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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 can have issues over time, including a loss of functionality. Some issues may need professional attention, but most are fixable at home. The first step is typically to replace the battery. Most fobs utilize flat watches which are easily found at auto parts stores. Dead Battery It can be a real problem when a key fob's battery goes out. This is especially the case if you are away from home. There are ways to get back on the road even the car's keyless entry doesn't work. One of the first things you should be sure of is to determine if the key fob's buttons still function. If they do, then the issue may be with your car's locks instead of the fob. If your keys will not unlock, there may be an electronic slot in the trim around your door handles or elsewhere on your car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key and try again. If this doesn't work there are some cars that have an app that lets you unlock doors remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for instance, allow owners to unlock their doors with their smartphones. However, these apps have an annual cost. It is also important to ensure that your key fob doesn't drain your car's batteries by sitting on them. A dead key fob will quickly drain your battery, especially if you use its remote feature while watching TV or speaking on the phone. A key fob that's just low on battery may be started by holding it right up to the start button. This simple fix could save you from having to visit your dealer or Interstate All Battery Centers. If your key fob doesn't work, you can test it in a vehicle that has a push-button starter. If it doesn't work, the fob battery probably needs 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 is damaged and has a button. Your key fob is equipped with a circuit with “contact pads” that are covered with an electrically conductive film. The film wears away over time. This wear could cause your fob to respond slower or not at all. The good news is that the pad in a car key fob is easy to replace, and can be done so by using an easy flathead screwdriver. If the key fob has been badly smashed or harmed in any way, it might be more difficult to open up the case, and you'll need to take the fob to an auto repair shop for repairs. It's not uncommon for keys to be dropped on hard surfaces, tripped on, or exposed to water. All of these events can cause physical damage, including breaking and snapping keys. This can also cause internal damage to the fob, which could result in an issue. It is a good idea, therefore, to always carry a spare fob in your purse or pocket in the event that the one you currently have breaks. If your key fob's buttons aren't working to the extent they should, you should first check to make sure the battery is in good condition. Remember that key fobs don't come with a particular kind of electronic device; the majority of them use the same two-dollar batteries that are used in hearing aids and watches and are available at hardware stores, drug stores, and even online. If the battery is good it is possible that the buttons are dirty or worn out. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth. If the buttons still don't work, try an alternative car key fob. This will help you determine whether the issue is yours or a specific model. If the other fob is working it's likely that the key fob you have needs to be reprogrammed or perhaps replaced entirely. Reprogramming The hidden world of car key fobs is more complicated than the myths suggest. Basic fobs function with radio frequency signals that are specific to each vehicle. The fobs have to be programmed to allow unlocking and starting the vehicle. Unfortunately, reprogramming a fob isn't as easy as pressing a few buttons and with a few exceptions, it must be handled by a dealer. The procedure of reprogramming a fob depends on the make and model year of the car you own, so it's important to read the owner's manual for step-bystep instructions. Certain manufacturers, such as Mercedes, use proprietary technologies that only dealers are capable of creating a new key fob and resync it to your vehicle. Some independent shops may offer this service, so make sure to check reviews and prices before selecting the right shop. Certain models of cars erase other fobs when they are reprogrammed. This means that you'll need to have any additional fobs programmed by an expert. This can be expensive especially if the fob is no longer working. Even when the mechanical key doesn't start the car, it's a good idea to have a backup that can open the trunk and doors. If you do decide to try and reprogram your fob yourself be prepared for a gruelling journey. There are countless guides online that promise to work, but you'll likely be disappointed. A lot of these guides were written by people with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated statements. Some of them even state that you can program your car key fob with just a few clicks, which is extremely confusing. The battery is typically held in place by clips made of plastic, which can be removed easily. However the circuit board houses the battery, so you'll need to remove the battery with the aid of a tool. You should be able find the button battery. It's typically a small battery for watches that you can purchase at most home improvement or pharmacies. It's generally easy to replace the battery. Before replacing the whole device, you should try it first. Replacement If a car key fob has been damaged or has stopped working it is important to know there are several ways to remedy the problem. It's as simple as replacing the battery or reprogramming the key fob, however a more extensive repair may be needed. It is also helpful to have a spare key fob in case one gets lost or stolen. Modern key fobs are more expensive and more difficult to replace since they have an actual key and electronics. Some “smart” fobs also include a remote starter built-in. It's important to understand that it could take up to an hour to cut and program an alternative fob for your vehicle. car key fob repairs communicate with the car receiver using a tiny radio transmitter on the circuit board. When you press a button, the transmitter sends an RF signal specific to the car receiver. The receiver detects the signal and validates it against the 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 your key fob do not respond or function intermittently it could mean that they've been damaged by water or other factors. It is possible to repair the fob by taking it apart and check for broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't resolve the issue, try reprogramming your fob or purchasing a new one. Before purchasing a replacement key fob on the internet, seek out an expert locksmith or your local dealer to confirm that it is compatible with your vehicle's security systems. Fobs purchased from a third party can be cheaper, but you should study the reviews and brands before attempting to program them yourself. Certain fobs can be modified by an experienced locksmith and other models require programming equipment that only a mechanic or dealer can use.