Remote Key Fob Repair
Most modern vehicles now feature remote keys that can lock, unlock and start the car. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there can be issues.
They are generally easy to fix. It's as simple as resetting it, which you should be able to do by following the instructions for resetting in your owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery of a key fob powers the remote control function. The battery is a tiny piece of equipment that has to be replaced on a regular basis in order to maintain the functionality of the fob. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons your fob may not be working. The reasons could be physical damage, water exposure, or internal component failure. If your key fob's battery has stopped working then replace the battery.
First, make sure you have the right size battery. Almost all modern key fobs utilize a common three-volt CR2032 battery that's easily available at many stores. Most of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the fob's edges. A quick search for the name of your car's brand will help you identify the specific type of battery it takes.
Once you have the right battery then carefully open the key fob and take out its existing battery. Photograph the inside of the fob prior to you do this to ensure you put everything back together in the correct way. This simple step will save you from having to purchase another fob if you made a mistake when making it back together.
Certain key fobs also come with an electronic backup key, also known as an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob and allows you to unlock the driver's door of your vehicle in the event that the remote control is not working. To get to the blade of the key, you must locate the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is usually a circle hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you'd like to be extra vigilant, you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter embedded in their casings, but you can also get an extra multimeter for a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. In general, the battery should read 3.0 volts and higher. A reading that is lower than that could indicate a battery in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs might appear like nothing more than fancy high-tech items for convenience however they're not impervious to damage. It isn't unusual for these remotes to cease working after a certain time, especially when the vehicle is being used frequently or if there's a lot of physical abuse that is associated with it. In most cases it's simple to spot a problem and fix one with the remote fob. In most cases, all that is needed is an upgrade to the battery.
A lot of modern car keys have several buttons that can be used for various purposes like locking and unlocking the doors and activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is hit, it sends a radio signal to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs include an option to start the car, which is useful on cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob can be reset by taking it apart and checking whether they're not damaged or stuck. The battery connector terminals of a key fob may become loose over time, even though they are not designed to be disassembled. Soldering can be used to connect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they have been disconnected. repair car key will allow the fob to function again.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These types of problems are generally more difficult to fix on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto shop with the proper tools and experience.
Keep a spare key fob in an area that is secure, just in case the one you use most often stops working. You'll be able to avoid being in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or paying for a large amount to have your car transported to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing the key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not common for a key fob to get submerged, whether from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak havoc with the electronics inside, leading to numerous malfunctions. The good thing is that keys can typically be kept from the brink of death by thoroughly drying it out and executing a few simple steps.
The first step is to ensure that the buttons are working properly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them, and rebuilding them. If the buttons don't pop back in or feel stuck, it's probably time to replace the remote.
You should also check the case to ensure there's nothing blocking the functioning of the key fob. Use tweezers or pliers to open the case and take out the battery, but do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These batteries have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob's programming to your car, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll have to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery, it's an ideal idea to dry out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will avoid future moisture problems and make your key fob more robust.
If the fob does not work, you can go to a dealership or an independent shop, that specializes in the model and make of your vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob for your particular vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If you're not able to find an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes look just as the factory key fob but are much less expensive and can be easily connected with your vehicle by following simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the high cost and hassle of a trip to the dealership, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
Your key fob may cease to function even though it's programmed to work for your vehicle. It could be due to various reasons, including broken batteries or buttons. If this is the case, you might be capable of fixing it yourself by carrying out basic maintenance.
You should first confirm whether your backup remote is capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your car. If it can't then there could be an issue with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to replace the battery in the backup remote.
Before replacing the battery, it's an excellent idea to take off the key fob and do a visual examination of the circuit board. Make sure there aren't any cracked solder joints. After that, you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of the key fob. Then, you can break your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it is placed with the negative side facing down. Once you have inserted the board, you can reassemble your key fob.
If this doesn't solve the issue, you might have a bigger problem. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a repair shop that is specialized in your car's make. They can identify the issue using a radio frequency tester, which is a device that determines whether or not your key fob transmits a signal to your car's computer.
This guide is intended to be of assistance to anyone who is having issues with their car key fob. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach us for assistance. We'll be happy to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!