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7 Small Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your Repair Car Key
How to Repair a Car Key Fob

Your key fob gets jostled around a lot, so the buttons may get stuck or broken. If necessary, you can give it a once over and replace the battery.

Most cars are equipped with the coin-style battery, which you can purchase at pharmacies and big box stores, as well as home improvement retailers. However certain models require special programming equipment that is only available to dealers.

Dead Battery

The car key fob makes it easier to start your car and then get it started. What happens when you press the button a few times and nothing happens? The most common reason for this is a dead battery. Luckily, the battery is simple to replace. You can locate replacements at auto parts stores, supermarkets, and some home improvement stores.

However there are other features that the key fob offers might not function. This could be due to a mechanical issue, an electrical problem or even a deprogramming mistake in your car's receiver. In these instances you should definitely consult a professional.

Thankfully, most manufacturers still include a key slot made of mechanical inside the fob for use in the event of an unresponsive battery. In the majority of instances, a cover is attached to the handle of the fob to conceal the key slot. You can insert your physical key into the slot to open your doors and then start your vehicle. Don't forget to insert the key fob back into the slot once you have started the car.

If you have a Ford equipped with SYNC Connect you can also start the car by using the key fob. The cupholder on the majority of Fords equipped with SYNC Connect has a backup "E blade". This key can be used to press the starter button if your key fob isn't able to start the vehicle. To get the most out of this feature, ensure that the battery in your car is fully charged and that you review the owner's manual in order to find out what the procedure.

If your car still has issues after replacing the battery in your key fob you may need to contact an authorized locksmith or dealer to get the fob or battery repaired. In some instances it is possible to get a new battery that can be used to program the key fob with your vehicle at the dealership or select Interstate All Battery Center stores. This is only possible as long as the circuit board and antennas are not damaged.

Damaged Buttons

The buttons on your car key fob are likely to suffer a lot of wear and wear over the course of their lives. They are susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot time in pockets and purses. This could cause internal components to become damaged or loose, which could result in them not responding to your pressing. A few simple steps can often fix this problem, but at times, you may have to take your device to a professional locksmith.

In addition to an inoperable battery, the most common reason why a key fob for a car will not work is because it needs new batteries. These little coins-shaped batteries are relatively inexpensive and it's easy to find them in hardware stores or large-box retailers. You can also find videos on YouTube and in your owner's manual which describe how to replace the battery in your key fob.

It is important to know that some keyfobs need a specific procedure to enter the necessary programming mode for changing the batteries. In these cases you'll need consult the owner's guide and/or an auto locksmith to make sure that you follow the proper procedure.

The fob you have left in extreme hot or cold temperatures could cause it to stop working particularly if the battery has died. If this happens, you'll require contacting an automotive locksmith or a dealer for a new fob.

If your key fob's buttons still don't respond it could be because the contacts inside are worn out. These contacts are rubber-like and coated with an electricity-conducting film, but they can start to wear out over time due to repeated use. You can fix this by taking the key fob apart and putting a piece of metallic tape over the worn out contacts.

It is important to know that certain key fobs can be extremely difficult to open and cannot be opened safely without the use of specialized tools that are only available at a dealership. If you try to open it with the screwdriver or any other tool it's possible to break the circuit board inside and pay a more expensive repair bill than you would have needed.

Circuit Board Issues

If your key fob remains capable of unlocking your car's doors and even start your engine but it's not working as far as it used to it could be a problem with the circuit board. The circuit board is an electronic chip in the case. It sends signals to the car telling it that you want to lock the doors, open the trunk, or turn off the ignition. If the circuit board is damaged the key fob won't be able to transmit these signals.

If you're a tech expert you can fix damaged circuit boards yourself. Remove the battery, then separate the rubber button assembly and the holder from the circuit board. Clean the contacts and plastic frame using rubbing alcohol and cotton swab. This should remove any corrosion that is inhibiting the circuit board from transmitting signals.

Once you've reassembled the key fob, ensure that it can enter its programming mode. Check your owner's guide for instructions. Most vehicle manufacturers also have videos online that will show you how to do this. If you're not confident enough to do it yourself, bring your key fob to a locksmith who is trained to work on the specific model of your vehicle.

Some modern key fobs have a built-in receiver that enables you to open your trunk and lock the doors, and also turn on your ignition and start your engine from a distance. These are generally more reliable and operate over a wider range. If your key fob does not perform as well as it did previously, it may have a faulty internal problem or a faulty external antenna.


The most likely reason for a key fob not working is a dead or low battery. It's cheap and easy to replace. But if the fob's buttons or circuit board has been damaged, you'll need to have it professionally repaired and reset. This service is provided by many dealerships, however you can find a shop that specializes in your particular brand.

Forgotten Key

It can be an absolute nightmare if you lose your car key fob. You can turn your house upside down by retracing all your steps and looking everywhere. This includes in drawers, bags and under couches. You'll find it eventually. The best way to prevent losing your key fob is by taking preventative measures. If you're susceptible to forgetfulness or even a hint of ADD Make several copies and distribute them to your family and friends so that you won't be sweating and cursing for 4 hours if you lose your key fob.

A lot of cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock the doors, and in some cases, activate the alarm system or open the trunk. However, car key immobiliser repair of the more sophisticated models have more advanced features, like the capability to summon your car with the press of one button. This feature isn't available on all models, but if your car is one of the ones that can do it - the Genesis GV60 or Hyundai Sonata for instance - then you're in good hands.

The good news is that if you have a spare key fob that's programmed to your car then you can use it to start your car in the event you lose the original. You can also reach out to an automotive locksmith and have them create a new key fob that's been programmed to your specific vehicle. However, before you do this make contact with your dealer to determine if they are able to provide the replacement key fob for you at a lower price.

If you don't have a spare key, the only way to start your car is by calling an auto locksmith to come out and cut a new key or replace the current key fob with a blank. Dealers are also able to do this but they'll require your vehicle to be towed and a proof of ownership. But the good thing is that these services are fairly affordable, especially when compared to buying a new key from a dealership, which can cost $200-$250.

Read More: https://www.thekeylab.co.uk/carkeyrepair/