Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

Getting jostled around in purses and pockets, key fob buttons can be damaged and not register presses reliably. Replacing the small battery, which the majority of car fobs have in a snap-out bag, may fix the problem.

If the contacts in your key fob are worn, a new replacement may not be sufficient to make it work again. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can do at home:

Replace the Battery

If your broken key repair fob feels sluggish or takes a longer time to unlock or lock your car, it might be time to replace the battery. Replacing a key fob's battery is one of those simple tasks you can do yourself. This is a straightforward fix that will save you money and time on a trip to the dealership or locksmith.

You can purchase coins-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts, home improvement, or general retailer. The key fobs usually have a slot that can accept these batteries and opening the case to replace batteries is relatively simple. Based on the brand you will need to use a screwdriver to open the compartment.

Some key fobs come with clips which hold the battery in place. If this is the case you can gently lift them up using your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Remove the old battery and replace it with an alternative one, and be careful to note its orientation in order to install it correctly. Avoid touching the flat surfaces of batteries as this can reduce their life.

Close the case of the fob's key and test the function by pressing the button. If it doesn't work you might need to reopen the fob and verify that the new battery is properly inserted.

It's also possible that a simple replacement of the battery will not be enough to resolve the issue, for instance physical or electrical injury. In this instance, you will be required to take your key fob to a dealer or auto service center to make repairs. Before you do this, there are four issues that replacing the battery won't solve. You should be aware of these issues, so that you can seek help from a qualified technician when necessary. You can also read how to fix the defective transmitter of a key fob to discover the reason it's not working.

Clean the Contacts

It is essential to keep your keys clean in order to maintain their function and durability. Over time, natural oils from your fingers and pocket lint can accumulate on the key fob's crevices and buttons and even cause keys to stop working completely. It's not difficult to fix - all you need is rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery away with either a screwdriver or coin. Note the nature of the battery (negative and positive sides) to ensure you put it back in the correct way.

Then, wet a cotton small or swab with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start cleansing the dirt off all buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Make sure to pay special attention to the contacts of the battery and ensure that they are clean. Once you are done, make sure to allow the fob and its components dry completely.

If your device doesn't function after clenage-your-car-key-remote-repair-near-me/">key car repair fob or cleaning the contacts might solve a malfunctioning device, but if the device persists to operate in a erratic manner you might need to do a factory reset. This will help eliminate system issues and restore performance of the device.

If you're not sure how to reset your device, consult your device's owner's manual or manufacturer's site. Certain devices require special tools to reset them, but you'll find instructions specific to your model.

Contacting a mobile car locksmith in Apache Junction is another option to solve problems with your key fob. These professionals can replace and program keyfobs for almost all models of cars. In addition, they can also repair car keys with chips in them.