How to Repair Car Key Fobs Key fobs are susceptible to damage, even if we use them a lot They can actually be destroyed in a variety of ways https//squareblogsnet/mayrose95/10-simple-steps-to-start-your-own-fob-key-repair-business could be more grave than the battery being dead The majority of problems can be fixed by a quick fix at home Dead Battery A dead battery is probably the most common reason the car key fob stops working Fob batteries are prone to draining quickly, particularly if they're exposed to extreme conditions like humidity, temperatures or even water Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it The LED light will typically stop glowing when the battery in the car key fob is low The fob might also stop working from the same distance it was previously working to In this scenario it could be necessary to reprogram the key fob or replace it altogether It is easy to replace the battery in a car keyfob Find out the type of battery used The type should be embossed on the back of the fob Google can help you when you're not sure Once you've found the battery type, open the key fob near the seam Utilize a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail to pry apart the two halves Then, remove the old battery and put an alternative one in its place Make sure you insert the new battery with the positive + side facing upwards towards the buttons in the fob Some drivers may not be aware the fob is dead until they attempt to lock or unlock their car and the buttons do not respond This can be fixed by reprogramming the fob However, it can be time-consuming and expensive You can also call roadside assistance to determine if they are able to restart your car and get it back on the road If you've tried both solutions and your vehicle still won't start, it's time to call a professional https//postheavennet/trayfan71/the-most-common-mistakes-people-do-with-key-repairs trained technician can tell the computer in your car needs reconfiguring, or if your key fob is only in need of an upgrade in battery They can also suggest an auto repair shop that can replace the fob that you use to access your car In the end, though it is not always the case that a new fob is the most effective solution Damaged Circuit Board Key fobs aren't indestructible, but it is able to be able to withstand a variety of physical harm The circuit board, battery and buttons are all subject to wear and tear It is essential to take care of these parts to ensure your key fob remains in good condition The easiest way to test is to ensure that the battery inside your key fob isn't depleted If it is, replace the battery and determine if this fixes the problem If this doesn't work, you might need to open the fob and clean the contact surfaces This can be tricky because some key fobs don't have a release mechanism that is easy to open them, and you can easily end up damaging your key fob if try to pull it apart You can purchase a special tool to open your key fob, however you should always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid damaging it A damaged or defective key fob circuit board is a common problem It can be caused by many things like moisture or dirt that gets into the battery compartment software problems, or even an accidental firmware update If your key fob is not working, you may be interested in getting it changed This can be accomplished by a locksmith who is skilled in this kind of work Radio interference is another possibility This could happen if there are other wireless devices operating on the same frequency as your key fob, for instance radar detectors or home security systems If this is the case, consult with other device manufacturers to make sure that your key fob's signal isn't affected by their signals It's also possible that your key fob is equipped with a bad switch or other electrical component that needs to be replaced This is a difficult fix, but you can find guides online that show you how to do it yourself Be careful when doing this, however, because the circuit board in the key fob is tiny and can easily break when handled rough If you decide to do this yourself, make sure to use a good quality SMT switch and solder it to the correct place Worn Out Buttons Car key fobs are subject to a lot wear and tear They are more prone to being dropped and spend a lot of time being jostled in your purse or pocket Sometimes, this jolting can cause the buttons to become worn out or become stuck When this happens an easy adjustment could be all that's needed to get it working again Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can tell if they've been pressed This is due to the fact that they decrease the chance of someone else stealing your vehicle If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when you press them, they're damaged and should be replaced The circuit board in the key fob transmits signals to your car These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well instructions to start the engine If the circuit board inside your vehicle is damaged, then your key fob may not be able to unlock your vehicle or even start the engine This type of damage is typically caused by blunt force or water If you're having to press the buttons more than usual to make them function, then your key fob buttons are wearing out Your fob might not be sending an alert to your car or have a smaller range If you're unable unlock your key fob, unlock or start your car, it's important to find an emergency locksmith in your area They can tell if the key fob is damaged or the cylinder of your ignition is worn out Fortunately, most key fob issues in cars aren't a major or difficult issue Keep an extra key fob in your car always in case you end up being shocked by a malfunctioning one You'll never be stranded because of an issue with your key or a lost one If you have lost your spare key, a professional locksmith can reset it to work with your vehicle's engine They can also fix any internal damage to the key fob Broken Case The case of the key fob does more than just shield the buttons and batteries The case also houses the circuitry that performs all the electrical magic when you press a key fob button This board receives the signal from your key fob, and then transmits it to your car If this board is damaged or dead, your key fob won't be able to function Sometimes, a dead key fob can be reprogrammed which is something that your local auto locksmith or dealership can assist you with Batteries could be the cause your key fob's battery not working The battery can be replaced at home The positive side is that you can get the replacement battery on the internet or at a local auto parts store since these batteries aren't exclusive to key fobs Depending on the type of key fob, there are various ways to open it up and get inside A quick search on the internet will identify the type of key fob you have and what kind of battery it requires You can then buy a new one, take the old one out, and put the new one in When repairing a broken key fob, the most important concern is not to destroy the circuit or buttons further If you attempt to remove a key fob with an edge that is sharp like screwdrivers can break the case or damage the plastic A replacement case isn't much and you can find an entire fob, including the electronics on eBay or Amazon for under 40 If your key fob doesn't work, check if you've damaged the circuit board or batteries If this isn't the case, a professional can repair it quickly and inexpensively In the event that it isn't, it's time to consider an upgrade Be sure to check the warranty on any replacement or used fobs purchased online