Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

Being tossed around in purses and pockets key fob buttons may get damaged and stop registering presses reliably. This issue can be resolved by replacing the small battery that is usually located in the snap-out cases of the majority of car fobs.

If the contacts on your key fob are damaged, a replacement might not be enough to bring it back to life. There's an easy fix you can attempt at home:

Replace the Battery

It could be time to change the battery if your key fob is slow or takes longer to unlock or lock your car than it does on a regular. Replacing the battery of your key fob is one of the easy tasks that you can perform yourself. It's a simple fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealer or a locksmith.

Most key fobs require the use of a coin-type battery (CR2032 or similar) which can be found at any general store, home improvement center, or auto parts store. Key fobs typically come with a slot for the batteries, and opening the case for battery replacement is fairly straightforward. Based on the brand you might need make use of a screwdriver to open the compartment.

Some key fobs have clips that hold the battery in place; if so, gently lift these up using your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Remove the old battery and install the new one, but be cautious to note the orientation to ensure that you put it in the correct place. It is important to avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces, since scratches from fingers can decrease their lifespan.

Close the case of the key fob and test the function by pressing the button. If it still doesn't work, you may need to open the case again and check whether the new battery has been properly installed.

There is a chance that simply replacing the battery isn't enough to solve the issue. This could be caused by physical or electrical trauma. In this scenario, you will have to take your key fob to a dealer or auto service center for repairs. But, before doing this, you should be aware of four common issues that a battery replacement won't fix. It is important to be aware of the issues so that you are in a position to find a qualified technician if necessary. You can also read how to fix the malfunctioning transmitter of a key fob to determine the reason why it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

Keeping your key fob clean is vital to its functionality and lifespan. Over time, the natural oils on your fingers and pocket dust can build up in the key fob buttons and crevices. This can cause keys to not function. It's easy enough to fix, though all you need is some cleaning alcohol and a cotton swab.

Open the key fob first by gently prying the battery out with either a screwdriver or coin. Make sure to note down the kind of battery it's (negative and positive sides) so that you can re-insert it correctly when you are finished.

After that, make use of a cotton swab (or a small brush) to clean the buttons as well as the surrounding areas of the fob. Pay particular attention to the battery contacts, making sure that they are clean of dirt or grease. Once you're done your task, allow the fob and its components completely dry.

If your fob still won't work after cleaning it, it could be a good idea to reset the system. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset the system. If the key fob was dead, this could be enough to bring it back to life.

After the key fob has been cleaned and resynced, it is a great idea to maintain regular maintenance. You can keep your key fob working well for many years by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the System

Although today's ultra-modern key fobs are equipped with more features, are safer, and are more convenient than ever before, they can still encounter some issues. Luckily, the majority of the time, these issues aren't serious or complex, and can be solved with simple solutions like replacing the battery. If the problem is serious or is not resolved with simple methods, an auto repair shop will replace and change the key fob.

The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, but you can also make use of it to enable certain features of your vehicle. One example is the ability to lower or raise the sunroof by using the key fob. This feature is very helpful when you are stuck in traffic and need to open your roof. The key fob can also be useful in summoning your car when it's parked in a shady place.

The internal circuitry of the key fob could fail due to manufacturing defects or wear and wear and tear. Symptoms include erratic behavior, or an inability to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources can sometimes interfere with the proper function of the keyfob. If your key fob is contaminated with dust or has been wet, it needs to be cleaned before you can use it again.

Replacing the key fob battery or cleaning the contacts can solve a malfunctioning car key fob repair device, but if it continues to run erratically it may be necessary to do a factory reset. This will eliminate system bugs and restore the performance of the device.

If you're unsure how to perform a reset then consult the device's owner's manual or manufacturer's site. Certain devices require a specific tool to perform the reset, but you should be able to locate instructions that are applicable to your specific model.

Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to resolve issues with your keyfob. These experts are able replace and program key fobs for nearly all makes of cars. They can also fix keys that have chips.