get back on the road as quickly as possible. To prevent this from happening again in the future, it is best to keep extra batteries in the car to replace them when needed.
The procedure of replacing a key fob battery is fairly easy, though it can be difficult to complete if it is your first time doing it. Begin by determining what type of battery your key fob is using and this will help you choose the right battery for it. This information is typically accessible online, however you may also refer to the owner's manual for car remote key repair near me your vehicle for clarification. You can buy the battery at a home improvement store or a general retailer once you've decided the type of key fob your requires. It's a good idea to have several of these batteries in your inventory since they're usually inexpensive. When you receive the new battery, make sure to put it in your key fob in a proper manner. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) signs are facing in the same direction as they were when you used your old battery. After you've inserted the new battery, put the key fob again and test it.
Replacing the battery of a key fob is a fairly simple job, and you can do it yourself when you are able to do it. If you're unable to identify the issue with your fob, or it does not work after changing the batteries, it might be time to contact an expert to replace it professionally. While it's a good idea to try and repair your key fob prior purchasing a replacement, there are times when this isn't feasible and it may be more cost-effective to buy one at a dealership.