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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 be affected by issues such as losing functionality. broken car key repair may require professional attention, but most are fixable at home. The first step is generally to change the battery. Most fobs run on a flat watch-style battery, which is easily available at hardware stores or auto parts stores. Dead Battery When a key fob battery fails, it can be a major hassle particularly if you're away from home. There are ways to get your car back on the road in case your keyless entry system isn't working. The first thing to test is if the buttons on the key fob still work. If they do, then the problem may lie with your car's locks instead of the fob. If your keys will not unlock, you might find a mechanical slot within the trim around the door handles or in other places in your car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this doesn't unlock the door, certain cars have an app that allows you to unlock it remotely. For instance the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app and myMazda app allow owners to unlock the doors using smartphones. However, these apps are subject to an annual cost. You should also make sure that your key fob isn't draining your vehicle's battery by sitting on it. A dead key fob will quickly drain your battery, especially if you use its remote features while watching TV or talking on the phone. Holding the key fob right to the car's start button could cause a key fob with a low battery. This simple fix could save you from having to visit your dealer or Interstate All Battery Centers. You can also determine if your key fob is actually dead by trying it in another vehicle with push-button ignition. If it doesn't, it could be necessary to replace the battery in your fob. It's a good idea keep an extra key fob in your bag or purse. Damaged Buttons It's possible that the key fob is damaged and has a button. Your key fob is likely to have circuit boards with “contact pads” for each button. These tiny pads are covered with an electrically conducting film which wears down over time. This wear could cause your fob to react more slowly, or even not to respond at all. The good news is that the contact pad inside a car key fob can be replaced easily, and is done using a flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged it may be difficult to open. You'll have to take it to an auto shop to have the fob repaired. It's not uncommon for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, trodden on, or exposed to water. All of these incidents can result in physical damage, like breaking the keys and snapping them. This can also cause internal damage to the fob and cause an issue. This is why it's always a good idea to carry an extra key fob in your pocket or wallet in the event that you damage the one you own. Make sure the battery is charged first to determine if the buttons on your key fob aren't working as they should. Keep in mind that key fobs aren't any special kind of electronic device – the majority of them use the same two-dollar batteries used in watches and hearing aids, which are readily accessible at drug stores, hardware stores, and on the internet. If the battery is in good condition it is possible that the buttons are worn or dirty. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If the buttons do not work, you could try an alternative car key fob. This will help determine if the problem is yours or a specific model. If the other key fob functions, then yours may need to be reprogrammed or replaced. Reprogramming The hidden world of car key fobs is more intricate than what some myths suggest. The basic fobs function on unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific cars. The fobs must be programmed correctly for them to be able to unlock and start the car. Reprogramming a key fob is not as simple as pressing a few keys. It's usually done by the dealer. The process of reprogramming a fob is based on the model and model year of your vehicle It is therefore essential to refer to the owner's manual for step-bystep instructions. Some manufacturers, like Mercedes have proprietary technology that only dealerships are able to create a new key fob, and then sync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops may offer this service, so check reviews and prices before choosing the right shop. Some car models will erase other fobs when they're reprogrammed. This means that you'll have to have any additional fobs programmed by professionals. This can be expensive particularly if your fob has stopped working. Even if the mechanical key won't start the vehicle, it's a great idea to have a backup option that can open the trunk and doors. If you decide to attempt to reprogram your fob on your own, be prepared for a gruelling journey. You'll be disappointed with the countless online guides that promise success. A lot of these guides were written by people with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated assertions. Some of them even claim that you can program your car key fob with just a few clicks, which is extremely confusing. The majority of key fobs are secured by a clip made of plastic which is easy to remove, however, the battery is within the circuit board, so you'll have to carefully pry it out using a device. You should be able to find the button battery. It's usually an insignificant battery for a watch that you can purchase at most pharmacies or home improvement stores. It's typically simple to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole device, you should try it first. Replacement If the car key fob has been damaged or isn't functioning it is crucial to know that there are several ways to address the issue. A quick fix can be as simple as replacing the battery or programming the key fob but a more thorough repair might be required. It can also be helpful to keep a spare fob in the event that one is lost or stolen. Modern key fobs are more expensive and more difficult to replace because they contain the physical key and electronic. Certain “smart” fobs also have a built-in remote starter. It's important to know that it can take up to an hour to cut and program the replacement fob to your vehicle. Fobs communicate with the car's receiver by using a small radio transmitter on a circuitboard. By pressing car key remote repair near me emits an RF signal specific 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 inserting the key into the ignition or turning a lock. If your fob's buttons are not responding or working intermittently, they may be damaged by water. It is possible to repair the fob by taking it apart and check for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this does not solve the issue, try reprogramming the fob or purchasing an entirely new fob. Before buying a replacement key fob online, contact an expert locksmith or your local dealer to make sure it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. There are a variety of aftermarket key fobs available cheaper, but it's important to look up the brands and read reviews prior to trying to program them. Certain fobs can be modified by an experienced locksmith, but other models require programming equipment that only a car technician or dealer is able to utilize.