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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 can have issues, such as a malfunction. Some issues may need professional attention, but most are fixable at home. The first step is usually to replace the battery. The majority of fobs have batteries with a flat design that are easy to find at auto parts stores. Dead Battery When a key fob battery dies, it can be a huge inconvenience particularly if you're away from home. However, there are options to get back on the road even when your vehicle's keyless entry system isn't working. One of the first things to check is to determine if the key fob's buttons still function. If they aren't then the issue could be with the car's locks. If your keys do not unlock, you may find a mechanical slot in the trim around your door handles or in other places on your vehicle (consult the owner's manual). Insert car key remote repair , and try again. If this fails there are some cars that have an app that lets you unlock the doors remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for example, allow owners to unlock their doors using smartphones. However, these apps are subject to a monthly fee. It is also important to ensure that your key fob doesn't drain the batteries of your car by resting on them. A dead key fob will quickly drain your battery, especially when you use its remote functions while watching TV or speaking on the phone. Holding the key fob to the car's start button can sometimes start a key fob with low battery. It's a simple fix that can save you a trip to the dealer or even select Interstate All Battery Center locations. You can also find out whether your key fob is actually dead by trying it in a different vehicle that has push-button ignition. If it doesn't work it's likely that the battery requires replacement. This is why it's a good idea to keep an extra key fob in a purse or backpack. Damaged Buttons If your key fob isn't able to unlock doors or start the car remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons are damaged. The key fob may contain a circuit board with “contact pads” for each button, and these little pads are coated with a conductor of electricity that wears down over time. This wear can cause your device to respond less or not at all. The good news is that the contact pad on the key fob of a car can be replaced easily, and it can be done using an easy flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged it may be difficult to open. You'll need to take it to an auto repair shop to get the fob repaired. It's not uncommon for a key fob being dropped, trampled, or exposed water. All of these can cause physical damage to the keys, such as bending or snapping them. This could also cause internal damage to the fob that could cause a malfunction. It's a good idea therefore, to always carry an additional fob in your wallet or in your pocket in case the one you're using breaks. Check the battery first to determine if the buttons on your key fob aren't responding like they should. Be aware that key fobs don't come with a particular kind of electronic device; most of them run on the same two-dollar batteries that are used in watches and hearing aids and are available at drug stores, hardware stores, and online. If the battery is working it's likely that the buttons are dirty or worn out, and can be 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 determine whether the issue is yours or a specific model. If the other key fob works it is possible that yours needs to be reset or replaced. Reprogramming The world of fobs for car keys is more complex than the myths that surround it suggest. Basic fobs operate with radio frequency signals that are specific to each vehicle. The fobs need to be programmed correctly in order for them to unlock and start the car. Reprogramming a key fob is not as simple as pressing several keys. It's usually handled by the dealer. The procedure for reprogramming the fob depends on the make and model year of your car, so it's important to refer to the owner's manual to get step-by-step instructions. Some manufacturers, like Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that only dealerships are able to create a new key fob and resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops might offer this service, so make sure to check reviews and prices before choosing a shop. Some car models will erase all other fobs when they're reprogrammed, which means you'll need to get any additional fobs programmed professionally. This is a costly proposition particularly if you're just one functional fob. Even in the event that the mechanical key will not start the car, it's a good idea to have a backup that can open the trunk and doors. Be prepared for a gruelling experience if you choose to reprogram your fob by yourself. You'll be disappointed by numerous online guides that claim to be successful. A lot of these guides were written by people who have no experience in this area and often are based on unsubstantiated claims. Some even claim that you can program your car key fob in only a few clicks, which is extremely misleading. Most key fobs are secured by a clip made of plastic that is easy to remove but the battery is inside the circuit board, and you'll need to carefully pull it out using a device. Once you get inside, you should be able locate the button cell battery which is usually a small watch battery that can be purchased at a variety of pharmacies or at home improvement stores. The replacement of the battery is generally an easy process, but it's always worthwhile to try this first before replacing the entire unit. Replacement If your car key fob is damaged or has stopped working it is crucial to know there are several options to address the issue. It could be possible to repair the issue quickly by replacing the battery or programming your key fob. However, a more extensive repair may be needed. A spare fob could be helpful in the event that one is lost or taken. Modern key fobs are more expensive and harder to replace since they have a physical key and electronic. Some “smart fobs” even come with a remote starter. It's important to know that it could take an hour or more to cut and program the replacement fob to your vehicle. car key remote repair communicate with the car receiver by using a small radio transmitter that is mounted on the circuit board. By pressing a button, the transmitter transmits an RF signal specific to the car's receiver. The receiver detects the signal and checks it against preprogrammed codes. This allows drivers to start the car from a distance, without the need to put the ignition key in. If the buttons on your key fob fail to respond or work sporadically it could mean that they've been damaged by water or other causes. It is possible to repair the fob if you take it apart and look for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, you can try reprogramming the fob or buying another one. Before purchasing a replacement key fob on the internet, seek out an expert locksmith or your local dealer to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle's security systems. You can find aftermarket fobs cheaper, but it's important to study the brands and read reviews prior to trying to program them. While some fobs are able to be replaced by a reputable locksmith, other models require special equipment for programming that can only be used by a professional auto dealer or auto technician.