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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 may have issues, such as a losing functionality. While some issues might require professional attention, many can be resolved at home. Changing the battery is often the first step. Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which are easily found at hardware stores or auto parts stores. Dead Battery It can be an incredibly issue when a key fob's battery goes out. This is especially true if you are away from home. There are solutions to get your car back on the road if your keyless entry system isn't working. The first thing to test is if the buttons on the fob still work. If they do, then the problem may lie with the car's locks instead of the fob. If your keys won't unlock, there may be a mechanical slot within the trim around the door handles or elsewhere on your vehicle (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key, and try again. If this fails to unlock the door, some vehicles come with an application that lets you unlock it remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for example, allow owners to unlock their doors with their smartphones. These apps are charged a monthly fee for subscription. car key remote repair near me should also make sure that your key fob isn't draining your car's battery by resting on it. A dead fob can drain your battery quickly especially if it's used to control the TV or phone while you are watching. Holding the key fob right to the car's start button could cause a key fob with low battery. It's a quick solution that could save you going to the dealer or to select Interstate All Battery Center locations. If your key fob doesn't work You can test it in a vehicle with an electronic starter button. If it doesn't work, you may need to replace the battery in your fob. This is why it's a good idea to keep a spare key fob inside the bag or purse. Damaged Buttons If your key fob is unable to unlock doors or start the car remotely, it's possible that one or more of its buttons have been damaged. Your key fob is likely to have a circuit board with “contact pads” for each button. These tiny pads are coated with a conductor of electricity which wears down over time. The wear may 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 is simple to replace and is done with the help of an easy flathead screwdriver. If, however, the key fob is badly damaged or smashed in any way, it might be more difficult to open the case, and you'll have to take the fob into an auto shop for repair. It's not uncommon for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, walked on or exposed to water. All of these incidents can cause physical damage, including breaking the keys and snapping them. This could also affect the internals of the fob and could cause an issue. This is why it's always an ideal idea to keep a spare key fob in your purse or pocket in the event that you break the one you already have. If the buttons on your key fob aren't working to the extent they should, first make sure the battery is in good condition. Key fobs do not require any special electronic device. They are powered by the same two-dollar battery that is used in hearing aids and watches. These batteries are available at hardware, drug, and online stores. If the battery is good, the buttons may be worn or dirty. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If they're still not responding, you can test a different key fob to determine whether the problem is with yours, or with a particular type of car key fob. If the other fob functions then it's likely the key fob you have needs to be reprogrammed, or even replaced completely. Reprogramming The world of fobs for car keys is more complicated than most myths suggest. The basic fobs function by using unique radio frequency signals that are assigned to specific vehicles. The fobs must be programmed correctly in order to be able to open and start the car. Reprogramming a key fob not as simple as pressing a few keys. It's usually done by the dealer. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions. Certain manufacturers, such as Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that only the dealership is able to create a new key fob and then resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops may offer this service, so make sure to check reviews and prices before choosing a shop. Certain models of cars erase other fobs when they're changed. This means that you'll need to have any additional fobs programmed by professionals. This can be costly, especially if you're down to just one working fob. It is always advisable to have at minimum a spare mechanical key you can use to unlock the trunk and doors even if it's not able to start the car. If you decide to try and reprogram your fob on your own, be prepared for a gruelling journey. There are many guides on the internet that promise success but you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides are written by people who have no knowledge of this field and are often founded on unsubstantiated claims. Some of these guides claim that you can easily program your car's key fob by yourself in just the click of a button. This is false. The battery is typically secured with a plastic clip, which is easily removed. However the circuit board houses the battery, and you'll need to pry the battery out using the aid of a tool. You should be able find the button battery. This is usually tiny batteries for a watch, which you can purchase at most home improvement or pharmacies. The replacement of the battery is generally an easy process, but it's always worthwhile to try first before replacing the entire device. Replacement If your car key fob has been damaged or isn't functioning it is crucial to know that there are a few ways to remedy the problem. It's as easy as replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob, but a more in-depth repair might be required. It is also helpful to have a spare key fob in case one is lost or stolen. Modern key fobs are more expensive and difficult to replace because they contain a physical key as well as the electronic. Some “smart fobs” even come with remote starters. As such, it's important to be aware that it could take up to an hour to get a replacement key fob cut and programmed to your vehicle. Fobs communicate with the car receiver by using a small radio transmitter that is mounted on a circuitboard. When you press a button, the transmitter sends an RF signal that is unique to the car receiver. The receiver is able to recognize and compare the signal with preprogrammed codes. This lets the driver unlock the car and start it from a distance without inserting the key into the ignition or turning the lock. If your key fob buttons aren't working or responding in a sporadic manner, they may be damaged by water. You can fix the fob if you take it apart and examine for buttons that are not responsive or broken. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try reprogramming the fob, or purchasing another one. You should check with an auto dealer in your area or a locksmith before purchasing a replacement keyfob to ensure that it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. Aftermarket fobs can be cheaper, but you should look into the brands and read reviews prior to attempting to program them yourself. While certain fobs can be repaired by a reputable locksmith, other models require special equipment for programming that can only be used by a vehicle dealer or auto technician.