Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience problems.
These are usually very easy to repair. It is as easy as resetting it and you should be able to accomplish by following the resetting guidelines in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery of the key fob powers the remote control function. It's a tiny and affordable component that needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are a variety of reasons your key fob might not be functioning, aside from the battery. This could be due to physical damage, water exposure, or internal component failure. Whatever the cause when your key fob's sensor is not responding and is not responding, it's time to replace the battery.
Make sure you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery which is easily found in many stores. Most of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the edges of the fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you locate the specific kind of battery that it uses.
When you have the correct battery take a moment to open the key fob, and then remove the battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob prior to you do this to make sure that you put it back together the right way. This simple trick will prevent you from purchasing another fob if you made a mistake when putting it back together.
Some key fobs have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. It's located inside the key fob and allows you to open the driver's side door in the event that your remote control fails to function. To get to the blade of the key, find the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically covered by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you want to check the battery's voltage using extra caution, you can use the multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have built-in voltmeters, but you can purchase a multimeter in many hardware stores for a few bucks. The battery should generally be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading below that level could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs might appear like little more than fancy modern, high-tech gadgets however, they're not indestructible. It isn't unusual for these remote devices to stop working after a while, especially if the vehicle is frequently used or if there's lots of physical abuse associated with it. In most cases it is easy to identify the issue and fix it by using a remote fob. Most of the time all that's needed is an updated battery.
The majority of modern car key fobs feature numerous buttons for various functions, such as locking and unlocking doors as well as activating the panic button, as well as opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed it sends a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which can be particularly useful on cold winter mornings or hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons of keys can be reset by taking the device apart and checking to make sure they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't designed to be disassembled however, the battery connectors on a key fob could become loose over time. Soldering is a method to connect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they have been disconnected. This will allow the fob to function again.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons may be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These issues are more difficult to repair by yourself. However a local auto shop can fix them with the right tools and experience.
Keep an extra key fob in a safe place in the event that the one you use is not working as often. You can avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere without keys, or having to pay an enormous amount to have the car transported to the dealer. You should also check your insurance policy for your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see whether it will cover the cost of replacing or programming an entirely new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for the key fob to become submerged, whether from a pool, rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can cause a range of malfunctions within the electronic components. It's important to be aware that you can save your key fob from destruction by following a few simple steps and thoroughly drying it.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are functioning correctly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them and reassembling them. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's probably time to replace the remote.
Examine the case to ensure that there is nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and remove the battery, however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. They have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob programmed to your car, and when you break the circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.
After you've replaced and removed the battery, it's recommended to dry the fob by placing it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future moisture issues and help the battery last longer.
If, after all this, the fob isn't functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealer or an independent shop that specializes in your particular make and model of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your vehicle, and hopefully restore the function to its original state.
If all else fails, you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it yourself remotes are just like the factory fob but much more affordable. They can be easily paired to your vehicle with simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it-yourself replacements that you can re-program in minutes.
Check the Connections
The key fob you have may stop working even though it's programmed to work for your vehicle. This could be due to many reasons, such as broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. If this is the case, you might be capable of fixing it yourself by carrying out basic maintenance.
You should first check that your backup remote is capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your car. If it does it, then you might have a problem in your main remote. If you still can't do it, you can try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
It's a great idea to disassemble your key fob before replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that need to be re-soldering. Once you're done with that, you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
After you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, it's time to test the connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your key fob. Then, you can break your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. 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 put it back together. key fob.
If this doesn't work, you may have a larger issue. In this situation, you will need to call your dealer or an independent service shop that is specialized in the make of your vehicle. They can identify the issue with a radio-frequency analyzer, a device which determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the computer in your car.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If car keys repair have any further questions or issues, don't hesitate contact us for assistance. We'll be happy to assist you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.