Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs can become damaged and stop working after being tossed around in purses and pockets. This issue can be resolved by replacing the battery that is usually located in the snap-out case of the majority of car fobs.
However, a new replacement could not be able to revive your key fob if the internal switch contacts are worn out. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix that you can try at home:
Replace the Battery
If your key fob feels slow or takes a longer time to unlock or lock your car, it might be time to replace the battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery of your key fob is among the simplest tasks you can complete yourself. This is a simple fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealership or locksmith.
You can buy a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general store. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept the batteries, and opening the case to swap out batteries is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you might require a screwdriver or other tool to remove the cover from the battery compartment.
If your key fob comes with clips that keep the batteries in place, gently take them off them using your fingers or non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to install it correctly. Note its orientation when you remove the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries since this can reduce their life.
Once the new battery is installed, close the key fob's case and test it by pressing the button to confirm it is working. If the key fob still doesn't function, you may have to reopen it and make sure the battery is properly inserted.
It's also possible that a simple battery replacement isn't enough to fix the issue, like electrical damage or physical trauma. In this case, you will need to take your key fob to a dealership or auto service center for repairs. Before you do that, there are four issues that replacing the battery won't solve. It is important to be aware of these issues so that you are in a position to find an experienced technician should you need. You can also learn how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob to discover the reason it's not working.
Clean the Contacts
Cleaning your key fob is essential to its function and lifespan. Over time, the natural oils of your hands and pockets can accumulate on the key fob's buttons and crevices, and can even cause the keys to stop working altogether. It's simple enough to fix, though - all you need is rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.
First, open the key fob by gently prying the battery away with the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Note the nature of the battery (negative and positive side) so you can put it back in the correct way.
After that you can make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons as well as the surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the battery contacts, ensuring that they are free of grease or dirt. After you have finished, let the fob and all its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't work after cleaning it, it could be a good idea to reset the system. Consult your owner’s manual to learn how to reset the system. This may be able to bring the key fob back to normal if the issue was simply the battery being dead.
Once the key fob has been cleaned and resynthesized it is a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance. You can ensure that your key fob working well for many years by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.
Reset the System
Despite the fact that today's high-tech keys fobs are more powerful, secure, and convenient than ever, it is possible for them to encounter certain issues. Fortunately, most times the issues aren't major or complex, and can be resolved with simple techniques such as replacing the battery. If car keys repair is more serious or isn't resolved with simple methods, an auto repair shop will replace and reprogram your key fob.
The device's primary function is to lock or unlock your car, but you can also use it to activate certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof with the key fob. This feature can be very beneficial if you need to open the roof when stuck in traffic or when your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to summon your car when it's parked in a tight location.
A key fob's internal circuitry and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. Signs of this include irregular behavior, or an inability to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources may occasionally interfere with the function of a keyfob. If your key fob is contaminated with dust or has become wet, it must be cleaned prior to attempting to use it again.
Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts might help fix a malfunctioning device but if the device continues to run erratically you might need to do a factory reset. This can fix system bugs and improve device performance.
If you're not sure how to do the factory reset on your device, consult the device manufacturer's website or the manual of your owner. Certain devices require a specific tool to perform the reset, however, you should be able locate instructions that are applicable to your specific model.
Contacting a mobile locksmith for cars in Apache Junction is another option to resolve problems with your key fob. They can repair and program keyfobs for almost all models of cars. They can also repair keys with chips.