A Brief History History Of Key Fob Repair Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

The buttons on key fobs can become damaged and stop working after being tossed around in purses and pockets. Replacing the small battery, which the majority of car fobs have in a snap-out case may fix the issue.

If the contacts inside your key fob have damaged, a new replacement might not be enough to bring it back to life. There's an easy fix you can do at home:

Replace the battery

If your key fob feels slow or takes longer than normal to unlock or lock your vehicle, it could be time to replace the battery. The replacement of a key fob's battery is one of the easy tasks you can complete yourself. It's a simple fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealership or locksmith.

You can purchase a coin-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement general retailer. The key fobs usually have a slot to accept these batteries and opening the case for battery replacement is relatively simple. Depending on the brand you might need make use of a screwdriver to open the compartment.

If your key fob is equipped with clips that hold the batteries in place, gently remove them using your fingers or with non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Be aware of its position when you take out the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of the batteries as this can reduce their life.

Once the new battery is installed, close the key fob's case and test it by pushing the button to confirm it is working. If it's still not working you might need to open the case again and verify that the battery is properly inserted.

You may also find that a simple replacement of the battery isn't enough to solve the issue. car key fob repair near me could be caused by electrical damage or physical trauma. In this case, you'll need to bring your key fob into a dealer or automotive service center to be repaired. But, before doing so, there are four common issues that a replacement battery won't fix. It is important to be aware of the issues so that you're able to seek out an experienced technician should you need. You should also read about how to repair a key fob's defective transmitter to learn more about why it may not be working correctly.

Clean the Contacts

It is essential to keep your keys clean to ensure their functionality and longevity. Over time, natural oils from your fingers and pocket lint can accumulate on the crevices and buttons and may cause keys to cease functioning completely. It's easy enough to fix all you need is rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery out using either a screwdriver or coin. Be sure to note the type of battery it's (negative and positive sides) so that you can insert it again correctly after you are finished.

Then, wet a swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start cleaning away the dirt from all buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Be sure to pay particular attention to the contacts of the battery and make sure they are clean. After you have finished, let the fob and its components completely dry.

If your device doesn't function after cleaning it, it might be a good idea to reset the system. Refer to the owner's manual of your device for directions on how to do this and follow them accordingly. This could bring the key fob back to life if the issue was simply due to the battery being dead.

It is crucial to maintain the key fob on a regular basis after it is cleaned and resynchronized. You can keep your key fob functioning for many years by wiping it clean with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the system

Although today's modern key fobs have more features, are safer, and are more convenient than ever before, they can still encounter some issues. Luckily, the majority times, these issues aren't serious or complicated and are often solved with simple solutions like replacing the battery. If the problem is more severe or the issue isn't resolved by simple solutions such as a professional auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.


The primary function of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to enable certain features of your vehicle. The key fob can be used to lift or lower the sunroof. This feature is very useful when you're stuck in traffic and require to open your roof. In the same way, the key fob can be used to call your car when it's located in a tight spot.

The internal circuitry of a key fob can malfunction due to defects in manufacturing or wear and tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or the complete inability to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, or other electromagnetic interference sources could interfere with the operation of the key fob. If your key fob has been dirty or has become wet, it should be cleaned before you use it again.

Replacing the battery of your key fob or cleaning the contacts might solve a malfunctioning device, but if the device persists to operate in a erratic manner you might need to do a factory reset. This can fix system bugs and improve device performance.

If you're not sure how to perform a factory reset on your device, check the website of the manufacturer of your device or your owner's manual. Some devices require special tools to reset them, however you'll need to find the correct instructions for your specific model.

Another option to resolve problems with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts can repair and program keyfobs for almost all car models. Additionally, they can also repair car keys that have chips inside them.