10 Key Fob Repair Tricks Experts Recommend Car Key Fob Repair Service

While a car key fob could seem a bit of an incidental item, if it stops working properly you could be in a difficult spot. While replacing it with a new one can be costly but sometimes it's the most cost-effective alternative.

But before you head to the dealer to have one of your documents redrawn, there are several other places you can go that can save you money.

Dead Battery

One of the most common problems with key fobs is batteries that are dead. It can make people feel a bit uneasy and can be a real shock, particularly when you leave for work or heading to a party. You may have a back-up plan, such as an additional key or a number for assistance at the roadside, but you will still require a fix or replacement for the fob. The good news is that most car key fob battery issues are easily fixable with the right information.

A majority of modern vehicles come with a backup system that accounts for the possibility of fob batteries going out of service. Usually it is the case that if you hold the dead fob to the ignition button and press it, you'll be able start the car. If you have a push-to start vehicle, this will unlock the doors. The owner's manual for your car will contain specific information on where to place the fob that will start it.

Other causes for keys that don't turn on or respond to the button presses include buttons that aren't being depressed completely, a battery with low capacity or a remote control that requires reprogramming. In some instances cleaning the device may be all it takes to make your key fob work again. Because key fob buttons are typically pressed over and over again the dirt may build up that prevents them from pressing to the fullest extent.

You can use the end of a clip clean your key fob. You can use this to open the case safely and remove the battery. It is also advisable to keep an extra battery handy and any other tools you may need to open up the key fob case. This way, you'll be prepared for any issue with your key fob so that it doesn't interrupt your day and result in having need to call for roadside assistance. Alternately, you can keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't get caught off guard by a problem with your key fob.

Button Issues

When they are pressed by the buttons on remote controls send signals to the circuit board. If the buttons wear out, the signals may not be transmitted and your fob will stop functioning. This could occur over time, or could be due to some other issue with the car or fob. A professional will be able to repair or replace the button if it's worn.

Key fobs are often subject to a lot of abuse. They're dropped, tossed around, and exposed to cold and heat on a regular basis. They're also extremely fragile and easily broken. The inside of the key fob is filled with components such as a circuitboard and battery contacts, which could be destroyed if you abuse it enough.

Changing the battery in your key fob will usually be enough to resolve most issues, but some issues are more complicated than those. You can test the battery by using a screwdriver to remove the case of your key fob and see whether it is required to be replaced or cleaned. The majority of key fobs utilize 3V button cells, which are readily available in every store.

Even a tiny amount of water can damage the fob. This can be a problem when you wash the key fob or swim with it in your pocket. This can cause damage to the transponder chip inside and cause the key fob to stop functioning.

If you're dealing with a button issue the best choice is to speak with a professional locksmith. They can fix or replace your button and reprogram it for you. They also can fix other electrical problems, like a broken horn or lights that won't work.


It's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and tools for your vehicle. Cars can be costly. If you don't then your vehicle will not function correctly and you'll be having a harder time getting to where you need to go. It's also a big safety issue to have faulty technology and equipment because it can lead to more serious mechanical issues later on.

Broken Battery Terminals

If your fob doesn't work when you try to start your car, it could be that the battery terminals are damaged. To unlock and start the vehicle, the fob needs to be able to communicate with central system of your vehicle. This communication is carried out by a small transmitter located inside the key fob. The transmission signals are transmitted by the fob to the internal key (if it exists), which unlocks the doors and starts the engine. The fob is designed to be able to send this signal over distances of up to 50 feet, but the transmission might not function if the battery terminals are broken.

Fortunately, they are easy solutions. Replacing the battery is typically as simple as removing the old battery, finding out which type of replacement batteries are required, and visiting an auto parts store or online retailer for the proper one. Some key fobs are hard to open in order to access the batteries, however, it's important to be cautious so that you don't break any of the components inside.

key fob repair service near me is to try the key fob a second time. If how to repair car key lock doesn't work, it is possible that the metal key itself inside the fob has been damaged or the key has been reprogrammed. Modern keys must be programmed in order to function with a particular vehicle, and certain error codes may affect the programming of the key fob. This can be remedied by a professional who can re-program the key to the vehicle.

Another possibility is that the fob itself is damaged, particularly when it was dropped or left in the rain. key lock repair near me could also be that the key fob was exposed to excessive heat or had other issues that caused the circuit board to fail. Sometimes this is the result of work that was done to your vehicle that exposed wires. This could cause other issues, such as a damaged horn or malfunctioning key fob. It is essential to examine the key fob for damage and replace or repair it if needed, as not having a functioning key can be extremely stressful and potentially dangerous.

Other Problems

Car key fobs are a wonderful convenience, but they can also cause issues that require professional repair. Many of the issues that can be a problem for a car keyfob are easy and inexpensive to repair. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues and their possible solutions:

A dead battery

Most basic remotes can last for a long period before needing an upgrade in battery, however the lifespan of Smart Key fobs is generally much shorter. The batteries for fobs must be changed every three to four years and can stop working if they become too old. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to solve - simply buy a new replacement battery and put it in.

A damaged receiver

The transmitter in your key fob must receive signals from the vehicle's receiver in order to be able to open and begin. If the receiver is damaged, signals won't be able to pass through and will remain unreadable. This is a straightforward issue to diagnose however, if the receiver is too damaged, it may be necessary for you to replace it.

Not programmed

Some modern cars need a special chip in the key fob to start. The chip communicates to the car using a unique code only known by the manufacturer. In the majority of instances, a replacement key fob must be programmed by the dealer. You can find aftermarket fobs that work with a variety of vehicles.

Not working

If your car key fob will not work after you have replaced the battery and buttons, it could be due to an electrical problem or another type of problem that requires a professional fix. A locksmith expert can swiftly resolve the issue by examining for the problem. This is usually less expensive than going to a dealer. The cost of a replacement fob will vary depending on the model of your car as well as the locksmith you have chosen to use. You can get a rough estimate of the cost by speaking with some local businesses prior to booking a job.