Modern vehicles come with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience problems.
Usually, they are easy to fix. You can reset it by following the steps in the owner’s manual.
Check the Battery
The battery in the key fob powers the remote control function. It’s a tiny and affordable part that needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure that the fob’s function is maintained. There are a variety of reasons your key fob may not be functioning, aside from the battery. The reasons could be physical damage, exposure to water or internal component failure. If your key fob’s battery has stopped functioning, replace the battery.
Make sure you have the right size battery. Almost all modern key fobs use the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. Most of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the fob’s edges. 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 your key fob and take out its battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob to ensure you put it back in the correct way. This simple trick will prevent you from buying a new fob if you made a mistake when making it back together.
Certain key fobs also come with an electronic backup 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 fails to function. To access the key blade, you need to locate the notch located in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically a circular shape that is concealed by the fob’s plastic casing.
If you’d like to test the battery voltage with extra caution, you can use the multimeter. Most modern key fobs have an voltmeter in their casings, but you can also get a multimeter for a few dollars at most hardware stores. Generally, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or higher. A reading below that level could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They might look like high-tech, fancy convenience items however, car key fobs are not durable. It’s not uncommon for remotes to fail after a certain time, especially if the vehicle is frequented or there is lots of physical abuse associated with it. Most of the time, it’s easy to diagnose an issue and fix it with a remote fob. In most cases all that’s needed is an upgrade to the battery.
Many modern-day 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 the button is pressed the fob sends out a radio signal with an identification code that can be recognized by a receiver in the car. Some fobs include a button to start the car, which is useful during cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons on a key fob can be reset simply by snapping the device apart and then checking to ensure they aren’t broken or stuck. Key fobs aren’t usually designed to be disassembled, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob could become loose over time. If the contacts on the button are disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job is enough to get them back in place and allow the fob back to full functionality.
In addition, if the fob was damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons could be damaged, out of alignment or misaligned. These issues are more difficult to fix by yourself. However a local auto shop can fix them using the right tools and experience.
It’s always an excellent idea to have an extra key somewhere in the event that one that you frequently use fails to function. You’ll avoid being stuck in the middle of nowhere without keys, or having to pay a lot to have the car towed to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing a new key fob.
Check the Casing
It’s not common for a key fob to get wet, whether from a pool, rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak destruction to the electronics inside, causing many malfunctions. It’s good to be aware that you can save your key fob from dying by following a few easy steps and thoroughly drying it.
The first step is to ensure that the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them, and rebuilding them. 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. The case can be opened using tweezers, and then remove the battery. Don’t remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disturb 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 recommended to dry the key fob by placing it into the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will prevent future moisture issues and make your key fob last longer.
If the fob still doesn’t work, you can visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in the make and model of your vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your particular vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If nothing else works, you can purchase an alternative keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it yourself remotes are similar to the factory key fob, but more affordable. They can be easily paired to your vehicle using simple instructions. If you’re looking to avoid the high cost and hassle of a trip to the dealership, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes at home.
Check the Connections
Your key fob may cease to function even though it’s programmed for your car. It could be due to a variety of reasons, including broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. You may be able fix the problem yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
You should first check whether your backup remote key fob repair near me is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does it, then you might have a problem in your main remote key fob repair. If you still can’t do it, you can try replacing the batteries in the backup remote car key repair near me.
It’s a great idea disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. You’ll want to make sure that there aren’t any damaged solder joints that must be re-soldering. After you’ve finished replacing the battery in your key fob and put it back together.
After you’ve replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, it’s time to test the connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of your key fob. From there, you’ll be able to pry apart the two parts of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative end facing down. Once you’ve successfully inserted the circuit board, you are able to reassemble the key fob and try again.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you might have a bigger issue. In this case, you will need to call your dealer or an independent repair car key fob shop that specializes in the make of your car. They can determine the problem with a radio-frequency analyzer, an instrument that determines if your key fob transmits signals to the car’s computer.
I hope this guide was helpful for anyone having trouble 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!