How to Repair Car Key Fobs Although we test them many a times keys aren't indestructible. They are able to be destroyed in different ways. Other issues could be more grave than the battery being dead. Luckily, most of these issues can be solved with a quick DIY fix at home. Dead Battery A dead battery is probably the most common reason a car key fob stops working. Fob batteries are known to drain quickly, especially when they are exposed or humid temperatures, or water. Keep an extra battery in your wallet in case you need it. You will usually know when your car key fob's battery is depleted because the LED light will stop glowing. The fob may also stop working at the same distance it was previously working to. In this instance it could be necessary to re-program your key fob or replace it altogether. It is simple to replace the car keyfob battery. First, find out what kind of battery is used. The type of battery you are using should be stamped on the back of your key fob. If you're unsure it is, a quick Google search will be helpful. The key fob can be opened across the seam after you have identified the battery type. Make use of a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail, to separate the two halves. Then, you can remove the old battery and insert a new one in its place. Place the new battery in such a way that the positive (+) face is facing the buttons on the fob. Some drivers don't even realize that their fob has gone out of service until they lock or unlock their car, and the buttons don't work anymore. In some cases this problem can be resolved by reprogramming your fob, however, it can be costly and time-consuming. Another option is to contact roadside assistance and see if they are able to jump your vehicle and get you back on the road. If you have tried both of these solutions and your car is still unable to start, then it's time to call a professional. A qualified technician can determine if the car's computer system needs reprogramming or if the fob needs a new battery. They will also suggest a reputable auto shop to replace your key fob. In the end, though, sometimes a brand new fob is the most effective solution. Damaged Circuit Board A key fob is not indestructible, but it can endure a lot of physical damage. The battery, circuit board and buttons are all subject to wear and wear and tear. It is essential to take care of these components to keep your key fob in good working order. The easiest thing to check is that the battery in your key fob isn't dead. If it is replaced, see if that fixes your issue. If not, you'll require opening the key fob and clean the contact surfaces. It can be difficult to open certain key fobs since they don't have an easy release mechanism. You may cause damage to the fob by trying to take it apart. You can buy a special tool to open your key fob, however you must always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to avoid damaging it. Another issue that is common is a damaged or corrupted circuit board on the key fob. This can be caused by various factors, including dirt or moisture getting into the battery compartment. Software issues or an accidental firmware update can be the cause of this. If your key fob has stopped working completely, think about having it reprogrammed by locksmiths who specialize in this kind of work. Radio interference is another possibility. This can happen if there are other wireless devices that transmit on the same frequency as your key fob, such a radar detectors and home security systems. If this is the case, check with the other manufacturers of your device to make sure that your key fob isn't affected by their signals. It's also possible that your key fob may have an unreliable switch or electrical component that should be replaced. This is a harder fix however, you can find online guides that will show you how to do it yourself. It's important to be careful when doing this, as the circuit boards in the key fob are tiny and can break easily if they are handled roughly. If you're doing it yourself, ensure you use an SMT switch that is of high-quality and put the switch in place correctly. Worn Out Buttons Car key fobs are prone to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are susceptible to being dropped and spend a lot time being jostled in your purse or pocket. The jolting can cause the buttons to wear out or get stuck. A simple adjustment can solve the problem. Most modern key fobs come with sensors on them that can detect when they've been used. This is because they reduce the chances of someone stealing your vehicle. If the buttons on your key fob don't respond when pressed, they are damaged and should be replaced. The circuit board inside the key fob transmits signals to your car. These signals include commands to unlock and lock your car, as well commands to start the engine. If the internal circuit board is damaged, then your key fob may not unlock or start your engine. Generally, this kind of damage is caused by water, blunt force or a scratch on the circuit board. You'll be able to tell that the buttons on your key fob are wearing down If you're finding yourself pressing more than normal to get them to work. Your fob might not be sending signals to your vehicle or have a shorter range. Contact a locksmith right away in the event that you are not able to use the key fob for your car. They can tell if the key fob is damaged, or if the cylinder in your ignition is worn out. Fortunately, most car keyfob issues aren't very complicated or even serious. The best way to ensure you don't get surprised by an issue with your key fob is to have an extra in your pocket at all times. This will ensure that you're not stuck in a bind due to a lost or malfunctioning key. Of course, if you do happen to lose your car key spare A locksmith can change the key to ensure it is compatible with your car's ignition. They can also fix any internal damage to the key fob. Broken Case The case of the key fob is more than just protect the batteries and buttons. The case also houses the circuitry that does all the electrical magic when you press the button on your key fob. The circuit board relays the signal from your keyfob to your car. If this board is damaged or dead, your key fob won't be able to operate. A dead key fob may require reprogramming by your local auto locksmith, or dealer. Another reason why your key fob might not be working is because the batteries are dead. The battery can be replaced at home. The positive side is that you can get a replacement battery on the internet or at a local auto parts store, since the batteries aren't limited to key fobs. Depending on the kind of key fob, there is different ways to open it and get inside. You can find out what type of battery your key fob uses by doing a quick online search. From there, you can purchase an alternative and then simply pop the old one out, and then the new one in. The main concern when you repair an old car key fob is that you don't want to cause damage to the circuit board or buttons further. Trying to pry apart a key fob with a sharp edge, such as a screwdriver could damage the case or even scratch the plastic. Luckily, a replacement case is inexpensive and you can buy the entire fob and the electronics on eBay or Amazon for less than $40. If your key fob doesn't work, check if you have damaged the circuit board or batteries. If this isn't the case, you can have it repaired quickly and inexpensively by a professional. If not, it could be the time to purchase a replacement. Just be sure to check for a warranty on any replacement or used fobs that you purchase on the internet.