Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with the remote key fob which can be used to lock, unlock and start the car. As with any high-tech piece equipment, there are problems.
Usually these are very simple to resolve. You can reset it by following the directions in your owner’s manual.
Check the Battery
The battery in the key fob powers the remote control function. The battery is a small component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced regularly in order to maintain the functionality of the key fob. There are a variety of reasons your key fob might not be functioning, aside from the battery. This could be due to physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure. Whatever the reason, if your key fob isn't responding and is not responding, it's time to replace its battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs utilize a common three-volt CR2032 battery which is readily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the fob's edges. You can find the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
When you have the correct battery then carefully open the key fob and take out its existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob to make sure you put it back together correctly. This simple step can save you from buying another fob if you made a mistake when making it back together.
You should also be aware that some key fobs include an alternate 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 case the remote control fails to function. In order to access the key blade, you need to locate the notch that's located in the middle of your 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 make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs come with an integrated voltmeter, however you can get a multimeter in the majority of hardware stores for a few dollars. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 Volts or higher. A reading that is lower than this could indicate that the battery is at its end and requires replacement immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs may seem like nothing more than fancy, high-tech convenience items, but they aren't indestructible. It's not uncommon for remotes to cease working after a while, especially when the vehicle is frequented or there's a lot of physical abuse associated with it. Fortunately, a majority of the time it can be easy to diagnose and fix a problem with a remote key fob, and changing the battery is often all that's required.
Many modern-day car keys have multiple buttons for different functions including locking and unlocking doors and activating the panic button, and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it sends a radio signal to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be especially handy in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob can be reset by simply snapping it off and ensuring that they are not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically made to be removed, but the battery connectors on a key fob may get loose as time passes. Soldering can be used to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board if they've been cut off. This will restore the fob's functionality.
Additionally, if a fob has been dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons may be broken, out of alignment or misaligned in any way. These issues are more difficult to fix by yourself. However, a local auto shop can fix them using the right equipment and expertise.
It's always recommended to keep an extra fob in the event that one you use regularly stops working. This will keep you from being left without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to have your vehicle towed back to the dealer. Also, you should examine your insurance policy for your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see whether it covers the cost of programming or replacing a new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for a keyfob's cap to get wet. It can happen due to the pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The resulting water can play destruction to the electronics inside, causing numerous malfunctions. The good thing is that a key fob can often be kept from the brink of death by drying it thoroughly and following a few easy steps.
First, make sure that the buttons still work properly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons are stuck or don't pop in, it may be time to replace your remote.
You'll also want to check the case to ensure there's nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and remove 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 programed to your vehicle. And should you disrupt these circuits, you'll need visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you have replaced and removed your battery, it is a good idea for you to dry the key fob out by putting it in an airtight bag that contains silica gel packets. This will help prevent future moisture problems and will make your key fob more durable.
If, after all this, the fob is not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your particular type of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your particular vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If everything 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 function just like the factory fob but much cheaper. They can be easily connected to your vehicle with simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
The key fob you have may stop working even though it is still programmed for your car. This could be due to many factors such as malfunctioning battery contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you may be able to fix it yourself by carrying out basic maintenance.
You should first confirm whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle. If it does, you may have a problem in your main remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.
Before you replace the battery, it's recommended to take apart your key fob and do an inspection of the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any broken solder joints that need to be replaced with solder. Once key fob repairs done with that you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled your key fob, it's time to test the connection with your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be able to take apart the two halves of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative end facing downwards. After you have reinserted the board you can put it back together. key fob.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a larger problem. In this situation you'll have to contact your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the make of your vehicle. They can determine the problem by using a radio-frequency tester a device which determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide was helpful for anyone who is having issues with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any other questions or issues, don't hesitate contact us for assistance. We'll be happy to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!