It's A Key Fob Repair Success Story You'll Never Be Able To
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, like any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience issues.
They are generally easy to repair. It can be as simple as resetting it and you should be able to do by following the resetting guidelines in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The battery in the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. It's a tiny and affordable part that should be replaced regularly to ensure the fob's functioning. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons your fob might not be functioning properly. This could be due to physical damage, exposure to water, or internal component failure. Regardless of the cause when your key fob isn't responding it's time for a replacement battery.
First, ensure that you have the correct size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs use a common three-volt CR2032 battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. automotive key repair of many of these batteries is printed on the edges of the key fob. You can identify the type of battery your vehicle requires by searching for the brand name.
Take your key fob apart carefully and take out the original battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob before you do so to ensure you put it back together correctly. This simple step can save you from having to purchase another fob if you made a mistake when putting it back together.
It is also important to know that some key fobs include an additional mechanical key, also known as an emergency blade. The key blade is situated inside the key fob and allows you to open the door to the driver's side of your car in the event that the remote control fails. To get to the blade of the key, you must find the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you're looking 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 in their casings, but you can also get an extra multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading that is lower than that could indicate that the battery is in its last stages and should 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 indestructible. It's not uncommon for remote devices to stop working after a time, particularly when the vehicle is frequently used or if there's lots of physical abuse associated with it. Most of the time it is easy to identify the issue and fix it by using the remote fob. Usually all that's needed is an updated battery.
Many modern-day car key fobs have numerous buttons for various functions like locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it transmits a radio code to a receiver inside the vehicle. Certain fobs come with a button to start the car, which is especially useful on cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob reset by simply taking it apart and checking that they are not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals on a key fob may be loose over time, despite the fact that they are not intended to be removed. If the contacts on the button have been disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job can be enough to put them back in place and restore the fob to full functionality.
Additionally, if car key remote repair has been dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons may be broken or out of alignment, or misaligned. These types of problems are usually more difficult to solve on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto shop that has the right equipment and experience.
It's always recommended to keep an extra fob in the event that one that you frequently use fails to function. You'll be able to avoid being in the middle of nowhere without your keys, or having to pay an enormous amount to have the vehicle transported to the dealer. It is also advisable to check your car insurance policy or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see if it will cover the cost of replacing or programming a new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not common for the key fob to become submerged, whether from a pool, a rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The moisture that is resulting can cause a range of malfunctions within the electronics. The good news is that the key fob can usually be kept from death's edge by drying out thoroughly and executing a few simple steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are functioning correctly. This usually means removing and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons don't click 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 functioning of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers and remove the battery. Don't remove the circuit board or antennas. If you damage the circuits that keep your key fob programmed it will be required to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery It's an ideal idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will help prevent future issues with moisture and will help your key fob last longer.
If the fob does not work, you can go to a dealership, or an independent shop, that specializes in the make and model of your vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If you're not able to find an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it yourself remotes are similar to the factory fob but much more affordable. They can be easily connected to your vehicle using simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the expense and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes at home.
Check the Connections
The key fob you have may stop working even though it's programmed to work for your vehicle. It could be due to a variety of reasons, including damaged battery terminal buttons or contacts. You may be able solve the issue yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
The first thing you need to ensure is that the backup remote you have is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does, you may have issues with your primary remote. If you still can't do it, try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
Before replacing the battery, it's an excellent idea to take apart your key fob and do an inspection of the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that need to 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, you should test its connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you can take apart the two halves of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it is placed with the negative side facing downwards. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, put it back together and try again.
If this doesn't work, there is a bigger problem. In this situation, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent service shop that specializes in the model of your vehicle. They can pinpoint the issue by using a radio frequency tester which is a gadget that determines if your key fob is transmitting an indication to the car's computer.
I hope this guide has been useful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.