Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery
Being tossed around in purses and pockets key fob buttons may get damaged and stop registering presses accurately. This issue can be resolved by replacing the small battery that is typically found in the snap-out cases of the majority of car fobs.
However, a fresh replacement may not revive your key fob if the internal switch contacts are worn out. This is a simple fix that you can perform at home.
Replace the Battery
It could be time to replace the battery if your key fob isn't working properly or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than it does on a regular. It's good news that replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the most simple tasks that you can do yourself. It's also a cheap solution that will save you a trip to a professional locksmith or dealership.
You can buy the coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general retailer. Key fobs typically have a slot that can accept the batteries, and opening the case to swap out batteries is fairly straightforward. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to use a screwdriver or other tool to remove the cover from the compartment for batteries.
Some key fobs come with clips that hold the battery in place. if so, gently lift these up using your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Remove the old battery and install an alternative one, and be mindful of its orientation in order to put it in the correct place. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries since this can reduce their life.
After the new battery has been installed then close the key fob's case and test it by pressing the button to ensure it is working. If it doesn't work, you may need to open the fob again and check whether the new battery has been properly installed.
It's also possible that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to solve the problem, such as electrical damage or physical trauma. In that case, you'll need to bring your key fob to the dealership or service center to repair. However, before doing so, there are four issues that a replacement battery won't solve. You must be aware of these issues so that you can get help from a trained technician if you need it. You should also read about how to fix a remote key repairs key fob's faulty transmitter to find out more about the reasons why it might not be functioning properly.
Clean the Contacts
Cleaning your key fob is crucial to its function and life. Over time, the natural oils of your hands and pockets can accumulate on the crevices and buttons, and can even cause the keys to stop working altogether. All you need is rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab and some alcohol rubbing.
The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery out using a coin or screwdriver. Note the kind of battery (negative and positive sides) so that you can put it back in the correct way.
After that, make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons and the surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the battery contacts, making sure that they are clean of grease or dirt. Once you are done, make sure to allow the fob and its components completely dry.
If your fob doesn't work even after cleaning, you may want to reset the system. Check the 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 due to the battery being dead.
It is essential to keep the key fob regularly after it is cleaned and resynchronized. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and gentle soap, you can ensure that your key fob will function well for many years to come.
Reset the System
Despite the fact that today's high-tech keys fobs are more capable and secure than ever before, it's possible that they run into certain problems. Luckily, the majority of the time, these issues aren't serious or complicated and are often resolved with simple techniques like replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or if the issue cannot be resolved using simple methods an expert auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.
Getting your car to lock or unlock with the key fob is the primary purpose of the device but it can also be used to activate certain features of your vehicle. The key fob can be used to lower or lift a sunroof. This feature is very helpful when you're stuck in traffic and require to open your roof. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your car when it is parked in a tight place.
The key fob's internal circuitry and buttons can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. Symptoms may include intermittent behavior or failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can sometimes affect the function of a keyfob. If your key fob has become wet or contaminated with dust, it's going to need to be cleaned before being used again.
Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts could solve a malfunctioning device, however, if it persists to operate in a erratic manner it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. This will fix system issues and restore device performance.
If you're unsure how to do the factory reset on your device, refer to the official website of the manufacturer or your owner's manual. Certain devices require special tools to reset them, however you should find instructions specific to your model.
Another option for resolving issues with your key fob is to contact an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. They can repair and program keyfobs to fit almost all models of cars. They can also fix keys that have chips.