Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with the remote key fob which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle. As with any high-tech piece equipment, there can be issues.
Most of the time, these issues are simple to fix. You can reset it by following the directions in your owner’s manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery inside the key fob. It's a tiny and affordable part that should be replaced regularly to ensure the fob's functioning. There are a variety of reasons your key fob may not be functioning properly, besides the battery. These issues could include physical damage, water exposure, or internal component failure. Whatever the reason, if your key fob is unresponsive and is not responding, it's time for a replacement battery.
Make sure you have the right size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery that is readily available in a wide range of stores. The majority of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the edges of the fob. You can determine the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
When you have the correct battery then carefully open your key fob and take out its existing battery. Take a photograph of the inside of your fob to ensure you put it back in the correct way. This simple step can save you from purchasing an entirely new fob because you made a mistake when making it back together.
Certain key fobs also come with a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. It's located inside the key fob and permits you to access your car's driver's door in the event that the remote control fails to function. In order to access the key blade, you'll need to locate the notch that's located in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically covered by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you want to check the battery's voltage using extra care, you can use a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have built-in voltmeters, but you can purchase a multimeter from many hardware stores for a few bucks. Generally, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or higher. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs may seem to be nothing more than modern, high-tech gadgets however, they're not indestructible. It's not uncommon for remotes to fail after a certain time, especially if the vehicle is frequently used or if there's a lot of physical abuse that is associated with it. In most cases it is easy to identify a problem and fix one with the remote fob. In most cases all that's needed is an upgrade to the battery.
Many modern-day car key fobs feature 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 the button is pressed, the fob sends the radio signal using a code that is recognized by a receiver inside the car. Some fobs have an option to start the car, which is useful on cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons on keys can be reset by snapping the device apart and checking to make sure they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be disassembled however, the battery connector terminals on a key fob could become loose over time. If the buttons' contacts are disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job can be enough to get them back in place and restore the fob to its full functionality.
In addition, if the fob was damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons may be broken or out of alignment, or misaligned. These issues are more difficult to repair on your own. However an auto repair shop in your area can fix them with the right tools and experience.
It's always an excellent idea to have a spare fob somewhere in the event that one of the ones you regularly use stops working. You'll be able to avoid being in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or paying a lot to have the car towed 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 a key fob to get wet, whether from a pool, a rainstorm or even your washing machine. The moisture that is resulting can trigger a myriad of malfunctions within the electronic components. It's important to be aware that you can save a key fob from dying by following a few easy steps and drying it thoroughly.
First, verify whether the buttons are working correctly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace your remote.
Check the case to ensure that nothing is interfering in the operation of the key fob. Use tweezers to open the case and remove the battery however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disturb the circuits that keep your key fob's programmed it will be required to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you have replaced and removed your battery, it is recommended to dry the key fob by putting it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will prevent any future issues with moisture and will help the battery last longer.
Finally, if the fob isn't working properly, you'll need to visit a dealer or an independent shop that is specialized in your specific type of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob to match your particular vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If all else 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-operated remotes look like your factory fob, but are much more affordable and are able to be paired with your vehicle by following simple instructions. If you'd like to avoid the cost and hassle of a visit to a dealer, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
Sometimes, your key fob will cease to function - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. This could be due a variety of reasons, including damaged battery terminal contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you may be able to fix it yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
The first thing you have to do is ensure that your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can't, you probably have problems with your primary remote. If you're still having trouble doing it, you can try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
It's a good idea to take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. car key repair cost 'll want to make sure that there aren't any broken solder joints that need to be re-soldering. Once you're done, you can replace the battery in your key fob and rebuild it.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, you should test the connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. Then, you can break your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Install a brand new CR2032 3V battery with the negative end facing down. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, you can reassemble the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't resolve the issue, you could have a larger issue. In this case you'll need to either call your dealer or an independent service shop that specializes in the model of your vehicle. They can identify the issue using a radio-frequency tester, which is a device that can determine whether your key fob sends a signal to the car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for anyone experiencing issues with their car's key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.