Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

Being tossed around in purses and pockets, key fob buttons can deteriorate and fail to register presses reliably. Replacing the battery, which the majority of car fobs come with in a snap-out bag, auto key fob repair may fix the issue.

If the contacts on your key fob are damaged, a replacement might not be enough to bring it back to life. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can do at home:

Replace the battery

If your key fob feels sluggish or takes longer than usual to unlock or lock your car, it might be time to replace the battery. Replacing a key fob's battery is among those easy tasks that you can perform yourself. It is also an inexpensive fix that could save you the hassle of a professional locksmith or dealership.

The majority of key fobs require batteries that look like coins (CR2032 or similar) which can be found at any general store or home improvement center or Auto key fob repair parts store. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept the batteries, and opening the case for battery replacement is relatively simple. Based on the brand you will need make use of a screwdriver to open the compartment.

If your key fob has clips that keep the batteries in place, gently remove them using your fingers or other non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Take note of the orientation when removing the old one. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries since this could reduce their lifespan.

Close the case of the key fob and test its function by pressing the button. If it still doesn't work you might need to open the case again and make sure whether the new battery has been properly installed.

There is a chance that a simple replacement of the battery is not enough to resolve the issue. This could be caused by electrical damage or physical trauma. In this scenario you'll be required to bring your key fob to a dealer or auto service center for repairs. But, before doing so, there are four common issues that a battery replacement can't solve. It is important to be aware of these issues, so that you can get help from a trained technician if you need it. You can also find out how to fix the faulty transmitter of a key fob in order to discover the reason it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Cleaning your key fob is crucial to its function and longevity. Over time, natural oils from your fingers and pocket lint can build up on the keys' crevices and buttons, and can even cause the keys to stop working completely. All you need is rubbing alcohol an swab of cotton and alcohol rubbing.

First, open up the key fob by removing the lid off using an instrument or coin and gently prying out the battery. Note the type of battery (negative and positive side) so that you can install it correctly.

Then, wet a cotton small or swab with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start cleansing the dirt off all the buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Pay particular attention to the battery's contacts and ensure that they are clean. Once you are done, you must let the fob and its components dry completely.

If your fob doesn't work even after cleaning, you may need to reset the system. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to repair car key fob to reset the system. This could be able to bring the key fob back to normal if the issue was simply the battery being dead.

It is essential to keep the key fob regularly after it has been cleaned and synchronized. You can ensure that your key fob is functioning for many years by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the system

Even though today's high tech key fobs come with more features that are safer and more convenient than ever, they can still encounter some issues. Fortunately, most times, these issues aren't serious or complex and are usually solved with simple solutions such as replacing the battery. If the issue is more serious or the issue can't be solved using simple methods, a professional auto repair shop can repair and replace the key fob.

The device's primary function is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to enable certain vehicle features. 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. The key fob is also useful for summoning your car when it's parked in a shady spot.

The key fob's internal circuitry and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and tear. The signs are erratic behavior or an inability to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes moisture, or other electromagnetic interference sources can interfere with the proper operation of the key fob. If your key fob has been contaminated with dust or has become wet, it should be cleaned before you can use it again.

If the device continues to behave unpredictably after replacing the key fob or cleaning the contacts, you may require an initial reset. This can fix system-related issues and improve device performance.

If you're unsure the best way to perform a reset then consult the device's owner's manual or the manufacturer's site. Certain models require a specific tool to complete the reset, but you should be able to locate instructions that are applicable to the model you're using.

Another option to resolve issues with your key fob is to contact an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. These experts are able replace and program key fobs for almost all car models. They can also fix keys that have chips.