Remote Key Fob Repair
Most modern vehicles now feature remote keys that can be used to lock, unlock or start the vehicle. As with any high-tech piece equipment, there can be problems.
Usually these are very simple to resolve. You can reset it by following the steps 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 and inexpensive part that should be replaced on a regular basis to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are a variety of reasons your key fob may not be working besides the battery. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component failure could be the reason. If your key fob has stopped working, replace the battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. car key repairs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery which is easily found in a variety of stores. The majority of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the edges of the fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand will help you identify the exact type of battery it takes.
When you have the correct battery take a moment to open the key fob, and then remove the existing battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob to ensure that you put it back in the correct way. This simple step can save you from buying an entirely new fob if you made a mistake when making it back together.
It is also important to know that some key fobs have a backup mechanical key, called an emergency blade. This is found inside the key fob and allows you to access your car's driver's door in the event that the remote control fails to function. To get to the blade of the key, you must locate the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you'd like to be extra cautious, you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs come with an voltmeter embedded in their casings, but you can also purchase a multimeter for just a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. Generally, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or higher. A reading lower than that could indicate the battery is in its last days and requires replacement immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may appear to be sophisticated, luxurious convenience items but keys for cars aren't impervious to destruction. It isn't unusual for these remote devices to stop working after a time, particularly when the vehicle is being frequently used or if there is a lot of physical abuse that is associated with it. In most cases it is easy to identify an issue and fix it with a remote fob. Most of the time all that's required is an upgrade to the battery.
The majority of modern car key fobs have several buttons that can be used for various purposes, such as locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it sends a radio signal to a receiver inside the vehicle. Certain fobs come with a button to start the car, which is useful in cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob reset by simply snapping it apart and checking that they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be taken apart, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob may become loose as time passes. If the buttons' contacts have become disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job can be enough to get them back on track and return the fob to its full functionality.
In addition, if the fob was damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons may be damaged or out of alignment, or misaligned. These types of problems are usually more difficult to fix on your own, however, they can be fixed by a local auto shop that has the right equipment and experience.
It's always a good idea to keep a spare fob somewhere in the event that one you use regularly stops working. This can keep you from being left without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. Check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing a new key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for a keyfob to become wet. visit the website can happen due to an in-ground pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The moisture that is resulting can cause a range of malfunctions within the electronic components. The good thing is that a key fob can often be saved from the brink of death by thoroughly drying it out and following a few simple steps.
The first step is to check the buttons are still functioning properly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons don't pop back in or are stuck, it's time to replace the remote.
It is also important to inspect the case to ensure nothing is interfering with the operation of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers and take out the battery. Don't remove the antennas or circuit board. They have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll need visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery, it's a good idea to dry out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag with silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will prevent future problems with moisture and make your key fob more durable.
If the fob is still not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealer 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 it to full functionality.
If all else fails, the replacement key fob offered by NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These DIY remotes look like your factory fob, but are much more affordable and are able to be paired with your vehicle using simple instructions. If you'd like to avoid the expense and hassle of a visit to a dealer, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed in minutes at home.
Check the Connections
Sometimes your key fob may simply stop working, even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. It could be due to a number of factors that include broken contacts on the battery or buttons. If this is the case, you might be able to fix it yourself by doing some basic maintenance.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can, then you probably have an issue with your primary remote. If you're still having trouble doing it, try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
It's a good idea to disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. Check for cracked solder joints. After you've finished, you can replace your key fob battery and rebuild it.
Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you're now ready to test its connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the 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 downwards. Once you've successfully inserted the circuit board, you are able to put it back together and try again.
If this doesn't work for you, then you have a bigger issue. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a service shop that is specifically geared to the make of your vehicle. They can identify the issue with a radio frequency test, which is a device that can determine if your key fob is transmitting a signal to your car's computer.
This guide is intended to be of assistance for anyone who has issues with their vehicle key fob. If you have any other questions or issues, don't hesitate ask us for help. We'll be glad to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.