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Car Key Fob Repair – How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working Over time, key fobs may experience problems such as malfunction. While some issues may require professional attention, many can be fixed at home. Change the battery is often the first step. The majority of fobs have flat watches that are easy to find at hardware stores or auto parts stores. Dead Battery It can be a real issue when a key fob's battery goes out. This is particularly true when you're away from home. Fortunately, there are ways to get back on the road even the car's keyless entry doesn't work. The first thing to test is if the buttons on the key fob still work. If they do, then the issue could be with your car's locks instead of the fob. If your keys will not unlock, you might find a mechanical slot in the trim around the 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, certain cars 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 cost. You should also make sure that your key fob isn't draining your car's battery by being plugged into it. A dead fob will drain your battery quickly especially if it's used to control the TV or phone while you are watching. Holding the key fob right towards the start button can sometimes start an ignition key fob with an empty battery. It's a simple fix that can save you going to the dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center locations. If your key fob doesn't work, you can test it in a car with a push-button starter. If it doesn't, you may need to replace the battery on your fob. It's a great idea to keep a spare key fob in your backpack or purse. Damaged Buttons It is possible that your key fob has a damaged button. The key fob may contain a circuit board with “contact pads” for each button, and these tiny pads are coated with an electricity conducting film that wears down over time. This wear could cause your fob to respond slower or not at all. The good news is that the contact pad in the key fob of a car is simple to replace and it can be done by using an easy flathead screwdriver. If the key fob has been badly smashed or harmed in any way, it could be more difficult to remove the case, and you'll be required to take the fob into an auto repair shop for repairs. It's not unusual for a key fob to being dropped, trampled or even exposed to water. These incidents can cause physical damage, including bending and snapping the keys. This can also cause internal damage to the fob that could cause a malfunction. It is a good idea, so, always keep an additional fob in your purse or in your pocket in case the one you currently have breaks. Make sure the battery is charged first if your key fob buttons aren't working as they should. Be aware that key fobs aren't a special kind of electronic device; the majority of them use the same two-dollar batteries that are used in hearing aids and watches and are available at drug stores, hardware stores, and even online. If the battery is working it's possible that the buttons are just dirty or worn out and can be cleaned using a moist cloth to wipe them down. If the buttons do not work, try another car key fob. This will help you determine if the problem is yours or a specific model. If the other fob is working then it's likely your key fob needs to be reprogrammed, or even replaced completely. Reprogramming The world of car keys fobs is more complex than the myths that surround it suggest. The basic fobs function on unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific vehicles. The fobs must be programmed correctly in order to be able to unlock and start the car. Unfortunately the process of reprogramming a fob isn't as simple as pressing a few buttons and with only a few exceptions it needs to be handled by a dealer. Check the owner's manual for more detailed instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that only dealerships are able to create a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops might offer this service, so check reviews and prices before choosing the right shop. Some car models will wipe out all other fobs when they're reprogrammed, which means you'll need any additional fobs professionally programmed. This is a costly proposition, especially if you're just one functional fob. It's always recommended to have a spare mechanical key that you can use to open the trunk and doors even if it doesn't start the car. If car key repair cost do decide to attempt to reprogram your fob on your own, be prepared for a gruelling journey. There are many guides on the internet that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. A lot of these guides were written by people with no experience in this area and are often based on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car's key fob by yourself in just a few clicks. This is false. The battery is typically secured with a plastic clip, which is easily removed. However the circuit board houses the battery, and you will need to carefully remove the battery using an instrument. You should be able find the button battery. It's typically tiny batteries for a watch that is available at most pharmacies or home improvement stores. It's typically simple to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole unit, it's worth trying first. Replacement If a car key fob is damaged or isn't functioning, it's important to know there are several options to address the issue. A quick fix can be as easy as replacing the battery or programming the key fob but a more thorough repair might be required. A spare fob is useful in the event one is lost or stolen. Most modern key fobs contain a small physical key in addition the electronic component which makes them more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some “smart fobs” even come with remote starters. As such, it's important to understand that it could take up to an hour to have an alternative key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle. car key repair shop near me use a small radio transmitter mounted on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing an appropriate button will activate the transmitter, and it transmits a unique RF signal 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 start it from a distance without putting the key in the ignition or turning the lock. If the buttons on your key fob do not respond or function intermittently it could indicate that they have been damaged by water or other causes. It is possible to repair the fob by taking it apart and looking for any damaged or unresponsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can try reprogramming the fob, or purchasing another one. Before buying a replacement key fob on the internet, consult an expert locksmith or your local auto dealer to make sure it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. The fobs from the aftermarket can be less expensive but you should study the brands and read reviews before trying to program them yourself. While some fobs are able to be replaced by a trusted locksmith, other models require special equipment for programming that can only be used by a car dealer or auto technician.