Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

When they are tossed around in purses and pockets, key fob buttons can be damaged and not register presses accurately. Replacing the battery, which a majority of car fobs are equipped with in a snap-out case, can fix this issue.

However, a fresh replacement is not likely to restore your key fob if its internal switch contacts are worn out. This is a simple fix you can perform at home.

Replace the battery

If your key fob feels sluggish or takes a longer time to unlock or lock your remote car key repair, it may be time to replace the battery. It's good news that replacing a key fob battery is one of the easiest tasks that you can do yourself. This is a straightforward fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealer or a locksmith.

The majority of key fobs require batteries that look like coins (CR2032 or similar) which you can purchase at any general store or home improvement center or auto parts store. key repair service fobs typically have a slot to accept the batteries and opening the case for battery replacement is relatively simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you may require an instrument such as a screwdriver to open the cover of the battery compartment.

Certain key fobs have clips which hold the battery in place; if so, gently lift these up with your fingers or a non-metallic tool. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new one, but be careful to note its orientation in order to put it in the correct place. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as they can cause damage to their lives.

Close the case of the key fob and test the function by pressing the button. If it's still not working you might need to open the case again and check whether the new battery has been inserted correctly.

There is a chance that simply replacing the battery isn't enough to resolve the issue. This could be caused by physical trauma or electrical damage. In this case you'll be required to take your key fob to a dealership or auto service center to make repairs. However, before you do so, there are four common problems that a replacement battery won't solve. It is important to be aware of these issues, to be able to seek assistance from a certified technician when necessary. You should also learn how to repair a key fob's defective transmitter to learn more about why it may not be working properly.

Clean the Contacts

It is important to keep your keys clean to maintain their function and durability. Over time, natural oils from your fingertips and pocket lint can build up on the key fob's crevices and buttons and even cause the keys to stop functioning completely. It's not difficult to fix all you need is some cleaning alcohol and a cotton swab.

Then, open the key fob by popping the lid off using a screwdriver or coin and gently prying out the battery. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive sides) so that you can put it back in the correct way.

After that, use a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons as well as the surrounding areas of the fob. Be sure to pay particular attention to the contacts of the battery and ensure that they are clean. When you are done cleaning the fob, let it and its components completely dry.

If your device doesn't function after cleaning it, it may be an idea to reset the system. Go through the owner's manual of your device to learn how to reset the system. If the key fob is dead, this could be enough to bring it back to life.

After the key fob has been cleaned and resynced it is a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance. By regularly wiping it clean with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can make sure that your ignition key repair near me fob will continue to perform well for long time to come.

Reset the System

Although today's modern key fobs have more features that are safer, more secure, and are more convenient than ever, they can still encounter some problems. Fortunately, most of the time, these issues aren't serious or complex and are usually solved with simple solutions such as replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or cannot be resolved by simple techniques, an auto repair shop will replace and change the key fob.

Getting your car to lock or unlock with the key fob is the principal purpose of the device however, it can also be used to activate some car features. One example is the ability to lower or raise a sunroof with the key fob. This feature is useful if you need to open the roof when you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your car when it is stuck in a parking spot.

The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs could include erratic behavior or total failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes, moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources could interfere with the operation of the key fob. If your key fob has been damaged by dust or become wet, it should be cleaned before you can use it again.

If the device continues to behave unpredictably after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you could need to perform the factory reset. This can fix system bugs and improve device performance.

If you're unsure of how to perform the factory reset on your device, refer to the website of the manufacturer of your device or the owner's manual. Certain devices require a specific tool to complete the reset, but you should be able locate instructions that are applicable to the specific model you have.

Another option to resolve issues with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These professionals are able to replace and program key fobs for almost all makes of cars. In addition, they can also fix car keys that have chips inside the keys.