Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, like any piece of modern technology, it can sometimes experience issues.
They are typically very simple to repair. You can reset it by following the directions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery inside the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. It's a tiny and affordable part that should be replaced on a regular basis to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are many other reasons your key fob might not be functioning, aside from the battery. The reasons could be physical damage, exposure to water or internal component failure. Whatever the cause when your key fob is unresponsive it's time to replace its battery.
Ensure you have the correct size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery which is easily found in a variety of stores. Most of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the fob's edges. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you locate the exact kind of battery that it uses.
The fob must be opened carefully and remove the current battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure you put everything back together the right way. This simple step can help you avoid having to buy a new fob simply because you made an error while putting it back together.
It is also important to know that some key fobs include an additional mechanical key, called an emergency blade. car key repair company 's located inside the key fob and permits you to access your car's driver's door in the event that the remote control isn't working. In order to access the key blade, you need to locate the notch that's at the center of the fob. The notch is typically covered by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you want to check the battery's voltage with extra caution, you can make use of a multimeter. Most modern key fobs come with an voltmeter in their casings. However, you can also get a multimeter for just a few dollars at most hardware stores. In general the battery should read 3.0 Volts or higher. A reading that is lower than that could indicate a battery that is in its last stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They might look like modern, high-tech items of convenience, but car key fobs aren't durable. It isn't unusual for these remotes to cease working after a time, particularly if the vehicle is frequented or there's a lot of physical abuse involving it. In most cases it is easy to identify an issue and fix it with a remote fob. In most cases all that's needed is an updated battery.
Modern car key fobs come with multiple buttons that perform different functions. For repair key can lock and unlock the doors as well as activate the panic button and open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed it transmits a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which can be especially useful on cold winter mornings or hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons of the key fob can be reset simply by snapping the device in two and then checking to ensure they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be taken apart, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob can be loose over time. If the buttons' contacts have been disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job can be enough to get them back on track and allow the fob back to its full functionality.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons could be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are generally more difficult to solve on your own, but they can be resolved by a local auto shop with the proper tools and experience.
Keep a spare key fob a safe place, just in the event that the one you use frequently stops working. This will to avoid being stuck without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy on your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to determine if it covers the cost of programming or replacing a new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob to become wet. It can happen due to a swimming pool, a downpour, or even from your washing machine. The moisture that results can trigger a myriad of malfunctions in the electronics. It's a good idea to know that you can save a key fob from dying by following a couple of simple steps and drying it thoroughly.
The first step is to ensure that the buttons are still functioning properly. This usually involves removing, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace the remote.
Examine the case to ensure that there isn't any obstruction to the operation of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers, and then remove the battery. Do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. If you damage the circuits that keep your key fob's programmed it will be required to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery, it's recommended to dry the fob by placing it in a plastic bag with silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will help prevent any future issues with moisture and will make your key fob more durable.
If, after all this, the fob isn't working properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your particular type of vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob for your specific vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If everything else fails, an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself-operated remotes look as the factory key fob but are much more affordable and are able to be paired with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it yourself replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Your key fob may stop working even though it is still programmed for your vehicle. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. If this is the case, you might be in a position to fix it yourself by doing basic maintenance.
It is important to first verify whether your backup remote capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your vehicle. If it can't, you may have a problem in your main remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.
Before you replace the battery it's a good idea to pull apart your key fob and do an inspection of the circuit board. You'll want to ensure that there aren't any broken solder joints that require to be repaired by re-soldering. When you're done, you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. Then, you can break the two halves of your key fob and then gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative end facing downwards. After you've inserted the circuit board, you can rebuild the key fob and try again.
If this does not resolve the problem, you may have a bigger problem. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a repair shop that specializes in the make of your vehicle. They can diagnose the issue by using a radio-frequency tester which is a device that can determine whether your key fob sends a signal to the computer in your car.
We hope that this guide has been useful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate reach us for assistance. We'll be happy to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.