How To Make An Amazing Instagram Video About Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repair
Most modern vehicles now feature a remote key fob that can lock, unlock and start the car. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment it is not without its own problems.
They are generally easy to repair. It can be as simple as resetting the device and you should be able accomplish by following the instructions for resetting in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The battery of the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. The battery is a tiny component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced on a regular basis in order to maintain the functionality of the key fob. However, in addition to the battery, there are other reasons your key fob may not be working. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob is not functioning then replace the battery.
First, ensure that you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032, which is easily available in a variety of 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 vehicle's brand should help you find the specific type of battery it takes.
When you have the correct battery then carefully open your key fob, and then remove the existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of your 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 back together.
Some key fobs also have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob, and it lets you unlock the driver's door of your vehicle in the event that the remote control is not working. To open the blade of the key, you must locate the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you want 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. However, you can also purchase a multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs might appear like little more than fancy, high-tech convenience items however they're not impervious to damage. It's not uncommon for remotes to cease working after a while, especially when the vehicle is being frequented or there's lots of physical abuse associated with it. Fortunately, most of the times, it's simple to identify and fix the issue with a remote key fob, and replacing the battery is often all that is required.
The majority of modern car key fobs have numerous buttons for various functions including locking and unlocking doors and activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When car remote key repair near me on the fob is hit, it transmits a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs have buttons to start the car, which is useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons of keys can be reset by taking the device apart and ensuring they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically made to be removed, 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 solder job could be enough to get them back in place and return the fob to full functionality.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are generally more difficult to fix on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto shop that has the proper tools and experience.
It's always recommended to keep a spare fob somewhere in case one you regularly use stops working. This will keep you from being left without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. You should also look over your insurance policy on your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see whether it will cover the cost of replacing or programming the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for the key fob to become submerged, whether from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak havoc with the electronic components inside, causing a host of malfunctions. It's important to be aware that you can save your key fob from dying by following a few easy steps and drying it thoroughly.
The first step is to check the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace the remote.
Check the case to ensure that nothing is interfering in the operation of the key fob. The case can be opened using tweezers and remove the battery. Don't remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disrupt the circuits that keep your key fob programmed you'll need to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you have replaced and removed the battery, it's recommended to dry the key fob out by placing it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will prevent future problems with moisture and will make your key fob more robust.
If, after all this, the fob is still not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular make and model of vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob to match your specific vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If all else fails, 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 like your factory fob, but are much more affordable and are able to be paired with your vehicle using simple instructions. If you want to skip the expense and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
Your key fob might not function, even though it's programmed for your car. This could be due to many reasons, including damaged battery terminal buttons or contacts. If this is the case, you might be able to fix it yourself by doing basic maintenance.
You should first check whether your backup remote able to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle. If it does, then you might have problems with your primary remote. If you are still unable to do it, you can try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
It's a great idea to disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that require to be repaired by re-soldering. After you're finished replacing the battery in your key fob and put it back together.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you should test its connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. You can then break the two halves of your key fob and remove the circuitboard gently. Install a brand new CR2032 3V battery with the negative end facing downwards. Once you have inserted the board you can put it back together. key fob.
If this doesn't solve the issue, you could have a larger problem. In this instance, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the model of your car. They can identify the issue by using a radio-frequency tester which is a device that can determine whether your key fob sends an electronic signal to the car's computer.
We hope that this guide has been helpful to anyone having issues with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate ask us for help. We'll be happy to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.