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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 have issues, such as a malfunction. car key remote repair near me may need professional attention, however many are fixable at home. Change the battery is often the first step. The majority of fobs have flat watches which are easily found in hardware stores or auto parts stores. Dead Battery If a key fob battery dies, it can be a major hassle especially if you're far from home. Fortunately, there are ways to get back on the road even the car's keyless entry isn't working. One of the first things to check is whether the buttons on the key fob work. If they don't, the problem could be with the car's locks. If your keys don't work you need to look for a key slot with a mechanical lock concealed in your door handle trim or in another location on the car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this fails, some cars have an app that allows you to unlock the doors remotely. For example the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app, and myMazda app allow owners to open the doors using smartphones. These apps are charged a monthly subscription fee. Also, you should ensure that your key fob isn't draining the car's battery by sitting on it. A dead key fob can drain your battery quickly particularly if it's used to control the TV or phone while you are watching. Holding the key fob up to your car's start button can sometimes start a key fob with low battery. This simple fix could save you from having to visit your dealer or Interstate All Battery Centers. You can also determine whether your key fob actually dead by trying it in another vehicle with the push-button ignition. If it doesn't, you may need to replace the battery on your fob. This is why it's a good idea keep an extra key fob in your bag or purse. Damaged Buttons If your key fob is unable to open doors or start your car remotely, it's likely that one or more of its buttons are damaged. Your key fob likely contains an electronic circuit board that has “contact pads” for each button. These tiny pads are covered with an electrically conducting film that wears down over time. This wear can make your fob respond slow or not respond at all. The good news is that the contact pad in the key fob of a car can be replaced easily, and it can be done with the help of a flathead screwdriver. If, however, the key fob is severely damaged or broken in any way, it could be more difficult to open the case, and you'll have to take the fob to an auto repair shop to be repaired. It's not uncommon for a key fob being dropped, trampled or even exposed to water. All of these events can result in physical damage, like breaking the keys and snapping them. It could also alter the internals of the fob and could cause malfunction. This is why it's always a good idea to carry an extra key fob in your wallet or pocket in case you break the one you already have. Examine the battery first to determine to determine if the buttons on your key fob are not responding like they should. Key fobs don't need a special type of electronic device. They use the same battery for two dollars that is used in hearing aids and watches. These batteries are available at drug, hardware, and online stores. If the battery is in good condition it's possible that the buttons are worn down or dirty, and can be cleaned using a moist cloth to clean them. If they're still not responding, test a different key fob to determine if the issue is related to yours or with a particular type of car key fob. If the other fob works then it's likely your key fob has to be reset or possibly replaced entirely. 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 need to be correctly programmed to unlock and begin the vehicle. Reprogramming a key fob is not as simple as pressing a few keys. It's usually handled by the dealer. The process of reprogramming a fob depends on the make and model year of your vehicle It is therefore essential to read the owner's manual to get step-by-step instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes have proprietary technology that only dealers are capable of creating a brand new key fob and resync it to your vehicle. However certain independent shops provide this service as well so make sure to check reviews and prices before choosing the shop. Certain car models wipe out all other fobs once they've been reprogrammed, which means you'll need to get any additional fobs professionally programmed as well. This is a costly proposition, especially if you're just one functional fob. Even if the mechanical key won't work to start the vehicle, it's a good idea to have a backup key that can open the doors and trunk. If you attempt to reprogram your fob on your own be prepared for a difficult journey. You'll be disappointed with the numerous guides on the internet that promise success. Many of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated assertions. Some of these guides claim that you can program your car key fob yourself with only a few clicks. This is misleading. The majority of key fobs are secured by a clip made of plastic that's easy to loosen, but the battery is inside the circuit board, so you'll need to carefully pull it out using a device. You should be able to locate the button battery. This is usually tiny batteries for watches that is available at most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. Replacing the battery is usually a straightforward procedure, and it's always worth trying first before replacing the entire device. Replacement If a car key fob is damaged or has stopped working it is crucial to know there are several ways to address the issue. It's as easy as replacing the battery or changing the program on the key fob, but a more in-depth repair may be needed. It can also be helpful to keep a spare fob in case one gets lost or stolen. Modern key fobs are more expensive and difficult to replace because they contain the physical key as well as the electronic. Some “smart” fobs also come with a remote starter. It's important to know that it can take an hour or more to cut and program an alternative fob for your vehicle. Fobs utilize a small radio transmitter mounted on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing an appropriate button will activate the transmitter, which sends an RF signal that is unique to the car's receiver. The receiver recognizes and compares the signal with preprogrammed codes. This lets the driver unlock the vehicle and begin it from a distance without placing the key in the ignition or turning a lock. If the buttons on the fob you have purchased fail to respond or work sporadically, it can indicate that they have been damaged by water or other causes. You can repair the fob if you take it apart and check for buttons that are not responsive or broken. If this doesn't fix the problem, you can try reprogramming the fob, or buying an entirely new one. Before you purchase a replacement fob online, contact a professional locksmith or your local auto dealer to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle's security systems. Aftermarket fobs can be cheaper however, you must research reviews and brands before attempting to program them yourself. While some fobs are able to be replaced by a trusted locksmith, others require specialized programming equipment that can only be used by a vehicle dealer or auto technician.