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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 with time, like the loss of functionality. While some issues may require professional attention, many can be resolved at home. The first step is typically to change the battery. Most fobs run on a flat watches-style batteries that are easily found at hardware stores or auto parts stores. Dead Battery It can be a major inconvenience when the battery of a key fob goes out. This is particularly true when you are far from home. There are methods to get your car back on the road in case your keyless entry system has stopped working. One of the first things to be sure of is whether the key fob's buttons still function. If they do not it could be a problem in the car's locks. If your keys do not unlock, you might find an electronic slot in the trim around the door handles or elsewhere in your car (consult the owner's manual). Insert the mechanical key, and try again. If this fails there are some cars that have an app that can unlock doors remotely. FordPass Connect, myChevrolet Mobile App and myMazda apps, for example allow owners to open their doors using smartphones. These apps do charge a monthly subscription fee. It is also important to ensure whether your key fob won't take the car's battery away by resting on them. A dead fob can drain your battery fast especially if it's used to control your phone or TV while you are watching. A key fob that's low on battery can be activated by bringing it up to the start button. This simple fix can save you from a trip to your dealer or certain Interstate All Battery Centers. You can also determine whether your key fob actually dead by trying it in another vehicle that has push-button ignition. If it's not working it's likely that the battery needs replacement. This is why it's a good idea keep a spare key fob inside a purse or backpack. Damaged Buttons It's possible that your key fob is damaged and has a button. Your key fob is equipped with an electronic circuit that has “contact pads” that are covered with an electrically conductive film. This film wears off over time. This wear could cause your device to respond slow or not respond at all. The good news is that the pad on the car key fob is simple to replace and can be done so by using a flathead screwdriver. If the case is damaged or badly smashed it may be difficult to open. You'll have to take it to an auto shop to repair the fob. It's not uncommon for a key fob to be dropped on hard surfaces, walked on or exposed to water. All of these can cause physical damage to the keys, including bending or snapping them. This could also cause internal damage to the fob that could cause a malfunction. It's a good idea so, always keep a spare fob in your wallet or in your pocket in case the one you currently have breaks. If the buttons on your key fob aren't working to the extent they should, you should first verify that the battery is in good condition. Keep in mind that key fobs aren't a special type of electronic device – the majority of them use the same two-dollar batteries used in watches and hearing aids, which are readily available at drug stores, hardware stores, and on the internet. If the battery is in good condition it's possible that the buttons are just worn down or dirty and can be easily cleaned using a damp cloth to wipe them down. If the buttons don't work, try a different car key fob. This will help you determine whether the issue is yours or an specific model. If the other key fob is working, then yours may need to be reprogrammed or replaced. Reprogramming The world of car key fobs is more intricate than what some myths would suggest. Basic fobs work on radio frequency signals specific to each vehicle. The fobs need to be correctly programmed to unlock and begin the vehicle. Unfortunately the process of reprogramming a fob isn't as easy as pressing a few buttons, and with only a few exceptions it needs to be handled by a dealer. The process of reprogramming a fob is dependent on the manufacturer and model year of your car and it's essential to consult the owner's manual to get step-by-step instructions. Some manufacturers, such as Mercedes utilize proprietary technology that guarantees only dealerships can design a new fob and re-sync it with your vehicle. However some independent shops provide this service as well so make sure to look up reviews and prices prior to choosing the shop. Certain car models erase all other fobs once they are reprogrammed. This means that you'll have to have any extra fobs programmed by a professional. This can be expensive especially if the fob has stopped working. Even if car key repair cost won't work to start the vehicle, it's a great idea to have a backup that can open the trunk and doors. Be prepared for a difficult experience if you decide to reprogram your fob yourself. You'll be disappointed by the countless online guides that claim to be successful. A lot of these guides were written by individuals with no experience and are based on unsubstantiated assertions. Some of them even claim that you can program your car key fob with just a few clicks, which is extremely confusing. Most key fobs are held in place by a plastic clip which is easy to remove, however, the battery is within the circuit board, so you'll need to carefully pry it out with a tool. Once you've gotten inside, you'll be able locate the button cell battery, which is usually a small watch battery that is available in most pharmacies or at home improvement stores. Replacing the battery is usually a straightforward procedure, and it's always worth trying this first before replacing the entire unit. Replacement If a car key fob is damaged or fails to function it is crucial to know there are several ways to fix the issue. It may be possible to resolve the issue quickly by replacing the battery or programming your key fob. However it is possible that a more extensive 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 more difficult to replace due to the fact that they have a physical key and electronic. Some “smart fobs” even include a remote starter. As such, it's important to be aware that it could take up to an hour for an alternative key fob cut and programmed for your vehicle. Fobs use a small radio transmitter that is mounted on circuit boards to communicate with the car's receiver. Pressing an appropriate button will activate the transmitter, which sends a unique RF signal to the car's receiver. The receiver detects and compares the signal with preprogrammed codes. This lets the driver unlock the vehicle and begin it from a distance without putting the key in the ignition or turning a lock. If the buttons on your key fob fail to respond or operate intermittently it could mean that they've been damaged by water or other factors. It is possible to repair the fob by disassembling it and inspecting for any broken or non-responsive buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, you can try reprogramming the fob, or getting a new one. Before purchasing a replacement key fob online, consult an expert locksmith or your local dealer to ensure that it's compatible with the security system of your vehicle. The fobs from the aftermarket can be less expensive but you should look into the reviews and brands before attempting to program them yourself. While certain fobs can be repaired by a reputable locksmith, other models require special equipment to program them that can only be used by a vehicle dealer or auto technician.