Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote keys that can lock, unlock and start the car. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there can be issues.
Usually these are very simple to fix. You can reset it by following the directions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery in a key fob powers the remote control function. The battery is a small component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the functionality of the key fob. There are other reasons why your key fob might not be working besides the battery. The reasons could be physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure. Regardless of the cause the key fob is unresponsive it's time for a replacement battery.
Ensure you have the correct size battery. Almost repair car key use a common three-volt CR2032 battery that's easily available at many stores. Most of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the edges of the fob. You can find the type of battery your vehicle requires by searching for the brand name.
Take your key fob apart carefully and remove the existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of your fob to ensure that you put it back together correctly. This simple step will save you from purchasing a new fob because you made a mistake when making it back together.
Some key fobs have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. This key blade is located inside the key fob, and it lets you unlock the driver's door of your car in the event that the remote control is not working. To get to the blade of the key, find the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you want to check the battery's voltage with more care, make use of a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have built-in voltmeters, but you can get a multimeter in the majority of hardware stores for a few dollars. In general the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading that is lower than this could indicate that the battery is in its last days and needs to be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like high-tech, fancy convenience items but car key fobs are not impervious to destruction. These remote devices can stop functioning after a period of time, especially if they are used often or have been exposed to physical abuse. In most cases, it's easy to diagnose the issue and fix it with the remote fob. Usually all that's needed is a new battery.
Modern car key fobs include multiple buttons that perform different functions. For instance they can be used to lock and unlock the doors, 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 have a button that can start the engine, which can be especially handy in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons of a key fob can be reset by snapping the device in two and then checking to ensure they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically designed to be taken apart, but the battery connectors on a key fob could be loose as time passes. Soldering is a method to connect the button contacts to the circuit board if they've been cut off. This will bring back the fob's functionality.
Additionally, if a fob was dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons may be damaged or out of alignment, or misaligned in any way. These issues are more difficult to fix on your own. However, a local auto shop can fix them with the right equipment and expertise.
It's always recommended to keep an extra key somewhere in the event that one you regularly use stops working. You'll be able to avoid being in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or paying for a large amount to have your car towed to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing a replacement key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for keys to get wet, whether from a pool, a rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The moisture that results can cause a variety of malfunctions in the electronics. The good news is that keys can typically be saved from a cliff by drying out thoroughly and following a few easy steps.
The first step is to check the buttons are functioning properly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them and reassembling them. buttons. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace your remote.
You should also check the case to make sure there is nothing that could be affecting the function of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers and remove the battery. Don't disassemble the antennas or circuit board. They have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle. And when you break the circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you've replaced and removed the battery It's recommended to dry out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will prevent any future moisture issues and help your key fob last longer.
Finally, if the fob is still not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular make and model of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob of your particular vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If you're not able to find the replacement key fob offered by NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it yourself remotes are just like the original fob, but are cheaper. They can be easily paired to your vehicle using simple instructions. If you'd like to avoid the cost and hassle of a trip to the dealership, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be re-programmed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
Occasionally, your key fob will simply stop working, even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as broken battery terminal contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you might be in a position to fix it yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
The first thing to do is make sure that your backup remote can lock and unlock your car's doors. If it can't, you might have problems with your primary 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 an excellent idea to take off your key fob and perform an inspection of the circuit board. Check for cracked solder joints. When you're done you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.
Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to test the connection to your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to take apart the two pieces of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Be careful when inserting a new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's inserted with the negative side facing downwards. After you have reinserted your board, you can reassemble your key fob.
If this doesn't work, then you have a bigger issue. In this case, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the model of the car you own. They can diagnose the problem with a radio frequency test that is a device that determines whether or not your key fob is sending an indication 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 additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask us for help. We'll be happy to assist you in getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!