Electronic Car Key Repair Near Me
The loss of your car key can be an extremely stressful and terrifying experience. It's a great idea to have an spare key fob or battery in your possession.
Smart keys trigger proximity sensors to unlock the doors and then start the engine. These keys can usually only be programmed at the dealership.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Key fobs have made locking and starting cars simpler, but they can also be a hassle when batteries fail. This is a problem that many people face at some time however it doesn't have to be a major problem with a few simple tricks up your sleeves.
One of the most obvious indicators that your key fob needs replacement batteries is when it doesn't light up when you press one of the buttons. This is an important aspect to be aware of, because if it stops functioning, you will not be able unlock the doors and trunk, or start the car without a car key.
If your key fob starts to slow down in responding to a press, it could be in danger of dying. It could be because the battery has aged and is no longer able to deliver enough power to operate the buttons. It's a good idea keep an extra battery in your purse so that you can replace it in the event of this happening.
There are a few things you can do when your battery for the key fob is dead and the first step is to open it manually with the mechanical key stored inside. Some of these keys are located in the fob itself and others can be found under the handle cover on the door or inside a slot on the dashboard. If you're not sure where to start looking, you can consult your owner's guide or search online "how to remove the mechanical key from a (year-make-model) fob". You should find lots of useful information and videos.
Once you have the mechanical key, you can then use a small screwdriver to unlock the key fob to access the battery. Be cautious while doing this so that you don't harm any other items in the process. After removing the battery that was used, replace it with a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing upwards.
Locked out
There are a few ways to ensure you're not locked out, but it's vital to be aware of your vehicle and have a plan. If you have a key in your possession, use it to unlock the car door (or the trunk, depending on the vehicle). You may also want to consider signing up for an automaker app account, subscribing to roadside assistance or leaving an extra key with someone who can help you in a pinch.
One of the most common reasons for being locked out of your car is a dying or dead battery. If the key fob operates intermittently or requires an enormous amount of pressure to function it's possible that the battery is failing. A quick test using a simple signal reader should identify the problem.
The buttons may also be worn out and not work properly. It is easy to determine this through a visual inspection. It generally requires only the button terminals to be soldered back to their original position. A few dollars invested in a new battery will save you time and money, as you won't need to call a locksmith out to replace your key fob.
Other reasons your key fob could be out of range of sensors or being "pickpocketed". If it's because of a dead battery or someone else picking up your key and attempting to use it in their vehicle, the malfunction that results can be extremely annoying and can be difficult to fix if not handled by a professional.
If the key fob is out of sensor range, most modern vehicles have a feature that lets the driver unlock the vehicle by pressing the door lock button located on the interior dashboard. If the vehicle doesn't have a keyhole inside the door, many manufacturers install hidden keyholes beneath trim panels that can be opened using the standard key. Look for a small hole near the handle of the vehicle or on the exterior of the door to find these keys. If they aren't there, check your owner manual for more information or look for the answer on the manufacturer's website.
Key Fob Issues
The key fob is complex, with many delicate components that are difficult to replace or repair. While they are generally constructed with care, it may happen that they lose functionality and require replacement or reprogramming from the manufacturer or an experienced auto locksmith. Having a spare remote in your possession can save you from the hassle of a key fob that has a sudden issue.
Batteries are the most common reason behind a key fob that does not work. The battery can be replaced quickly and cheaply. However, the issue could be a more serious issue like a damaged contact or worn-out button.
A key fob consists of a circuit board with an elastic button cap that has small conductive pads and batteries. There are a variety of batteries, but the majority are lithium-ion coin cells. They are available at pharmacies, supermarkets and home improvement stores. It isn't hard but you should be cautious not to harm the delicate circuits.
If a new cell isn't able to fix the problem then you can take out the keyfob from the lock and then open it to conduct a thorough inspection. Look for evidence of corrosion or damage on the battery contacts or terminals. Clean the contact points and terminals of the battery with Isopropyl Alcohol or Methylhydrate. Soldering them back in place will restore their function. You can also try to bend the tiny fingers of metal that touch the battery on the circuit board a bit.
Another possibility is that the battery you bought was the wrong type for your key fob. Key fobs have been designed to work with certain sizes, voltages and capacity of mAh for batteries. If you use the wrong battery, it will not only fail charge but also prevent it from sending strong signals or the internal switches. Check the labels on the old battery or your owner's manual to see if you can find out what kind of battery your key fob needs.
If your key fob isn't working, you'll need to take it to an auto locksmith or your dealer to have it reprogrammed for the vehicle. They can identify if the problem is with your key fob or the car's electronic systems or locks.
Key Fob Replacement
If you require a new car key fob, a dealership is often the only option. The fob is equipped with a transponder, which transmits the code that controls your vehicle's lock and ignition systems. It also emits a unique signal when it's pressed that the immobilizer inside your vehicle recognizes. If you lose your car keys or the fob battery fails or dies, it can render your vehicle unstartable.
Dealerships can reprogram most fobs. However it can be costly. CR has contacted dealers to learn that the average cost of replacing a key fob is between $200 and $400. If your insurance company demands an deductible of $500 and the cost could increase.
Replacing a car fob can be much simpler than you think. Most of the time, a dead fob is simply a matter of replacing its battery. The older keys (usually those from the mid-1990s and earlier) utilize a small battery called a the CR2032, which you can purchase online or in many big-box stores. The battery can be changed using a flat-bladed and thin screwdriver or a fingernail. Remove the old battery and then replace the new one. Be sure to align the battery correctly and take note of the + and – marks on the case. Reassemble the fob shell and test the remote buttons to ensure they work.
Some key fobs come with an electronic key slot that lets you unlock the doors of your car and start the engine in the event that the electronic key is damaged. It is dependent on the car's make and model. Some have the key slot located under or behind the door handle; others require you to press the fob to open the trunk and reveal the key slot.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money at the dealership, you can consider an locksmith. Some can replace the key fob and program it for you, though some may only offer replacement keys for your particular model. Alternately, you can purchase the replacement key fob from an online retailer such as Batteries Plus, where you can get everything done for 50% less than at a dealership.