5 Laws That Can Help Industry Leaders In Key Fob Repair Industry
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles come with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there are issues.
They are generally easy to repair. It's as simple as resetting the device, which you should be able accomplish by following the resetting guidelines in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery inside a key fob. The battery is a tiny component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced regularly to maintain the functionality of the fob. But, aside from the battery, there could be other reasons why your key fob may not be working. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component malfunction could be the reason. Whatever the cause, if your key fob isn't responding, it's time to replace its battery.
Ensure 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 printed on the edges of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you find the exact kind of battery that it uses.
Open your key fob carefully and remove the existing battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob before you do so to ensure you put everything back together correctly. This simple step will save you from having to purchase another fob if you made an error when making it back together.
Some key fobs have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. The key blade is situated inside the key fob, and it allows you to unlock the driver's door of your vehicle in the event that the remote control fails. To access the blade of the key, locate the notch that lies in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you'd like to test the battery's voltage using extra care, you can use the multimeter. repair key of modern key fobs come with built-in voltmeters, but you can purchase a multimeter at most hardware shops for a few bucks. Generally speaking, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. If it is below that level, it could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They might look like sophisticated, luxurious convenience items however, keys for cars aren't impervious to destruction. It isn't unusual for these remotes to fail after a time, particularly when the vehicle is being used frequently or if there is lots of physical abuse associated with it. Most of the time it's simple to spot the issue and fix it with the remote fob. Most of the time, all that is needed is a new battery.
Many modern-day car keys have several buttons that can be used for various purposes including locking and unlocking doors as well as activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When the button is pressed the fob sends out an audio signal using an identification code that can be recognized by a receiver located inside the car. Certain fobs come with an option to start the car, which is especially useful in cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob reset by snapping it off and ensuring that they are not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically made to be removed, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob could become loose as time passes. Soldering is a method to connect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been cut off. This will bring back the fob's functionality.
In addition, if the fob has been damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons might be damaged or out of alignment, or misaligned. These types of issues are generally more difficult to fix on your own, but they can be resolved by a local auto shop that has the proper tools and experience.
It's always recommended to keep an extra fob in case one that you frequently use fails to function. This can help prevent you from being stranded without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have the vehicle towing back to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing the key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob to get wet. It can happen due to a swimming pool, a rainstorm, or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can cause a variety of malfunctions within the electronic components. The good news is that keys can typically be saved from the brink of death by thoroughly drying it out and executing a few simple steps.
First, check whether the buttons are working properly. This usually involves removing and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace the remote.
You'll also want to check the case to make sure there's nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. The case can be opened using tweezers and take out the battery. Do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These have electric current running through them that keep the key fob's programming to your vehicle. And if you disturb those circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you have replaced and removed the battery, it's an ideal idea to dry the key fob by placing it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will help prevent future issues with moisture and will help your key fob last longer.
If the fob doesn't work, you can visit a dealership or an independent shop, that specializes in the model and make of your vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle, and hopefully restore the function to its original state.
If nothing else works, you can purchase an alternative keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself remotes are similar to the original fob, but are more affordable. They are easily paired to your vehicle with simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it-yourself replacements that you can program within a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Your key fob may stop working even though it's programmed for your vehicle. key fob repair near me could be caused by a number of factors such as damaged batteries or buttons. You could be able to fix the problem yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
The first thing to do is make sure that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does, you may have an issue with your primary remote. If not, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.
It's a good idea to take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that must be repaired by re-soldering. When you're done you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, make sure you test its connection to your vehicle. Insert a flathead mini screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. Then, you can break the two halves of your key fob and then gently remove the circuit board. Install a brand new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing down. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, you are able to put it back together and try again.
If this doesn't work, you have a bigger issue. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a repair shop that is specifically geared to your car's make. They can diagnose the issue with a radio-frequency analyzer, a device which determines whether your key fob sends a signal to the car's computer.
I hope this guide has been useful for anyone who is having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any further 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!