Key Fob Repair Near Me: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Key Fob Repair Near Me: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
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Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob in your car is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in the event that yours fails.
The most common issue is a dead or low battery. There are many other reasons why your key fob may not be working. Some automakers allow you to replace the battery in their fobs, and the instructions are usually available on the Internet.
Dead Key Fob Battery
One of the main reasons for the key fob's slow response is that the battery has failed. If you find 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 likely time to get replacement batteries. It's easy to replace your battery in the key fob.
Press the unlock button a few times to verify that the fob is working. Once you're certain it's not simply not working because it's not in range, there are a few things you can do to get it back. Ensure you have your fob. If there is enough power in the battery, you can activate it by pressing it against the door handle.
Make sure you have the right type of battery, which is embossed on the fob itself. It's usually a button cell manufactured by brands like Duracell and Energizer. Once you've found the correct battery, you can remove the old one and place the new one in place with the positive side facing up. Snap the fob halves together and test the lock/unlock/start function.
If you want to make sure you're extra safe you can take the fob to a watch repair shop or a dealership to replace its battery. This is likely to cost a little more than if you did it yourself but it's a good idea to let someone else handle it so that you don't accidentally damage the circuit board while you're trying to open the key fob to change the battery.
If you'd prefer to save cost, you can purchase a CR2032 battery from a hardware store or big box retailer, and then follow the instructions in your owner's manual (which is likely to be available online as PDFs via the manufacturer's website or at a minimum on YouTube) to change out the battery on your fob by yourself. This is a simple process that will bring back the remote functionality that you've been using for your Springfield trips.
Damaged Buttons
The key fob is an essential part of our lives and while it may seem odd to think that your car key fob needs maintenance, the truth is that they do wear out. Often, these aren't serious and can be as simple as replacing the battery. Other issues may arise that may indicate that the keyfob is in need of attention.
If your key fob isn't turning on or the buttons don't function it could be due to a problem with the power button. Cell buttons can get damaged by everyday wear and tear, and internal components could be damaged or knocked out. There are kits for DIY to replace power buttons, however dealing with these tiny and delicate pieces can be difficult to say the least. It's also dangerous to attempt to replace the power button because you run the risk of damaging the circuitry.
There are some locksmiths for cars with the right equipment to handle this type of repair and they can usually complete it while you are waiting. They can repair the buttons and have them looking as good as new in a matter of minutes.
If you don't want to engage an expert or even a professional, you can purchase aftermarket key fobs at a bargain price. They are exactly like the original key fob. Some automotive dealers and dealerships will allow you to program them using your vehicle, but others don't. Genesky can program his fobs for most automobiles manufactured prior to the 1990s, however he cannot program them with the most recent Audi or BMW models.
Verify the warranty of your vehicle to determine if it covers the cost of a new key fob, or at a minimum part of the cost. This will help you decide whether it's worth spending the money for a repair or a replacement key fob.
Issues with the Circuitry
Your key fob experiences a lot of abuse and stress when you use it, since it is dropped, tossed, and exposed to heat and cold on a daily basis. This can cause damage to internal parts that include the tiny electronic circuitry that sends signals to the car. Depending on how damaged these signals are they may stop working and hinder you from opening doors or even starting your car.
If you've tried replacing the battery, but it still doesn’t work the fob could need to be reprogrammed specifically for your make and model. This can be done either by a dealer or a professional repair shop with expertise with your vehicle. The procedure for this is generally very simple and takes only some minutes 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. These can wear down over time or snap completely. A replacement casing is a straightforward fix that will restore your device to full function.
Sometimes, your key fob only requires reprogramming to reflect the current year model, make, and model of your vehicle. This is a straightforward solution that you can perform at your home or with an expert if you own an additional fob. The procedure is easy and involves just a few directions from the website of your manufacturer or the local dealership service center.
It is possible that your key fob has to be replaced entirely however this is usually more expensive and can require an appointment with a dealer or an independent shop that has experience in your specific make and model. Replacement of a key fob is typically the best option if it's not functioning correctly and you do not want to risk being stuck somewhere. Based on the manufacturer and model, replacements may range in price from around $50 to $150 or more.
Replacement
It's a shame that your key fob does not always work. However it is possible to solve the majority of issues. One of the most frequent issues is a dead battery, which can be replaced very easily and will get you back on the road as quickly as possible. It is a good plan to keep spare batteries in your vehicle so that you can replace them if needed.
The process of replacing a key fob battery is fairly easy, though it can be a little difficult to complete if it is your first time doing it. It is important to be aware of what kind of battery is required for your key fob before deciding to buy the correct battery. You can typically find this information on the internet however it can be beneficial to consult the manual for your car if aren't sure. You can purchase the battery from an home improvement store or general store after you have decided what type your key fob needs. It is a good thing to have several of these batteries on hand since they're usually inexpensive. When you receive the new battery, ensure to put it in your key fob in the correct way. This will ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) signs are facing in the same direction that they were facing with your old battery. After you have installed the new battery, you are able to snap your key fob back together and check that it works correctly.
If you know the process, replacing the battery of a key fob is a simple task. If you are unable to determine what's wrong with your key fob or the device is not functioning after changing the battery, it might be time to call an expert for a replacement. While it's an excellent idea to try and fix your key fob before purchasing a replacement, there are times when it isn't possible and it may be more cost-effective to buy one at a car keying repair dealership.