Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

Being tossed around in pockets and purses key fob buttons may get damaged and stop registering presses with accuracy. Replacing the small battery, which most car fobs are equipped with in a snap-out case, may fix the issue.

If the contacts inside the key fob are damaged, a replacement may not be sufficient to bring it back to life. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can try at home:

Replace the battery

If your key fob seems slow or takes longer than usual to unlock or lock your car, it may be time to replace the battery. It's good news that replacing a key fob battery is one of the most simple tasks you can tackle yourself. It's a simple fix that will save you money when you go to the dealer or a locksmith.

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 parts store. Key fobs typically have a slot that can accept the batteries and opening the case to swap out batteries is quite simple. Depending on the manufacturer, you may require a screwdriver or another tool to open the cover of the battery compartment.

If your key fob has clips that hold the batteries in place, gently remove them with your fingers or non-metallic tools. Install the new battery, making sure to put it in the right place. Be aware of its orientation when you remove the old one. It is essential to avoid touching the batteries' flat surfaces since finger marks can reduce their lifespan.

After the new battery has been installed then close the key fob's case and test it by pushing the button to ensure it is working. If it still doesn't work, you may need to open the case again and make sure whether the new battery has been inserted correctly.

It is also possible that a simple battery replacement isn't enough to fix the problem, such as physical or electrical injury. In this scenario, you will have to bring your key fob to a dealer or auto service center to make repairs. Before you do that, there are four issues that the replacement battery can't fix. You should be aware of these issues, to be able to seek help from a qualified technician when necessary. You can also learn how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob to determine the reason why it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Cleaning your key fob is essential to its function and lifespan. Over time, natural oils from your hands and pockets can build up on the key fob's crevices and buttons and even cause keys to cease working completely. It's simple enough to fix all you need is cleaning alcohol and a cotton swab.

Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery out with a coin or screwdriver. Note the nature of the battery (negative and positive sides) to ensure you reinstall it correctly.

Then, wet a cotton small or swab with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start taking off the dirt from all the buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Pay particular attention to the battery contacts, making sure they are free of any grease or dirt. Once you are done, you must allow the fob and its components dry completely.

If your fob isn't functioning even after cleaning, you may be required to reset your system. Go through the owner's manual of your device to find out how to reset the system. If the key fob was just dead, this could be enough to bring it back to life.

It is important to maintain the key fob regularly after it is cleaned and resynchronized. By regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap, you can ensure that car key remote repairs your key fob will function well for many long time to come.

Reset the System

Even though today's high tech key fobs come with more features, are safer, and more convenient than ever but they are still susceptible to some issues. Luckily, the majority of the time the issues aren't major or complex, and can be resolved with simple techniques such as replacing the battery. If the problem is serious or cannot be resolved by simple techniques, an auto repair shop will replace and reset your key fob.

Making your car lock or unlock using the key fob is the main purpose of the device however, it can also be used to activate some car features. The key fob can be used to lift or lower a sunroof. This feature is beneficial if you need to open the roof while you are stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to summon your car when it's stuck in a parking place.

The internal circuitry of a key fob and buttons can become faulty due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs could include unpredictable behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Sometimes, moisture or other sources of electromagnetic interference can interfere with the proper operation of a key fob. If your key fob is damp or contaminated by dust, it's likely to need to be cleaned before being used again.

Replacing the battery on the key fob or cleaning the contacts could fix a malfunctioning device, but if it persists to operate in a erratic manner you might need to perform a factory reset. This will fix system issues and restore device performance.

If you're not sure how to perform a factory reset on your device, consult the official website of the manufacturer or the owner's manual. Some devices require a special tool to complete the reset but you should be able to locate instructions that are applicable to your specific model.

Another option for resolving issues with your key fob is to call an Apache Junction mobile car locksmith. They are able to replace and program key fobs on almost all makes of cars. They can also fix keys that have chips.