Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
The buttons on key fobs may get damaged and stop working properly after being jostled in purses and pockets. This issue can be addressed by replacing the battery that is typically found in the snap-out case that comes with the majority of car fobs.
If the contacts on the key fob are damaged, a new replacement may not be sufficient to revive it. It's a good thing that this is an easy fix that you can attempt at home:
Replace the battery
If your key fob is feeling sluggish or takes longer than usual to unlock or lock your vehicle, it could be time to replace the battery. Luckily, replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the most simple tasks you can tackle yourself. It is also an inexpensive fix that can help you avoid a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
You can purchase the coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general store. The key fobs usually have a slot to accept the batteries, and opening the case to swap out batteries is relatively simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you may require a screwdriver or other tool to open the cover of the battery compartment.
Certain key fobs have clips which hold the battery in place. If this is the case, gently lift these up with your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Install the new battery, taking care to put it in the right place. Note its position when you take out the old one. It is essential to avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces, since scratches from fingers can decrease their life.
Close the case of the key fob and test its functionality by pressing the button. If it doesn't work it may be necessary to open the case again and make sure that the battery is inserted correctly.
It's also possible that a simple battery replacement will not be enough to resolve the problem, such as physical or electrical injury. In car key repair 'll need to take your key fob to a dealer or auto service center to make repairs. Before you do, there are four problems that replacing the battery won't fix. You should be aware of these issues, to be able to get help from a trained technician if needed. You can also read how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob in order to discover the reason it's not working.
Clean the Contacts
It is crucial to keep your key fobs clean in order to maintain their functionality and longevity. Over time, natural oils from your fingertips and pocket lint can accumulate on the buttons and crevices, and can even cause the keys to stop functioning completely. All you need is rubbing alcohol, an swab of cotton and alcohol rubbing.
First, you need to open the key fob by removing the lid off with a screwdriver or coin and gently removing the battery. Be sure to note the kind of battery it is (negative and positive sides) to ensure that you put it back in the correct way when you are finished.
After that then, use a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Make sure to pay special attention to the battery's contacts and make sure they are clean. Once you're done your task, allow the fob and its components completely dry.
If your device isn't working even after cleaning, you might need to reset the system. Go through the owner's manual of your device to learn how to reset the system. This could be able to bring the key fob back to normal if the issue was due to a dead battery.
It is essential to keep the key fob regularly after it has been cleaned and synchronized. By wiping it clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can ensure that your key fob will continue to perform well for the years to come.
Reset the System
Despite the fact that today's high-tech key fobs are more efficient, secure, and convenient than ever before, it's possible for them to have some problems. Fortunately, most times the issues aren't major or complex and are usually solved with simple solutions such as replacing the battery. If the problem is serious or cannot be resolved by simple methods such as auto repair shops, they will replace and reset your key fob.
Getting your car to lock or unlock with the key fob is the main purpose of the device however, it can also be used to activate certain vehicle features. The key fob can be used to lift or lower a sunroof. This feature can be very useful when you have to open the roof when you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. The key fob is also useful for summoning your car if it's parked in a shady spot.
A key fob's internal circuitry and buttons could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, or other electromagnetic interference sources could interfere with the operation of a key fob. If your key fob is dirty or has become wet, it must be cleaned before you use it again.
Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts can help fix a malfunctioning device however, if it continues to run erratically it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. This can fix system-related issues and improve the performance of your device.
If you're unsure of how to perform a factory reset on your device, refer to the device manufacturer's website or the owner's manual. Certain devices require a specific tool to perform the reset, however, you should be able find instructions that apply to the model you're using.
Another option to resolve issues with your key fob is to contact an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts are able replace and program key fobs on almost all models of automobiles. They can also repair keys that have chips.