Remote Key Fob Repairs You Can Do at Home

If your remote key fob stops working, you may be tempted to visit an establishment to have it changed. Instead, try a few quick fixes at home.


Start with a replacement battery. Flat watch-style batteries are inexpensive and readily available in hardware stores. Then take a close look at the fob that you have purchased and check for buttons that are worn or out of the right place.

key fob repairs , a tiny electronic device, allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. It makes use of an radio transmitter with a short range to send distinct codes to the receiver inside your vehicle. Key fob batteries last for a long period of time, but can end up dying at any time. You can tell if the battery has been drained by looking at the LED light or trying to press one of the buttons. If the key fob will not respond, then the battery is dead and has to be replaced.

It's simple and quick to change the battery in your key fob. It's as easy as opening the key fob, removing the old battery and replacing it with a new one. Fobs are powered by tiny batteries, similar to the ones found in hearing aids or watches which are sold in general stores and home improvement centers. They are usually shaped as tiny coins with plus and minus symbols on the bottom. If you're not sure of the kind of battery your key fob uses, refer to the owner's manual, or look on the key fob for a label.

After you have changed the battery your key fob will function as usual. If it doesn't work it could be because of another issue with your car or the system that is the reason it isn't functioning correctly. If this is the situation, you'll have to get roadside assistance to help with the issue.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you may be able to purchase replacement keys online or from a dealer. It's typically cheaper and more convenient to purchase a new key fob than to repair a broken one.

Buttons aren't responding

If you've been driving your car for a while and you notice that the buttons on your keys aren't working, it could be an issue with worn-out button sensors. Most fobs feature rubberized buttons which wear out over time, which could cause them to not function correctly when they are pushed in a certain way or with extreme force. This is a common issue for many fobs, and can be easily fixable with a few DIY steps.

To unlock the vehicle, the fob sends a signal to the receiver in the car. If the receiver is damaged, it can not receive the signal and will prevent the key from working to open or start the vehicle. This can be resolved by having your mechanic inspect the receiver to check for damage. This service is typically free or costs only little, depending on the car's model.

It's not a surprise that key fobs are frequently used and are often tossed into pockets and purses. They can become a bit finicky, and only work properly when pressed in a certain manner. It is easy to fix most fobs, since the buttons can be reinforced with silicone and a bit of effort.

Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your keyfob until hear the vehicle sound chime. This will need to be repeated several times in order to activate the button. Then, you need to cycle your key in and out of the ignition a few times to reset the fob's connection to the vehicle. Once the connection is restored, you can remove the key from the ignition and unlock your car with the remote. Repeat the procedure until your fob is working properly. If you are unable to fix the fob with this method, it might be necessary to replace it. If you have to replace it, ensure that the new key is programmed to work with your car make and model.

Keychain Loop Breaks

If the key fob's keychain loop breaks off it will separate from your keys and no longer be used to lock or unlock your car. The replacement of the keychain loop is a simple solution.

Key fobs may also fail because of water or moisture damage. Symptoms include a reduced range of operation, or no function at any time. Drying the key fob and replacing the battery can solve the issue however sometimes a professional repair or replacement is necessary.

Key fob buttons can get worn out over time, resulting in decreased functionality or inability to respond. This could necessitate an entirely new key fob case or replacement of the button, however often the problem can be resolved by changing the programming. Sometimes signal interference from nearby electronic devices may interfere with the connection between the key fob and your car, leading to problems with locking or unlocking. It may be necessary to perform a diagnostic test at the dealership to resolve the issue. This is often the case for older electric key fobs that operate using infrared signals. They require a clear line-of-sight to work however, the majority of modern microchip keys use the challenge-response method of authentication using radio frequency to connect with your vehicle.

Corrupted or Lost Pairing

Over time the batteries of keyfobs degrade. If the battery has lost much of its charge, the remote may no longer respond to commands. This problem is usually resolved by replacing the battery, however it could also be necessary to reprogram the remote.

Modern cars come with key fobs that can control many functions. They can raise and lower windows, trigger the alarm, turn on the interior lights, and even start some vehicles. This means it is possible for owners to hit the wrong buttons through accident. It is recommended to keep your owner's manual close when you are using your key fob, so that you can refer to the specific sections that address the various functions of your vehicle.

A fob may not function because the remote signal has been corrupted or has been lost. Certain of the latest key fobs utilize sophisticated encryption technology to prevent thieves from intercepting the signals and making remotes or keys that aren't authorized which can unlock your vehicle. To re-program the fob, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer.

Some automakers offer their own instructions for reprogramming key fobs. In most cases, these processes are easy enough to do at home. However, the process is generally not a good option for people who have no prior electronics experience. It is best to leave this kind of work to experts.

Key fobs are subject to a lot more wear and tear if used and handled regularly. The buttons of a key fob can be pushed around and the case may break or crack. Keep a spare fob with your person at all times. This will help you save time should your remote break down when you're out and about. It is a good idea to keep it near your bed at night since it will allow you to hit the panic button when you hear noises in the house during the night.