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Car Key Fob Repair – How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working Key fobs may experience issues with time, like a loss of functionality. Certain issues might require professional attention, but many can be fixed at home. The first step is usually to change the battery. The majority of fobs have batteries with a flat design that are easy to find at hardware stores or auto parts stores. Dead Battery If the battery for a key fob is dead, it could be a huge inconvenience particularly if you're away from home. There are ways to get your vehicle back on the road in case your keyless entry system has stopped working. The first thing to check is if the buttons on the fob are working. If they aren't, the problem could be with the locks on your car. If your keys do not unlock, there may be a mechanical slot in the trim around your door handles or in your car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, some vehicles have an application that lets you unlock the door remotely. FordPass Connect MyChevrolet Mobile App, myMazda apps, for instance allow owners to open their doors using smartphones. However, these apps require a monthly fee. Also, you should ensure that your key fob isn't draining your car's battery by sitting on it. A dead key fob can drain your battery quickly especially if it's used to control your phone or TV while you are watching. A key fob that's low on battery can sometimes be started by holding it until you hit the start button. It's a simple fix that can save you a trip to the dealership or to select Interstate All Battery Center locations. If your key fob won't work try testing it in a vehicle with an electronic starter button. If it doesn't work, the fob battery probably needs replacement. It's a good idea keep an extra key fob in your bag or purse. Damaged Buttons If your key fob is unable to open doors or start the car remotely, it's likely that one or more of its buttons have been damaged. Your key fob likely contains a circuit board with “contact pads” for each button, and these tiny pads are covered with an electricity conducting film which wears down over time. This wear could cause your fob to react less quickly, or not respond at all. The good news is that the contact pad on the car key fob is simple to replace and can be done so using a simple flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged it will be difficult to open. You'll have to take it to an auto shop to have the fob repaired. It's not uncommon for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, trodden on, or exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to the keys, such as bending or snapping them. It can also cause internal damage to the fob and cause an issue. It's a good idea, that's why you should always carry an additional fob in your wallet or in your pocket in case the one you currently have fails. If the buttons on your key fob aren't working to the extent they should, you should first make sure the battery is in good condition. Key fobs do not require a special type of electronic device. They are powered by the same battery for two dollars that is used in hearing aids and watches. These batteries are available in drug, hardware and online stores. If the battery is in good condition it is possible that the buttons are worn or dirty. You can easily clean them with a damp cloth. If the buttons do not work, try another car key fob. This will help you determine whether the issue is yours or an specific model. If the other key fob functions, then yours might need to be reset or replaced. Reprogramming The world of car key fobs is more complicated than the myths would suggest. The basic fobs function on unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs need to be correctly programmed to allow unlocking and starting the vehicle. Unfortunately it's not as easy as pressing a few buttons, and with only a few exceptions it must be handled by a dealer. The procedure of reprogramming a fob depends on the make and model year of the car you own and it's essential to refer to the owner's manual to get step-by-step instructions. Some manufacturers, such as Mercedes have their own proprietary technology that guarantees only the dealership can create an entirely new fob and then sync it to your vehicle. However, some independent shops can provide this service as well and you should check reviews and prices before selecting the right shop. Certain models of cars erase all other fobs once they are reprogrammed. This means that you'll need to have any additional fobs programmed by professionals. This can be costly particularly if your fob is no longer working. Even when the mechanical key doesn't work to start your vehicle, it's a great idea to have a backup option that can open the trunk and doors. Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you opt to reprogram your fob yourself. There are countless guides online that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. A majority of these guides were written by people who have no experience and are based on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car's key fob with just only a few clicks. This is false. Most key fobs are secured by a plastic clip which is easy to remove, however, the battery is located inside the circuit board, which means you'll need to carefully pry it out using a device. Once you get inside, you should be able to find the button cell battery which is typically a small watch battery that can be purchased at most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. It's usually easy to replace the battery. Before replacing the entire unit, it's worth trying first. car keys repairs near me There are many methods to fix a broken or non-functioning car key fob. A quick fix can be as easy as replacing the battery or programming the key fob but a more thorough repair may be needed. It's also beneficial to keep a spare fob in case one gets lost or stolen. Modern key fobs are more expensive and harder to replace since they have a physical key as well as the electronics. car key remote repair near me include a remote starter built-in. Therefore, it's important to understand that it can take up to an hour to get a new key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle. Fobs make use of a tiny radio transmitter that is mounted on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing the button triggers the transmitter, and it transmits an RF signal that is unique to the car's receiver. The receiver is able to recognize and compare the signal with preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to unlock the car and begin it from a distance without placing the key in the ignition or turning a lock. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding or working in a sporadic manner, they may be damaged by water. You could be able to fix the fob by removing it and looking for any damaged or unresponsive buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, you can try reprogramming the fob or getting another one. Before buying a replacement key fob online, seek out an expert locksmith or your local auto dealer to confirm that it is compatible with the security system of your vehicle. Fobs purchased from a third party can be cheaper but you should look into the brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them yourself. While some fobs are able to be replaced by a reputable locksmith, others require specialized programming equipment that can only be used by a professional auto dealer or auto technician.