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Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

You might be enticed, when your remote key fob doesn't working and you are unable to use it, to take it to a dealership to get it changed. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.

Begin by replacing the battery. Hardware stores sell flat watch-style batteries that are inexpensive and easy to find. You can then take a look at the key fob and look for buttons that are worn out or out of place.

Dead Battery


The key fob is a small electronic device that makes it simple to lock or unlock your vehicle. It is a radio transmitter which transmits codes to a receiver within your car. The batteries in key fobs last for a long period of time, but can end up dying at any time. Check the LED light, or try pressing one of the buttons to see whether it's dead. If the key fob does not respond it means the battery has failed and must be replaced.

Change the battery on a key fob is easy and quick. It's usually as easy as opening the key fob, then removing the battery that was in use and replacing it with a brand new one. Fobs use small batteries, similar to those used in hearing aids and watches and are available at general stores and home improvement centers. They're usually shaped like tiny coins with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. Consult your owner's guide or the label on your key fob if you aren't sure what type of batteries your fob uses.

After changing the battery the fob's key should function as usual. If it's not working it could be due to an issue with your vehicle, or its system, that's the reason it isn't functioning correctly. If this is the situation you'll need roadside assistance.

Based on the make and model of your vehicle, you might also be able to order replacement keys on the internet or from a dealer. It's typically cheaper and easier to buy an entirely new key fob rather than to repair a damaged one.

Buttons aren't responding

If you have been driving around for a while and notice that the buttons on your keys are not functioning, it could be an issue with worn out sensor for the button. The majority of fobs have buttons made of rubber that wear out over time, which may cause them to work correctly when they are pushed in a certain way or with extreme force. This is a common issue for many fobs and is easily fixed with some simple DIY steps.

The fob transmits an unlocking signal to the receiver inside the car. If the receiver is damaged, it may not receive the signal and the key will not work to open or start your vehicle. This can be resolved by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to look for damage. In most cases, this is free or a small fee dependent on the model of your car.

It's not surprising that key fobs are frequently utilized and tossed around in pockets and purses. They can become a bit finicky and only function when they are pressed in a particular manner. It is simple to fix most fobs, as the buttons are easily reinforced with silicone and a bit of effort.

To get the buttons working again, press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your key fob until you hear a chime from your vehicle. This should be repeated several times to activate the button. The next step is to turn your key in and out of the ignition of your car several times more to reset the connection between the fob and your car. Once the connection has been restored, you can remove the ignition key and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the process until the fob is functioning again. If repair car key fob cannot fix the fob using this method, it could be required to replace it. If you decide to replace it, be sure that the new key is programmed to work with your vehicle model and make.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's plastic keychain loop breaks off, it can separate from your keys and can no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The keychain loop can be easily replaced.

Damage from water or moisture could also cause key fobs to malfunction, with symptoms that include a reduced range of operation or even no function at all. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery may fix the issue however sometimes a professional repair or replacement is necessary.

Over time keys fob buttons may wear out and become less responsive or ineffective. It could be necessary to replace the key fob's button or case however, reprogramming may solve this issue. Occasionally signal interference from nearby electronic devices may cause interference between the key fob and the vehicle, leading to problems with locking or unlocking. It is possible to conduct a diagnostic check at the dealership in order to troubleshoot. This is typically the case with older electronic key fobs that operate using infrared signals. They require a clear line-of-sight in order to function, but most modern microchip keys use challenge-response authentication over radio frequency to communicate with your vehicle.

Pairings that are lost or damaged

Over time, key fob batteries lose their charge, and if the battery has lost all of its power, the remote will not respond to commands. Replacing the battery will usually solve the issue, however you may also have to get the remote reprogrammed.

The key fobs in modern cars can be used to control a variety of functions. They can raise and lower windows, trigger the alarm and turn on the interior lighting and even start some vehicles. It is easy for car owners to hit the wrong buttons through accident. Keep your owner's guide close by when using your key fob to easily refer to the sections that pertain to your car's features.

A fob could stop working because the remote signal is damaged or lost. Some of the latest key fobs utilize sophisticated signal encryption technology to keep thieves from intercepting signals and generating unauthorized keys or remotes that allow you to unlock your car. You'll probably have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to re-program the fob and restore its functionality.

Certain automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs. Often, these procedures are simple enough to be done at home. However, the procedure is generally not a good option for people who have no prior electronic experience. It is better to leave this sort of work to experts.

Key fobs receive plenty of wear and tear, particularly when they are often used and handled. The buttons of a key fob could be pushed and the case could crack or break. It is important to have an extra key fob on you at all times because it will save you time and trouble if your remote stops working while you're out and about. It is a good idea to keep it by your bed at night, as it will allow you to hit the panic button when you hear noises coming from the house at night.