Is your car key fob acting up, triggering the alarm or popping the trunk with the slightest touch? You’re not alone. Many car owners experience the frustration of an overly sensitive key fob. Instead of replacing the entire unit, which can be costly, you can often resolve this issue with a simple DIY fix. This guide will walk you through the steps to repair your key fob and regain control over your car’s remote functions.
Identifying the Problem: Overly Sensitive Key Fob
An overly sensitive key fob can be a real nuisance. It manifests in various ways, such as:
- Accidental Locking/Unlocking: Your car doors lock or unlock unexpectedly while the fob is in your pocket or bag.
- Trunk Popping Open: The trunk release activates without you intending to open it.
- Panic Alarm Triggering: The panic alarm goes off randomly, often at inconvenient times.
These issues are often caused by the internal button contacts becoming too sensitive, reacting to even minor pressure. This guide focuses on a common cause and a straightforward solution.
DIY Fix: Step-by-Step Guide to Repair Your Key Fob
This repair focuses on adjusting the sensitivity of the buttons inside your key fob. It’s a relatively simple process that most car owners can do at home with basic tools.
Step 1: Open the Key Fob
First, locate the valet key switch on your key fob. Remove the valet key. Once removed, use the valet key or a small screwdriver to carefully pry open the key fob casing. Start at the point where the valet key was removed and gently work your way around the seam until the fob splits into two halves.
Step 2: Access the Button Pad and Metal Discs
Inside the fob, you’ll find the circuit board and a rubber button pad. Carefully remove the rubber button pad. On the back of this pad, you’ll notice small metal discs that sit behind each button. These discs are responsible for making contact with the circuit board when you press a button. In many cases of overly sensitive fobs, these discs have become loose or shifted, causing the excessive sensitivity.
Step 3: Repair or Remove Metal Discs
Examine the metal discs. If they are loose or have shifted, carefully remove them all from the rubber button pad. You might find that some discs are already detached and floating around inside the key fob, which is a common cause of the problem.
Using small nail clippers or a similar tool, carefully clip off the small nub from the center of each button on the rubber pad. This nub is where the metal discs were originally adhered. Clean off any old glue residue from both the rubber pad and the metal discs.
If you want to retain all button functions, use a small amount of Loctite repair adhesive or similar glue to re-attach the metal discs to the rubber button pad, ensuring they are centered on each button location.
Optional Button Disabling: If, like the original author, you wish to disable certain buttons (such as panic or remote start), simply leave the metal discs off of those specific buttons. This effectively deactivates those functions without affecting the other buttons.
Step 4: Reassemble and Test
Once you have repaired or adjusted the metal discs and the glue has dried (if used), carefully reassemble the key fob. Ensure the rubber button pad and circuit board are correctly positioned within the casing. Snap the two halves of the fob back together until they are securely closed.
Test the key fob to ensure the buttons now function correctly and with normal sensitivity. The accidental triggering should be resolved.
Optional: Battery Replacement
While you have the key fob open, it’s a good opportunity to replace the battery, especially if you don’t remember the last time it was changed. The battery size for this type of remote is typically a CR-2032. Replacing the battery ensures optimal performance and prevents future low-battery issues.
Key Fob Compatibility
This DIY fix is reported to be effective for Ford “Smart Key” type remotes with FCC ID M3N5WY8609 (OE part number 164-R8091). These remotes are commonly found in models such as:
- Ford Escape
- Ford C-Max
- Ford Focus
- Ford Flex
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Expedition
- Ford Taurus
For model years approximately 2011-2018. Always verify your key fob’s FCC ID to confirm compatibility. The circuit board may also be stamped with “Continental 1408-2” and “94V-0”.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can often fix an overly sensitive car key fob yourself, saving time and money compared to dealership repairs or replacements. This DIY solution addresses a common cause of key fob sensitivity and can restore the convenience and reliability of your keyless entry system.
