Remote Key Fob Repair
Most modern vehicles now feature the remote key fob which can be used to lock, unlock and start the car. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience issues.
Usually, they are easy to resolve. It is as easy as resetting the device which you should be able do by following the resetting instructions in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The battery inside the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. It's a small, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced regularly to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons why your key fob may not be working. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component malfunction could be the reason. If your key fob's battery has stopped functioning then replace the battery.
First, ensure that you have the correct size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery, which is easily available in many stores. The size of many of these batteries is engraved on the edges of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you locate the specific type of battery it takes.
When you have the correct battery, carefully open the key fob, and then remove the existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of your fob to ensure you put it back in the correct way. This simple step will save you from purchasing an entirely new fob because you made an error when making it back together.
It is important to be aware that some key fobs have an alternate mechanical key, called an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob and allows you to unlock the door of the driver's seat of your car in the event that the remote control fails. To get to the blade of the key, you must find the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you're looking to be extra cautious you can utilize a multimeter for checking the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have a voltmeter built into their casings, however you can also get an extra multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. In general, the battery should read 3.0 Volts or higher. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They might look like high-tech, fancy convenience items but keys for cars aren't durable. It's not uncommon for remotes to cease working after a time, particularly if the vehicle is frequented or there is lots of physical abuse associated with it. Fortunately, the majority of times it's easy to determine and repair a problem with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is often all that's required.
A lot of modern car key fobs feature numerous buttons for various functions like locking and unlocking the doors and activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it sends a radio signal to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which is especially useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob are reset by snapping it apart and checking that they're not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals of the key fob can become loose over time, despite the fact that they are not designed to be disassembled. Soldering can be used to connect the button contacts to the circuit board if they have been disconnected. This will allow the fob to function again.
In addition, if the fob was damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons might be damaged, out of alignment or misaligned. These problems are more difficult to repair on your own. However, a local auto shop can fix them using the right equipment and expertise.
It's always an excellent idea to have a spare fob somewhere in case one of the ones you use regularly stops working. This can help keep you from being left without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. 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 unusual for keys to get wet, be it from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The moisture that is resulting can cause a range of issues with the electronic. The good news is that keys can typically be saved from a cliff by drying it thoroughly and executing a few simple steps.
key repair service is to check the buttons are still functioning correctly. keys repair involves removing and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons aren't working or don't pop in, it may be time to replace your remote.
It is also important to inspect the case to ensure there's nothing blocking the function of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers and remove the battery. Don't disassemble the antennas or circuit board. If you damage the circuits that keep your key fob's programmed you'll need 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 putting it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will help prevent future moisture problems and will make your key fob more durable.
If the fob doesn't work, you should visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in the model and make of your vehicle. They can re-program the key fob to your vehicle and hopefully restore the function to its original state.
If keys repair fails, a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased on the internet or at a local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes function just like the original fob, but are cheaper. They can be easily paired to your vehicle using simple instructions. NAPA offers a variety of do-it yourself replacements that can be programmed in a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Occasionally, your key fob will cease to function - even though it's still connected to your vehicle. This could be due to various reasons that include broken batteries or buttons. If this is the case, you may be able to fix it yourself by doing basic maintenance.
You should first check whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle. If it does then there could be issues with your primary remote. If you are still unable to do it, you can try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
Before replacing the battery it's recommended to take apart your key fob and perform an examination of the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any broken solder joints that must be repaired by re-soldering. After you're finished, you can replace the battery in your key fob and rebuild it.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you should test the connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of your key fob. From there, you can pry apart the two halves of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative end facing down. After you have reinserted your board, you can reassemble your key fob.
If this does not resolve the issue, you could have a more serious issue. In this instance, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the specific model of the car you own. They can identify the issue by using a radio frequency tester which is a gadget that can determine if your key fob transmits signals to your car's computer.
I hope this guide has been useful to anyone experiencing issues with their car's key fob. If you have any other questions or issues, don't hesitate reach us for assistance. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!