Key Fob Repair Near Me
The key fob in your car will be subject to a lot wear and tear. It's crucial to always have a spare key fob in case yours gets damaged.
The most common problem is the battery being dead. There are many other reasons for why your key fob may not be functioning. Many automakers provide instructions on how to replace the battery in the fobs.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
A dead battery is one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to become slow. If you find that you have to push the unlock button several times before your car is able to respond, or it's not able to lock from the distance it once could it's likely time to get an upgrade to the battery. It's easy to replace your battery on the key fob.
The first thing to do is verify that the fob works by pressing the unlock button several times. Once you're sure it hasn't just stopped working due to being out of range then you can try a few things to help bring it back to life. Make sure you have your fob. It can be activated by holding it against your driver's side door handle in the event that there's enough power in the battery to activate the door locks even if you are unable to unlock it from 2 car lengths away.
Next, make sure that you have the right type of battery, which will be embossed on the fob itself. It's usually a battery called button cells. Brands such as Duracell or Energizer sell buttons. Once you have the right battery, you can remove the old one and replace it with the new one. Make sure that the positive side is facing up. Snap the fob halves back together and test to make sure the lock/unlock and start functions are working correctly.
If you want to ensure your safety and secure, take the fob along to a watch repair shop or your local car dealership and ask them to change its battery for you. It's likely to cost you a little more than if you did it yourself however it's best to get someone else to do it to ensure that you don't damage the circuit board while you're trying to open the fob to swap the battery.
If you'd prefer to save money, you can buy a CR2032 battery from an online hardware store or big box retailer, and follow the steps in your owner's manual (which is probably available online as PDFs via the manufacturer's site or at a minimum on YouTube) to swap out the battery on your fob by yourself. This is a straightforward process that will restore the remote function you use on your Springfield trips.
Damaged Buttons
While it may seem odd that the key fob in your car requires maintenance it is true that they are. Most of the time, these aren't major and can be as simple as replacing the battery. However there are other problems that could occur which might indicate that the key fob is in need of more attention.
The power button may be the reason behind your key fob not functioning or buttons not functioning. Cell buttons can be damaged through wear and tear, and internal components could break or knocked out. There are kits that can be made to replace power buttons, however working with these small and delicate parts are not easy to say the least. It's also risky to try and replace the power button because you could end up damaging the circuitry.
There are some locksmiths for cars equipped with specialized equipment to deal with this kind of repair and they can usually complete it while you sit back. They can repair the buttons and have them looking as good as new in just a few minutes.
If you don't have the luxury of a professional you can buy aftermarket key fobs that look identical to your original key fob for less than half the cost. Certain automotive stores and dealerships will allow you to have them programmed with your vehicle, while others won't. Genesky can program his fobs for the majority of cars manufactured since the 1990s, but Genesky is unable to program them for the latest Audi or BMW models.
Check your vehicle's warranty to see if it covers the cost of a new key fob, or at least a portion of the costs. This will aid you in deciding whether it's worth the cost of repairs or a replacement key fob.
Problems with the Circuitry
You use your key fob every day, which means it is exposed to a lot of abuse and stress. It gets knocked around, tossed and exposed to cold or heat. This can cause damage to internal parts, including the tiny electronic circuitry that sends signals to the car. Based on the extent of damage, these signals could stop working properly and could prevent you from opening your door or starting your vehicle.
If you've tried replacing the battery but it doesn't work, your fob may require reprogramming specifically for your specific make and model. This can be done either by a dealer or a professional shop with expertise with your vehicle. The procedure is typically very easy and only takes some minutes to complete.
The casing of your fob may also be worn out and lose contact with internal components. The casing contains contacts, which are rubber-like components coated in electricity-conducting film that assist with sending the signal to your car. They can wear away over time or snap off completely. A replacement casing is a simple fix that will restore your fob to proper functioning.
Sometimes, your key fob requires reprogramming to match the year, make and model of your vehicle. This is a straightforward solution that you can accomplish at home or with a professional if you have an additional fob. The procedure is easy and involves only following the instructions on the website of your manufacturer or your local dealership's service center.
It's possible that your key fob has to be replaced entirely however this is usually more expensive and can require an appointment with a dealer or an independent shop that has expertise in your particular brand and model. Replacing a key fob is generally the best option when it's not working correctly and you don't want to risk getting stuck somewhere. Based on the manufacturer and model, replacements can range in price from around $50 to $150 or more.
Replacement
Although it's unfortunate that the car key fob doesn't always work, it is good to be aware that the majority of problems are quite easy to fix and are easily fixed. One of the most frequent issues is a dead battery that can be replaced very easily and will get you back to driving as quickly as you can. To prevent this from happening in the future, it is recommended to have spare batteries on hand so that you can replace them when required.
The replacement of a key fob battery is relatively simple, but it can be a little difficult if this is your first time. Begin by determining the type of battery your key fob is using and this will help you purchase the correct battery for it. This information is typically accessible online, however you can also consult the owner's manual of your vehicle if in doubt. Once you've determined the type of battery your key fob needs, you can head to a local store or home improvement store to purchase it. It is beneficial to keep a few of these batteries on hand, as they are usually extremely affordable. When you receive the new battery, ensure to place it into your key fob in the correct way. This will ensure the (+) and (-) signposts are facing the same way as they did on your previous battery. After you have inserted your new battery, snap the key fob again and test it.
If you know the process, replacing the battery on a key fob is a simple task. However, if you cannot figure out what is wrong with your key fob or the device is not functioning after replacing the battery, it might be time to speak with an expert for a replacement. It is always a great idea to repair your keyfob before purchasing an alternative. However, car key fob repairs near me might not be feasible. In these cases it is cheaper to purchase a replacement from an authorized dealer.