Blog entry by Jenny Kingsley
Many cars have key fobs that let you start or unlock the car remotely. Some come with additional features, such as remote control of the lowering of windows.
But they are susceptible to breaking, as well. The days of having to visit a local locksmith to get a replacement are largely gone and replacing one could cost hundreds of dollars.
Dead Battery
Most likely the most common issue people have with their car key fobs is that the battery is dead. Batteries age over time and it's easy to overlook this fact until your key fob stops working in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is, replacing the battery is easy and inexpensive. You can find an alternative at hardware stores or some big-box retailers for around $10. The process is actually quite easy. Make sure you get the right battery for your vehicle key repairs. The majority of fobs use batteries for watches, commonly known as a coin cell CR2032 however, you can consult the owner's manual, or go online to search for the model you have in mind to find out what kind of battery it requires.
Most modern fobs come with an emergency blade. It's a metal key that you can use to open the door of your car when your remote isn't working. This is a great way to avoid being left without a key or paying a locksmith if you don't have a spare key.
Another quick fix for a broken or dead key fob is to push the lock or unlock button several times in a row until you hear a chime. This resets the circuit board on the fob, and will frequently revive the device.
If your key fob is still not working it's likely that the device is not paired with your vehicle, and you need to reprogram it. You can usually do this yourself by following the instructions in the owner's manual or online videos.
Be aware that reprogramming your key fob is more complex than simply changing the battery. This is particularly true if you own an older model key fob which requires special computer software which only a dealer has access to. If you're unsure about how to do this you might want to visit a professional service.
Damaged Buttons
Despite being built to take an abuse keys aren't impervious to damage. They are dropped, bounced in pockets and purses and exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Over time the batteries and circuit board inside may also be damaged. If this happens the buttons on your key fob could cease to function properly. Luckily, this is usually an easy fix. You can either replace the battery, or clean the contacts.
A lot of people don't even realize that the fob that they use to access their keys isn't working until they try to lock or unlock the car. The fob uses radio waves and infrared signals to communicate with the car's system. If you find that your fob isn't sending these signals, it could be time to call locksmiths who specialize in this kind of work.
Another issue that is common is that the key fob's buttons aren't responding to being pressed. This can be caused by a number of factors, including dirt or debris entering your battery compartment. If this is the case, then your device will likely need to be reprogrammed to function properly.
Car key fobs enable motorists to open and lock their vehicles without ever having to remove the key from the ignition. The key fob emits a digital signal that is recognized by the car. It then performs various functions based on the make and model.
If you require your key fob reprogrammed or just want a replacement, Ace Hardware can help. They sell a variety of key fobs for most makes and models, as well as key rings and car accessories. They even have a few that are compatible with older vehicles.
However, they recommend contacting the original dealer to request the new key fob programmed. Some dealerships, particularly those that specialize in luxury vehicles, will not sell or program fobs from the aftermarket. The process is complex and requires technical knowledge that is exclusive to automobile manufacturers. The majority of new car bumper-to-bumper warranties and auto insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a key fob.
Faulty Transmitter
The development of smart technology has allowed keys for cars to do much more compared to the earlier. With a single press of a button, they can unlock/lock a vehicle, activate/disable alarms and even start the car. These remotes/fobs are loaded with technology and are susceptible to damage. It is not unusual to have these remotes stop working when you would least expect it like when you are loading groceries into your car or en route to work.
Other issues can occur with your key fob, in addition to a dead battery. Particularly, there could be an issue with the transmitter inside that could hinder it from recording your key as being within the range of. It can be more difficult to diagnose this problem, as there is no tangible indication that the receiver is broken. It could be worth connecting the key fob to an alternative vehicle to test its compatibility.
It is also possible to disassemble the fob to make sure that no buttons are broken or stuck. The remote is frequently moved around and the buttons may be smashed or out of alignment. This could cause it to not respond when it is pressed. In this instance, readjusting the buttons could be an easy fix that will help to resolve the problem in the nick of time.
Finally, it's also worth trying to use a spare key to determine whether the issue is with the fob or if there's something else that's stopping your car from getting started. This can help narrow down the issue and help find the solution.
If you've completed all of the above, but are still having issues with your car's key fob, it's time to think about getting an alternative. Depending on the model and make the replacements can be bought at a dealership or aftermarket retailers. NAPA Auto Parts offers replacement keys for cars that can be programmed with no tools. They are similar to original fobs and are sold for a reasonable price.
Reprogramming
Modern cars have key fobs that are loaded with technological features. They can do everything from locking and unlocking a car to turning off alarms, resetting the engine, and more. The technology is housed in the size of a coin-sized remote, which is usually made of nickel or brass. This fob may become less reliable as it becomes older and starts to malfunction. If the buttons don't function or the car will not start, it might be time to re-programme it.
There are ways to reduce the cost of reprograming new keys. For instance, if have a spare fob in your possession and you want to reprogram it at a locksmith instead of paying the dealer. Some automakers allow owners to program key fobs themselves by following a set of steps that place the vehicle in "learn mode". The process is typically described in the owner's manual or can be found online by searching for "onboard programming instructions for [your car's model."
If you have a working spare or you are having your fob fixed, it's always recommended to keep it in your purse or pocket for emergencies. This allows you to utilize it to start your car should you get locked out or you need to leave the vehicle when you go shopping. If you own a smart-key, it's more crucial to keep an extra. They have a built-in chip that enables them to unlock doors and open the car. The technology may wear out as they age. Check the manufacturer's site to find out if they have replacement smart keys repair for your vehicle.
You can buy new key fobs on the internet, but they may not be able to program the key repair shop for your vehicle. It's better to find an auto locksmith who is familiar with the year and make of your vehicle. The locksmith in the automotive industry will be able to change the code of the key fob of your vehicle and install a new one should it be required.