Why People Don't Care About Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there could be problems.
Usually these are very simple to resolve. It can be as simple as resetting it and you should be able to do by following the instructions for resetting in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery in a key fob. The battery is a tiny, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced frequently to ensure the functionality of the fob. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons your key fob might not be functioning properly. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the reason. Whatever the cause, if your key fob isn't responding and is not responding, it's time to replace its battery.
First, make sure you have the correct size battery. Most modern key fobs utilize the CR2032 CR2032 battery, which is a standard three-volt unit which is readily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the edges of the fob. You can identify the type of battery your vehicle requires by searching for the brand name.
When you have the correct battery, carefully open your key fob and remove its battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob before you do this to ensure that you put it back together correctly. This simple trick will prevent you from purchasing a new fob if you made a mistake when making it back together.
You should also be aware that some key fobs include a backup mechanical key, also known as an emergency blade. This is found inside the key fob and permits you to open your car's driver's side door in the event that your remote control isn't working. To get to the blade of the key, you must locate the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you want to be extra vigilant you can utilize a multimeter for checking the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have a built-in voltmeter, but you can buy a multimeter at many hardware stores for a few bucks. Generally speaking, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or greater. A reading below that level could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs may seem like nothing more than fancy high-tech items for convenience however, they're not indestructible. It isn't unusual for these remote devices to stop working after a certain time, especially if the vehicle is used frequently or if there is lots of physical abuse that is associated with it. Fortunately, a majority of the times it's easy to diagnose and repair a problem with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is typically all that's needed.
Modern car key fobs include several buttons that can perform various functions. For instance they can be used to lock and unlock the doors as well as activate the panic button, and open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed it sends a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also come with a button that will start the engine, which is particularly useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons on the key fob can be reset by simply snapping the device apart and then checking to ensure they're not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals on a key fob could become loose in time, even though they are not intended to be removed. If repair car key remote on the button have become disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job is enough to put them back on track and restore the fob to full function.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons might be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to fix on your own. However an auto repair shop in your area can fix them with the right equipment and expertise.
It's always recommended to keep an extra fob in the event that one you regularly use stops working. This can prevent you from being stranded without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. It is also advisable to look over your insurance policy for your car or membership in a car club or extended warranty coverage to determine whether it covers the cost of replacing or programming a new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for a key fob to get wet, be it from a pool, rainstorm or even your washing machine. The resulting water can play havoc with the electronic components inside, causing many malfunctions. It's important to be aware that you can save a key fob from dying by following a couple of simple steps and thoroughly drying it.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are still functioning properly. This usually involves removing, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons do not pop back in or are stuck, it's time to replace your remote.
You'll also want to check the case to make sure there's nothing blocking the function of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and remove the battery but don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These batteries have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle. And should you disrupt these circuits, you'll have to go to a dealer or choose an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you have removed and replaced your battery, it's a good idea for you to dry the key fob by putting it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will prevent future issues with moisture and will help your key fob last longer.
If the fob isn't functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your specific type of vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob to match your specific vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If nothing else works, you can purchase an alternative keyfob online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look as the factory key fob but are much less expensive and can be easily connected with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA offers a variety of replacements that you can re-program in minutes.
Check the Connections
Occasionally your key fob may just stop working - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. It could be due to various reasons, including malfunctioning contacts on the battery or buttons. If this is the case, you may be able to fix it yourself by doing basic maintenance.
The first thing you have to do is make sure that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does then there could be a problem in your main remote. If you can't, then it's time to try replacing the battery in your backup remote.
Before replacing the battery It's a good idea to pull off the key fob and conduct an inspection of the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that need to be replaced with solder. Once you're done with that, you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, it's now time to test out its connection with your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to pry apart the two pieces of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it's placed with the negative side facing downwards. After you've inserted the circuit board, you can reassemble the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't work, you have a bigger issue. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a service shop that is specifically geared to the car's model. They can identify the issue with a radio-frequency analyzer, which is a device that can determine the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the car's computer.
This guide is intended to be of assistance to anyone who is having issues with their vehicle key fob. Contact us if have any questions or concerns. We'll be delighted to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!