Remote Key Fob Repair
Most modern vehicles now feature a remote key fob that can lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, as with any piece of modern technology it is not without its own 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 remote control is powered by the battery inside the key fob. It's a small and inexpensive component that needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. However, in addition to the battery, there are other reasons your key fob may not be working. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the cause. Whatever the reason the key fob is unresponsive it's time to replace its battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs use a common three-volt CR2032 battery which is readily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the edges of the fob. You can find the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
Once you have the proper battery take a moment to open your key fob and remove its existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob to make sure you put it back together correctly. This simple step could help you avoid having to buy a new fob if you make an error while putting it together.
You should also be aware that certain key fobs come with an alternate mechanical key, called an emergency blade. This is located within the key fob and allows you to open the driver's side door in the event that the remote control fails to function. To open the blade of the key, you must locate the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically a circular shape that is concealed by the fob's plastic casing.
If you want to be extra cautious, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter in their casings. However, you can also purchase an extra multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. Generally, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading that is lower than that could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They might look like modern, high-tech items of convenience however, keys for cars aren't durable. Remotes can stop functioning after a certain period of time, particularly if they are used often or if they have been exposed to physical abuse. Most of the time, it's easy to diagnose an issue and fix it by using the remote fob. Most of the time all that's needed is a new battery.
Many modern-day car key fobs feature multiple buttons for different functions including locking and unlocking the 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 signal to a receiver inside the vehicle. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be particularly useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob can be reset by taking it apart and checking that they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't designed to be taken apart, but the battery connectors on a key fob may become loose as time passes. If the contacts on the button have become disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job could be enough to get them back in place and return the fob to full functionality.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons may be damaged, misaligned, or out of alignment. These issues are more difficult to fix by yourself. However a local auto shop can fix them with the right tools and experience.
Keep an extra key fob in an area that is secure in the event that the one you use most often stops working. This will prevent you from being stranded without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. Check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing a replacement key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for keys to get submerged, whether from a pool, a rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resulting water can play destruction to the electronic components inside, causing many malfunctions. It's a good idea to know that you can save your key fob from destruction by following a few simple steps and drying it thoroughly.
First, verify whether the buttons are working correctly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them, and rebuilding them. If the buttons aren't functioning or pop in, it may be time to replace your 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 remove the battery. Do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. They have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll need go to a dealer or choose an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery it's an ideal idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag containing silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future moisture issues and help your key fob last longer.
If the fob is not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your specific make and model of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob of your specific vehicle and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If all else fails then you can purchase a replacement keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look as the factory key fob but are much less expensive and can be easily paired with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA offers a variety of replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Sometimes your key fob may cease to function - even though it's still connected to your vehicle. This could be caused by many factors that include damaged battery contacts or buttons. You may be able solve the issue yourself by performing basic maintenance.
You should first check that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle. If it does, you may have issues with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to try replacing the battery in the backup remote.
Before replacing the battery it's a good idea to pull off your key fob and perform a visual examination of the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any damaged solder joints that must be repaired by re-soldering. When you're done, you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, it's now time to test out its connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of your key fob. You can then pry apart your key fob's two halves and remove the circuitboard gently. Install a brand new CR2032 3V battery with the negative end facing downwards. Once remote car key repair near me 've successfully inserted the circuit board, put it back together and try again.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a larger issue. In this case, you will need to call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the make of the car you own. They can diagnose the issue by using a radio-frequency tester a device which determines if your key fob transmits an electronic signal to the computer in your car.
This guide should be helpful to anyone who is having issues with their vehicle key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.