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Car Key Fob Repair – How to Get Back on the Road Even If Your Keyless Entry isn't Working Key fobs may experience issues over time, such as a loss of functionality. While some issues may require expert attention, most can be resolved at home. Change the battery is often the first step. Most fobs use flat watch-style batteries which are easily found in hardware stores or auto parts stores. Dead Battery It can be a real inconvenience when the battery of a key fob dies. This is especially true if you are away from home. There are ways to get back on the road the vehicle's keyless entry system isn't working. One of the first things you should be sure of is to determine if the key fob's buttons still work. If they aren't then the issue could be with the locks on your car. If your keys will not unlock, you might find a mechanical slot within the trim around the door handles or on your car (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 the door remotely. For instance the FordPass Connect app, myChevrolet mobile app, and myMazda app allow owners to unlock their doors with their smartphones. These apps charge a monthly subscription fee. It is also important to ensure that your key fob isn't draining the car's battery by being plugged into it. A dead key fob can drain your battery fast particularly if it's used to control the TV or phone while you are watching. The key fob should be held right up to your car's start button may cause an ignition key fob with a low battery. It's a quick solution that could save you a trip to the dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center locations. You can also find out if your key fob is actually dead by testing it in another vehicle with push-button ignition. If it fails it's likely that the battery requires replacement. It's a good idea to keep a spare key fob in your backpack or purse. Damaged Buttons It is possible that your key fob has a damaged button. Your key fob likely contains circuit boards with “contact pads” for each button, and these tiny pads are covered with a conductor of electricity which wears down over time. The wear may cause your fob to react less quickly, or not to respond at all. The contact pad on car keys can be easily replaced using an flat-head screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly damaged, it will be difficult to open. It is necessary to take it to an auto shop to get the fob repaired. It's not uncommon for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, tripped on or exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to the keys, which could result in them breaking or snapping them. This can also affect the internals of the fob, which could lead to malfunction. It's a good idea, therefore, to always carry an additional fob in your wallet or in your pocket in case the one you currently have fails. If the buttons on your key fob aren't responding as they should, you should first make sure the battery is in good working condition. Remember that key fobs aren't a special kind of electronic device – they're typically powered by the same batteries for two dollars that are used in watches and hearing aids and are accessible at hardware stores, drug stores, and online. If Click On this page is functioning properly the buttons could be dirty or worn out. 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 specific type of car key fob. If the other key fob works, then yours might need to be reprogrammed or replaced. Reprogramming The hidden world of car keys fobs is more complex than many myths suggest. Basic fobs function with radio frequency signals that are specific to each car. The fobs have to be properly programmed in order to be able to unlock and start the car. Reprogramming a key fob is not as simple as pressing several keys. It's usually handled by the dealer. The procedure for reprogramming the fob is dependent on the manufacturer and model year of the car you own and it's essential to read the owner's manual for step-bystep instructions. Certain manufacturers, like Mercedes, use proprietary technology that ensures only dealerships can design the new fob and sync it with your vehicle. Some independent shops may also offer this service, so be sure to read reviews and prices prior to selecting the right shop. Certain car models erase all other fobs once they're changed. This means that you'll have to have additional fobs programmed by professionals. This can be expensive, especially if your fob has stopped working. Even if the mechanical key won't work to start your vehicle, it's a great idea to have a backup key that can open the trunk and doors. If you do attempt to reprogram your fob yourself be prepared for a difficult journey. There are many guides online that promise success however, you're likely to be disappointed. Many of these guides are written by people who have no prior experience in this field and are often based on unsubstantiated claims. Some of them even state that you can program your car key fob in only a few clicks, which is very confusing. Most key fobs are held by a plastic clip that is easy to remove however, the battery is within the circuit board, and you'll need to carefully pull it out with a tool. You should be able to find the button cell battery. It's usually tiny batteries for a watch, which is available at most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. It's usually simple to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole unit, it's worth trying first. Replacement If the car key fob is damaged or has stopped working, it's important to know there are several options to remedy the problem. An easy fix could be as easy as replacing the battery or programming the key fob but a more thorough repair may be needed. It can also be helpful to have a spare key fob in case one gets lost or stolen. Modern key fobs are more expensive and difficult to replace because they contain the physical key along with electronic. Some “smart fobs” even come with a remote starter. It's therefore important to know that it could take up to an hour to get a new key fob cut and programmed for your vehicle. Fobs make use of a tiny radio transmitter mounted on a circuit board to communicate with the car's receiver. By pressing a button, the transmitter transmits an RF signal that is unique to the car receiver. The receiver detects and compares the signal with preprogrammed codes. This allows the driver to unlock the car and begin it from a distance, without inserting the key into the ignition or turning a lock. If the buttons on the fob you have purchased fail to respond or operate intermittently it could indicate that they have been damaged due to water or other elements. You can repair the fob if you take it apart and check for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this does not solve the problem, try reprogramming or buying a new fob. Before buying a replacement key fob online, consult an expert locksmith or your local auto dealer to confirm that it is compatible with your vehicle's security systems. There are many aftermarket fobs cheaper, but it's important to research the brands and read reviews before attempting to program them. While some fobs are able to be replaced by a reputable locksmith, other models require special programming equipment that can only be used by a car dealer or auto technician.