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Car Key Fob Repair – How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working Over time, key fobs could experience problems such as loss of functionality. try what she says might require professional attention, however many can be resolved at home. Change the battery is often the first step. Most fobs use flat watch-style batteries that are readily available at auto parts stores. Dead Battery It can be a real problem when the battery of a key fob goes out. This is especially true when you're away from home. There are ways to get your car back on the road in case your keyless entry system has stopped working. One of the first things to check is to determine if the buttons on your key fob work. If they do, the problem may lie with your car's locks instead of the fob. If the keys aren't unlocking try looking for a mechanical key slot hidden in the door handle trim or on another part of the car (consult your owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, certain cars come with an application that lets you unlock it remotely. For instance the FordPass Connect app, the myChevrolet mobile app and myMazda app allow owners to open their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps require a monthly fee. Also, make sure whether your key fob won't drain your car's batteries by being plugged into them. A dead fob can quickly drain your battery, especially when you utilize its remote functions while watching TV or talking on the phone. A key fob that's just low on battery can sometimes be activated by bringing it until you hit the start button. This simple fix can save you from a trip to your dealer or Interstate All Battery Centers. You can also find out whether your key fob actually dead by testing it in another vehicle with the push-button ignition. If it doesn't, you may need to replace the battery on your fob. It's a good idea keep a spare key fob in your backpack or purse. Damaged Buttons It's possible that your key fob has a damaged button. Your key fob likely contains a circuit board with “contact pads” for each button, and these tiny pads are coated with an electricity conducting film which wears down over time. This wear can make your fob respond less or not at all. The good news is that the pad on the key fob of a car can be replaced easily, and is done by using a simple flathead screwdriver. However, if Read More At this website has been badly smashed or harmed in any way, it might be more difficult to open up the case, and you'll need to take the fob into an auto repair shop for repairs. It's not unusual for a key fob to be thrown around, trampled upon or even exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to keys, such as bending or snapping them. This can also cause internal damage to the fob, which could cause malfunction. It's a good idea, that's why you should always carry an extra fob in your purse or in your pocket in case the one you're currently using breaks. Check the battery first If your key fob's buttons aren't working in the way they should. Key fobs don't require any special electronic device. They utilize the same two-dollar battery that is used in hearing aids and watches. They are sold at drug, hardware, and online stores. If the battery is working it's possible that the buttons are just dirty or worn down, and can be easily cleaned using a moist cloth to clean them. If the buttons still don't work, you could try an alternative car key fob. This will help you determine if the problem is yours or a specific model. If the other key fob is working, then yours may need to be reset or replaced. Reprogramming The secret world of car key fobs is more complex than some myths would suggest. The basic fobs operate on unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific vehicles. The fobs must be properly programmed to unlock and begin the vehicle. Unfortunately, reprogramming a fob isn't as easy as pressing a few buttons and with only a few exceptions it must be handled by a dealer. Consult your owner's guide for detailed instructions. Some manufacturers, such as Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that guarantees only the dealership can create a new fob and re-sync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops might offer this service, so be sure to read reviews and prices before selecting a shop. Some car models will erase all other fobs when they're programmed, meaning you'll need to get any additional fobs programmed professionally. This can be costly especially if you're only just one functional fob. Even in the event that the mechanical key will not work to start your car, it's a good idea to have a backup key that can open the trunk and doors. If you do attempt to reprogram your fob yourself, be prepared for a frustrating journey. There are numerous guides available on the internet that promise success, but you'll likely be disappointed. Many of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated statements. Some of these guides claim that you can easily program your car key fob with just only a few clicks. This is misleading. The majority of key fobs are held in place by a clip made of plastic that's easy to loosen, but the battery is inside the circuit board, and you'll need to carefully pry it out with a tool. You should be able find the button battery. It's typically tiny batteries for a watch, which can be purchased at any pharmacies or at home improvement stores. It's usually simple to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole unit, it's worth trying first. Replacement There are many ways to fix a broken or non-functioning car key fob. It is possible to fix the problem quickly by replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob. However it is possible that a more extensive repair may be needed. A spare fob is helpful in the event that one is lost or taken. Most modern key fobs contain a small physical key, in addition to the electronics which makes them more expensive and more complex to replace than traditional keys. Some “smart fobs” even include a remote starter. Therefore, it's important to understand that it can take up to an hour to get an alternative key fob cut and programmed for your vehicle. Fobs make use of a tiny radio transmitter on circuit boards to communicate with the car's receiver. By pressing a button, the transmitter emits an RF signal that is unique to the car receiver. The receiver recognizes and compares the signal with preprogrammed codes. This allows a driver to start the car from a distance without the need to put the ignition key in. If your key fob buttons aren't responding or working in a sporadic manner, they may have been damaged by water. It is possible to repair the fob by taking it apart and check for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you can try reprogramming your fob or getting another one. Before buying a replacement key fob online, you should contact a professional locksmith or your local dealer to make sure it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. Fobs purchased from a third party can be cheaper, but you should research brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them yourself. While certain fobs can be repaired by a reputable locksmith, others require specialized equipment to program them that can only be used by a vehicle dealer or auto technician.