10 Meetups Around Key Fob Repairs You Should Attend
Car Key Fob Repairs Near MeToday's high-tech car key fobs are practical and reliable however, they can be expensive to replace when something goes wrong. Try some quick fixes before you buy a replacement.
Dealerships are your best bet for replacing a key fob with advanced features, such as those which control trunk release and remote engine start. Locksmiths may be able to do the job for less.
Dead Battery
One of the most common reasons for a key fob's battery to stop working is simply due to an unresponsive battery. This is a problem that could happen at any moment, typically when you least expect it and require your car to go to work. It's not too difficult to fix a dead battery inside the key fob, but you'll need a basic knowledge of how these devices operate and the tools needed to open them.
It isn't always easy to identify a dead battery in a modern key fob because most don't feature an LED light that illuminates when the device is activated. If you spot any errors or issues with your key fob it's the best method to determine if the battery is dead or low.
If you notice that your key fob is beginning to take longer and longer to lock or unlock This is a clear indication that the battery is depleted. It could also cause delays when you start your car and is a major inconvenience.
You might also notice that your key fob's range is less range than you would expect. This indicates that the battery is beginning to fail and is no sending an intense signal to your car's sensors.
Modern key fobs can release physical locks in the event that the remote is lost. The key is usually located inside the fob, and you'll need to consult the owner's manual for specific information regarding how to locate it. If you own a car equipped with this feature, then you must always keep an extra key fob and the necessary tool in the glove box or in the center console in case of emergency.
It is possible to replace a key fob battery yourself by following the instructions in your vehicle's owner's manual or YouTube videos. These batteries cost around $10 or less in hardware stores and big-box retail outlets and on the internet. It shouldn't cost a lot to make this simple repair. Install the new battery in the same way you removed the previous one or it will not work properly.
Stuck Buttons
Like any other electronic device car remote keys eventually stop working. This is due to the natural buildup of dirt, oil and other toxins from our hands and environment. Luckily, most of the times, this is a simple fix you can perform yourself. Most of the time, a little cleaning with some rubbing alcohol and a few clicks are all it takes.
Make sure that your device is unplugged. Use a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol to scrub the button as well as the space around it. Try to get as far into the crevices as possible. After you've cleaned the buttons and surrounding area then give them a few clicks to help break up any accumulated grime.
Then apply compressed air to eliminate any remaining gunk. Be careful not to blow any dirt into the key fob itself, however. You can try using a small can of compressed air, similar to those you can use in cleaning products. This should be sufficient to allow the button to be released.
If you've tried all the above but the buttons are still not responding, it could be time to contact a professional. Most Mister Minit shops have the required equipment to cut and program replacement key fobs. You'll need to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in hand to determine the kind of transponder chip your key has.
You can ask an AutoZone associate to fix it for you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. They'll need the year, MAKE and MODEL of the vehicle to programme the new key to the correct vehicle. The process is fast and simple, making it an excellent option when you have to purchase a new car key fob in the last minute.
Reprogramming
Many people have a hard getting their car keys reprogrammed fobs themselves. This is mainly due to the fact that each car has its own unique programming sequences. Certain require special equipment to access and entry, while others require key-cylinders and button presses to complete cycles to complete.
A locksmith is the best person to call to reprogram the car keyfob. A locksmith can assist you with replacement parts, key cutting services, and programming to get your keys working quickly and efficiently. This will save you time and money since you won't have to purchase and reprogramme new set of keys.
Before you attempt to reprogramme your key fob it's an excellent idea to test the batteries first. If the battery has exhausted and requires to be replaced, you will have a better chance of success. It is also advisable to keep an extra keyfob in case of an emergency.
In addition to having an extra key fob, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary tools on hand. These tools include a screwdriver as well as a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a key. Having the tools will allow you to access the circuit board inside and take the fob from the casing without damaging it or making it unusable.
Once you've got all your equipment in place now is the time to begin the reprogramming process. Typically, you'll begin by getting into your vehicle from the driver's side and closing all doors EXCEPT the driver's door. Close any other electronic key fobs you would like to program. Press the lock button multiple times on the desired keyfob. This will trigger a "lock" sound, which will indicate that you've entered programming mode. You can now complete the reprogramming by pressing lock button again within five seconds.
The steps outlined above should be able to work with the majority of automobiles. Certain vehicles will require greater understanding of the onboard programming system. If your car was built after 2010 or is a luxury model the procedure will be more complicated and require specialized hardware.
Replacement
If your car key fob doesn't work it could be time to replace it. A new fob is expensive however it's the best and safest option in the event that the previous one isn't working.
You can find replacement key fobs in most hardware stores, car parts retail stores, and even big-box retailers. They're also available through remote car key repair near me online stores or in specialty automobile stores. If you're looking to save money you could try opening the fob by yourself and then replacing the battery yourself. A small screwdriver with a flat blade is usually all you need to open the fob's casing open and replace the battery. After that, you can put the fob back together and test the buttons to verify that they're working correctly.
It's important to have an extra car key fob on hand to avoid a hassle when yours stop functioning. Fortunately, the majority times, when your car key fob doesn't work, it's not because of an issue that is serious and can be resolved by replacing the battery or reprogramming it. In some cases the fob might have to be replaced completely.
The easiest way to avoid a key fob from failing is to keep it clean. Dust can build up within the circuitry of the key fob and cause it to malfunction over time. This could cause a button to become stuck, or stop responding to signals sent by your vehicle's keys.
Some fobs are easily cleaned with water or a mild cleaner. However, it's recommended to leave the cleaning of a car key fob to professionals who specialize in these kinds of repairs. If you're unsure about the best method to go, check your owner's manual or the Internet for directions on how to clean your key fob.
It is possible to contact the dealership if you can't find your key fob. They will be capable of programming a spare key for you. This is because some car dealerships have special machines that can reprogram the chip in the key fob once it's been replaced. This is an expensive alternative, but it's the only option to get back on the road.