Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. But, like all pieces of modern technology, it can sometimes experience problems.
They are typically very simple to fix. It is as easy 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 inside the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. car key fob repairs 's a small, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced regularly to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons why your key fob may not be working. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component malfunction could be the reason. If your key fob is not working Replace the battery.
Make sure you have the right size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032, which is easily available in a wide range of stores. The size of many of these batteries is engraved on the outside of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you find the exact type of battery you need.
When you have the correct battery then carefully open the key fob and remove its battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob before you do this to ensure you put it back together correctly. This simple step could help you avoid having to buy a new fob if you make an error when putting it back together.
Some key fobs also have an electronic backup key, also known as an emergency blade. It's located inside the key fob and permits you to access your car's driver's door in the event that the remote control doesn't work. To open the blade of the key, locate the notch that lies in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you'd like to test the battery's voltage with extra care, you can use a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have an integrated voltmeter, however you can purchase a multimeter at many hardware stores for a few bucks. Generally, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading lower than that could indicate the battery is at its end and needs to be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like modern, high-tech items of convenience but car key fobs are not impervious to destruction. It's not uncommon for remotes to fail after a certain time, especially when the vehicle is used frequently or if there is lots of physical abuse that is associated with it. Fortunately, the majority of times, it's simple to determine and fix a problem with the remote key fob and replacing the battery is often all that's needed.
The majority of modern car key fobs have numerous buttons for various functions, such as locking and unlocking doors and activating the panic button, as well as opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it sends a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which is especially handy in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons of the key fob can be reset by taking the device apart and ensuring they aren't broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals on a key fob could be loose over time, even though they aren't designed to be disassembled. If the contacts on the button have been disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job is enough to put them back on track and allow the fob back to full functionality.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons may be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to repair by yourself. However a local auto shop can fix them with the right equipment and expertise.
It's always an excellent idea to have a spare fob somewhere in case one of the ones you use regularly stops working. This can to avoid being stuck without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have your vehicle towed back to the dealer. It is also advisable to check your car insurance policy or membership in a car club or extended warranty coverage to determine if it will cover the cost of programming or replacing an entirely new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not common for the key fob to become wet, be it from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The moisture that results can cause a range of issues with the electronic components. The good news is that keys can typically be saved from a cliff by thoroughly drying it out and following a few simple steps.
The first step is to ensure that the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually involves taking them out and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's probably time to replace the remote.
Examine the case to make sure that there is nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and take out the battery, however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disturb the circuits that keep your key fob programmed, you will need to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery, it's recommended to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will help prevent future problems with moisture and will make your key fob more durable.
Finally, if the fob is not working properly, you'll need to visit a dealer 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 If all else fails, you can buy an additional keyfob online, or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself remotes look just as the factory key fob however, they are more affordable and can be easily connected with your vehicle by following simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the cost and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in minutes at home.
Check the Connections
Your key fob might stop working even though it's programmed for your vehicle. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including broken battery terminal contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you may be capable of fixing it yourself by performing basic maintenance.
You should first check whether your backup remote is capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your vehicle. If it can't then there could be a problem in your main remote. If not, then it's time to replace the battery in the backup remote.
It's a great idea to take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. You'll want to ensure that there aren't any damaged solder joints that require to be replaced with solder. After that you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
After you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, it's now time to test the connection with your vehicle. Insert a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to take apart the two halves of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's 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 resolve the issue, you might have a bigger issue. In this instance, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the model of your vehicle. They can diagnose the issue using a radio-frequency tester, an instrument that determines whether your key fob sends an electronic signal to the computer in your car.
We hope that this guide has been helpful for anyone having issues with their vehicle's key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!