5 Mobile Car Key Repair Lessons Learned From Professionals

Car Key Fob Repair Near Me

Key fobs today can do more than unlock your car and start it. They also serve as convenience devices and deterrents to theft. Due to their complexity new fobs need special equipment to program them and generally are expensive to replace.

There are a few steps you can follow to make sure your key fob is in good order prior to replacing it.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

There's a good reason for why key fobs can stop working the battery needs to be replaced. This is a simple solution.

You can typically find a replacement key fob battery online or at many stores selling batteries. Make sure you purchase a high-quality replacement battery that's identical in size to the one you have. Once you've purchased a new remote, remove the old one and replace it with the new one. Then take a gentle snap to secure the remote together. Test the buttons by pressing every button to make sure they function.

It's also worth noting that most key fob batteries can last a very long time before they go out of service. It's a smart idea to keep a spare key fob in your glovebox or some other safe spot.

The buttons on the key fob could have been worn out. The buttons of the key fob might become swollen over time because of the constant jolting. If you notice that your key fob's buttons are becoming more difficult to press this could be due to an over-used or damaged button. It's an easy and inexpensive fix, but you should still get a professional to do it to ensure that the task is done correctly.

Broken Button

Car key fobs get plenty of physical abuse. They may be dropped, stepped upon or even shaken. This could cause damage that's not always visible. You may need to replace the battery or repair a button.

Button issues can be caused by a worn-out button that does not send a signal to the circuit board after being pressed. The buttons on your keyfob use contacts to communicate with each with each other, therefore damaged or dirty contacts won't be able to read the signals sent through your finger when you press the button. It's easy to determine if your buttons are worn out or broken.

The first thing to try is to use another key. If you have an extra key, try it to see if it works. If it does, you'll be able to tell that the issue isn't related to your battery or the batteries in the other keys you own. You can also take the key fob off and examine it visually. If the battery connector's terminals are damaged or loose, you can easily fix them by soldering them back in place. If you're not sure about doing this yourself, you can contact an auto locksmith. They can do this quickly, cheaply and ensure that your key fob is functioning again.

Circuitry Problems

Contrary to the mechanical keys of old keys, modern key fobs make use of advanced technology to communicate with your vehicle. The key fob you have will require more care than a regular key.

While the majority of key fob troubles can be traced to something like a new battery, more complicated problems might require replacement or changing the program. This is particularly true when the key fob has been damaged. The key fob can be damaged by a variety factors including stepping on it or dropping it in water.

Key fobs are comprised of a number of small components that work together to translate the physical press of the button (like opening the door of a car) into an electrical response. The circuit board could also be soiled due to dirt, dust or corrosion. These contacts can prevent your battery from reading and responding to signals.

To fix this problem To fix this issue, remove the key fob from the plastic frame, and clean around the buttons using cotton swabs and alcohol. Then, car key fob repair near me carefully lift the circuit board. Depending on the model you might be able to use the flat-head screwdriver to cut the two pieces. If you're not able to open your key fob, there is likely a soldered joint, which must be removed and replaced. Examine your key fob before the reassembling process to ensure that it works properly.

Problems with the vehicle

It isn't always easy to determine what the problem is, if it's with your car or your key fob. A dead key fob battery is a typical issue that can be fixed quickly, however other issues might require more effort or longer to identify and fix. In these situations it's more straightforward to replace the key fob in your car than to try to diagnose a more complicated issue.

Based on the manufacturer and model of your car the replacement of keys for your car could cost a lot. Make sure you do your research before selecting the best company to help you. Certain companies are more likely overcharge or engage in bait and switch tactics, so always look for reputable reviews online or request references from previous customers prior to hiring a professional to do the task.

If you need an alternative for your key fob, or want to have a spare in case it does break down, the best solution is usually to visit a dealer. They'll be able order the right fob for your vehicle and can also install it for you. It'll take longer and cost more if you own a transponder, smart key or switchblade keys. They must be programmed with specialized equipment.