Electronic Car Key Repair Near Me
Losing your car keys is a scary and frustrating experience. It's a good idea to keep an extra key fob and/or spare battery on hand.
Smart keys use proximity sensors to unlock doors and to start engines. These keys are usually only programmed at the dealership.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Key fobs have made locking and starting vehicles more convenient but they can become frustrating when the battery goes bad. This is a problem that many people experience at some time, but it doesn't have to be a major issue with a few simple tricks up your sleeve.
If your key fob does not light up when you press a button, it is likely that the battery is in need of replacement. This is an important aspect that you should pay attention to, as if it stops functioning and you are unable to access the key fob, you won't be able to unlock the doors or open the trunk, or start your vehicle without a physical car key.
Another sign that your key fob is likely to fail is if it starts to take a while to respond when you press one of the buttons. This can be because the battery is old and is no longer able provide enough power to operate the buttons. It's a good idea keep a spare battery in your purse in case you need to replace it in the event of this happening.
If your key fob is dead you can open it manually with the mechanical key that is stored inside. Some of these keys are kept in the key fob, and others are hidden in the cover for the handle or inside the dashboard slot. If you are not sure where to start searching, you can refer to your owner's guide or look up online "how to remove the mechanical key from the (year-make-model) fob". You should find lots of useful information and videos.
Once you have a mechanical key, use an ordinary screwdriver and pull the fob of your key open to get access to the battery. Be careful not to scratch the other components. Once you've removed your old battery, you'll be able to install an CR2032 battery and ensure it's placed with the positive side facing upwards as the original battery.
Locked out
There are many ways to avoid getting locked out of your car. It is important to be familiar with your vehicle and have an idea of what you want to do. If you have a physical key, use it to unlock the car door (or the trunk, depending on the vehicle). You might want to consider signing up for the automaker's application, or subscribing to roadside assistance or leaving a spare car key with a person you are confident.
A dying or dead vehicle battery is among the most common reasons to lock yourself out. If the key fob only works intermittently or requires an enormous amount of pressure to function it's likely 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 function properly. It is easy to spot the issue with an examination of the key fob's visuals and it usually only takes only a few minutes to put the terminals of the buttons into. A few dollars invested in a replacement battery can save you the time and expense of getting a locksmith to come out and replace your key fob.
Other reasons your key fob may be inoperable may be due to being "pickpocketed" or being outside of the range of the sensor. The issue can be a bit frustrating, whether it's because of a dead battery, or because someone has gotten your key and attempted to use it for their own vehicle.
Most modern vehicles have an option that allows the driver to unlock the vehicle using the door lock button on the interior dashboard even if the key fob not within the range of the sensor. If the vehicle does not have a keyhole on the door, a lot of manufacturers install hidden keyholes beneath the trim panels which can be opened with the standard key. Look for a small hole near the handle of the vehicle or on the exterior of the door to locate the keys. If they aren't there look in your owner's manual for additional information or search for a solution on the website of the manufacturer.
Key Fob Issues
The key fob can be complex, with many delicate components that are difficult to repair or replace. They are usually good quality, however it is possible that they can become obsolete. This could require replacing or reprogramming by the manufacturer or an auto locksmith. Having key fob repair on hand will make it easier to avoid the hassle of a key fob that has a sudden issue.
The most common reason for a key fob that isn't working is that the batteries have died. Replacing the battery is a quick and affordable solution. The problem could be more serious, for instance an inoperative button or contact.
A key fob contains a circuit board with a rubber button cover with small conductive pads and a battery. There are a variety of batteries, but the majority are lithium-ion coin cells. They are available at pharmacies, supermarkets, and home improvement shops. It is easy to change the batteries, but you should be cautious not to harm the delicate circuits.
If a new battery does not resolve the issue, take the key fob off and then take it apart for an in-depth inspection. Check for signs of corrosion and other damage on the battery contacts or terminals. You can clean the contact points and terminals of the battery by using Isopropyl Alcohol or Methylhydrate. The process of re-soldering them in their place could bring them back to their original functionality. You can also try bending up slightly the little metal fingers on the circuit board that are in contact with the battery to increase their force.
Another possibility is that the new battery you purchased was the wrong type for your key fob. Key fobs have been developed to fit specific sizes, voltages and mAh capacities of batteries. Using the wrong one will not only fail to charge, but also prevent it from transmitting powerful signals or powering internal switches properly. Look over the labels of the old battery or the owner's guide to determine the type of battery you need.
If your key fob is no functioning, you'll have to take it to an auto locksmith or your dealer to have it reprogrammed to work with your vehicle. They will be able to verify whether the issue is related to the fob itself or with the locks of the vehicle or electronic systems.
Key Fob Replacement
If you're in need of a new car key fob, a dealership is often your only option. That's because the fob typically includes a transponder which transmits the code that operates your car's lock and ignition systems. It also emits a distinctive signal that the immobilizer in your car recognizes. If you lose your car keys or your fob battery goes out or dies, it can render your vehicle unstartable.
Dealerships have the ability to reprogram most fobs. However, this can be expensive. CR contacted dealers and found that the cost of replacing the typical key fob ranges from about $200 for a basic model to over $400 for more sophisticated models. That could add up quickly when your insurance company requires you to pay a $500 deductible.
It's easier than you think to change a car key fob. A broken fob can be fixed by simply replacing the battery. Older keys, usually those from the mid-1990s or before are powered by a tiny battery called CR2032 that you can purchase online or at most big-box stores. The battery can be replaced using a flat-bladed and thin screwdriver or fingernail. Remove the old battery and then insert the new one. Make sure you align the battery properly and take note of the + and – marks on the case. Reassemble the fob and test the buttons on the remote to make sure they work.
Certain key fobs have the mechanical 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 all is dependent on the make and model of your car. Some have the key slot hidden 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 wish to spend a fortune at the dealership, you could try a locksmith. Some locksmiths can replace the key fob for you and program it, whereas others will only provide replacement keys for your specific model. Alternately, you can purchase an alternative key fob from an online retailer like Batteries Plus, where you can have everything done for 50% less than at an auto dealer.