Key Fob Repair 101:"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

· 6 min read
Key Fob Repair 101:"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Car Key Fob Repair Service

While the car key fob might appear to be an afterthought, if it stops functioning properly, you could be in a tricky spot. While replacing it with a brand new key fob can be expensive but sometimes it's the most cost-effective option.

But before you head to the dealer to get one re-evaluated there are a variety of places you can go to save money.

Dead Battery

One of the most frequent issues with key fobs is the battery being dead. This can be a surprise, especially if it happens when you're leaving to work or at a social event. You may have a back-up plan, like an extra key or a number for assistance at the roadside, but you will still require a fix or replacement for the fob. The positive side is that the majority of car key fob battery issues can be easily fixed with the right information.

Many modern cars have a backup system that accounts for the possibility of fob batteries going out of service. If you connect a dead fob to the ignition, you will typically start the vehicle. If you own a vehicle that uses push-to-start and you want to unlock your doors. The owner's manual for your vehicle will include detailed instructions on where to place the fob of the key to start it.

Other causes for a key fob that won't be able to turn on or respond to button presses could be a button that isn't depressed completely, a battery that has low capacity, or a remote control that needs to be reprogrammed. In some instances, cleaning your key fob might be enough to get it working again. Because key fob buttons are frequently pressed over and over again the dirt may build up and prevent them from pressing to the fullest extent.

A quick way to clean your key fob in a pinch would be to use the tip of the paper clip. You can use this to open the case securely and remove your old battery. Keep an additional battery and any tools you'll need to open the key fob's case at hand. You can plan for any issues with your keyfob in advance, so you do not have to be worried about it ruining your day or having to call roadside assistance. Keep a spare car key in your pocket to ensure that you don't get surprised in the event of an issue with your key fob.

Button Issues

When pressed by the buttons on a remote control send signals to its circuit board. If the buttons become worn out, the signals might not be sent and your fob will stop functioning. This could happen over time or may be due to another issue with the car or fob. A professional will be able to repair or replace the button if it's worn out.

Key fobs are often subject to quite a bit of abuse. They're dropped, banged around, and exposed to cold and hot every day. They're also quite fragile and easily damaged. The inside of the fob is filled with components like circuit boards and battery contacts, which can be damaged if they are subjected to enough abuse.

Most problems can be resolved by replacing the battery on your fob, but there are some that require more. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver in order to open the fob case and determine if it needs to be replaced or cleaned. Most key fobs are powered by 3V button cells, which are readily available in any store.


Fobs can also be damaged by water even if it's just the smallest amount of water. This can be a problem when you accidentally wash the key fob or go swimming with it in your pocket. This can harm the transponder chip and cause the key fob to cease working.

Contacting a professional locksmith is your best bet if you have issues with the button. They can usually repair or replace the button and reprogram it for you. They also can fix other electrical failures like the horn that is broken or lights that won't turn on.

It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and equipment for your car. Cars can be expensive. If you don't do this, your vehicle won't function properly and you will be having a harder getting to where you would like to go.  mobile car key repair near me  or equipment can also be a security issue, as it can lead to serious mechanical problems in the future.

Broken Battery Terminals

If you've been trying to start your car, but the fob isn't working, this may be an indication that the battery terminals are broken. The fob has to be capable of communicating with the central system of the vehicle in order to unlock and start it. This is accomplished via a small radio transmitter that is inside the key fob. The transmission signals are sent by the fob to the internal key (if it exists) that opens the doors and then turns on the engine. The fob can transmit the signal as far as 50 feet away, however if the battery's terminals are damaged, the transmission will not work.

These are simple solutions. It is generally easy to replace the battery. Simply take out the old one, determine the kind of batteries you need, and then visit an auto parts store or online retailer to purchase the right batteries. It can be difficult to open key fobs to get to the batteries. Be cautious not to break any item.

Then, test the key fob again. If it still doesn't work it could be because the key's metal part inside the fob has been damaged or that the key has been programmed. Modern keys have to be programmed to function with a particular vehicle and certain error codes may corrupt the programming in the key fob. A professional can reprogramme the key for the vehicle.

Another possibility is that the fob is damaged, especially when it was dropped or left in the rain. It could also be that the key fob was exposed to extreme heat or other issues that caused the circuit board to fail. Sometimes, this is because of having work done on your vehicle that exposed wires, which could then lead to other problems, like a malfunctioning horn or a malfunctioning key fob. It is important to check your key fob for damage and replace or repair it if needed, as the absence of a functioning key could be extremely stressful and risky.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are a wonderful convenience however, they can also cause issues that require professional repair. Thankfully, many of the issues that can plague a car key fob are relatively easy and cheap to fix. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues and their possible solutions:

A dead battery

Smart Key fobs have a shorter life-span than standard remotes. The batteries for fobs must be changed every three to four years and may cease working if they are too old. This is a simple problem to fix. Just purchase the replacement battery and install.

A damaged receiver

The transmitter in your key fob needs to receive an input from the vehicle's receiver to be able to open and begin. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't pass through and remain unreadable. This is an easy problem to identify however, it could be necessary to replace the whole receiver if it's too damaged.

Not programmed

Certain cars of the present require a special chip in the key fob to start. The chip communicates with your car via a unique code that only the manufacturer knows. In the majority of cases, you need to go to the dealer to purchase an alternative fob that has been programmed correctly for your car. You can find aftermarket fobs that work with a variety of vehicles.

Not working

If you've tried replacing the battery and buttons, but your car key fob does not work, it could be an electrical issue or other issue that requires professional attention. A locksmith expert can swiftly fix this problem by checking for the issue.  mobile car key repair  will typically be cheaper than a trip to the dealership. The cost of a new fob is contingent on the model of your car and the local locksmith. You can get a rough estimate of the cost by contacting some local businesses prior to booking a job.