Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there can be issues.
These are usually very easy to fix. It’s as simple as resetting the device and you should be able do by following the instructions for resetting in your owner’s manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery that is in the key fob. It’s a tiny and affordable part that should be replaced regularly to ensure that the fob’s function is maintained. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons your fob isn’t working. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component malfunction could be the reason. Whatever the cause when your key fob isn’t responding, it’s time to replace the battery.
Ensure you have the correct size battery. Almost all modern key fobs use 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 determine the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
When you have the correct battery, carefully open your key fob and remove its existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob before you do so to ensure you put it back together in the correct way. This simple action can help you avoid needing to purchase a new fob simply because you made an error when making it.
It is important to be aware that some key fobs have an alternate mechanical key, called an emergency blade. It’s located inside the key fob and permits you to open your car key fob repair service‘s driver’s side door in the event that your remote control isn’t working. In order to access the key blade, you have to locate the notch in the center of your fob. The notch is typically a circular shape that is concealed by the fob’s plastic casing.
If you want to be extra cautious you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs have an voltmeter embedded in their casings, but you can also get a multimeter for just a few dollars at most hardware stores. The battery should generally read at 3.0 volts or greater. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Key fobs for cars may appear like nothing more than fancy, high-tech convenience items however, they’re not indestructible. They can cease functioning after a certain period of time, especially when they are frequently used or if they have been subjected to physical abuse. Most of the time, it’s easy to diagnose the issue and fix it with a remote fob. In most cases all that’s needed is an updated battery.
The majority of modern car keys have several buttons that can be used for various purposes like locking and unlocking 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. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which can be especially useful on cold winter mornings or hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons of keys can be reset by snapping the device in two and ensuring they’re not damaged or stuck. The battery connector terminals on the key fob can become loose in time, even though they aren’t intended to be removed. If the button contacts have been disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job is enough to get them back into place and allow the fob back to full functionality.
In addition, if a fob has been damaged or dropped in any other way, the buttons could be damaged or out of alignment, or otherwise misaligned. These problems are more difficult to repair car keys near me on your own. However, a local auto shop can fix them with the right tools and experience.
Keep a spare key fob in a safe location, just in case the one you use frequently stops working. This can help prevent you from being stranded without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing the key fob.
Check the Casing
It’s not uncommon for keys to get wet, whether from a pool, storm or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak destruction to the electronic components inside, causing many malfunctions. The good thing is that the key fob can usually be saved from a cliff by thoroughly drying it out and executing a few simple steps.
The first step is to ensure that the buttons are functioning correctly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons aren’t working or don’t come in, it might be the time to replace your remote.
Examine the case to make sure that there isn’t any obstruction to the operation of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and take out the battery, but do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. They have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob’s programed to your car, and if you disturb those circuits, you’ll need to go to a dealer or choose an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program the device.
After you’ve replaced and removed the battery it’s recommended to dry the fob by putting it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will prevent any future moisture issues and make your key fob last longer.
If the fob does not work, you should visit a dealership, or an independent shop that is specialized in the make and model of your vehicle. They can re-program the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If everything else fails, a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased on the internet or at a local NAPA auto key repair near me Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes look just as the factory key fob however, they are more affordable and can be easily paired with your vehicle following easy instructions. If you’re looking to avoid the cost and hassle of a trip to the dealership, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
Occasionally your key fob might just stop working – even though it’s still connected to your vehicle. It could be due to a number of factors, including malfunctioning batteries or buttons. You could be able to fix the problem yourself by performing a simple maintenance.
You should first confirm whether your backup remote able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can’t, you may have an issue with your primary remote. If you still can’t do it, you can try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
Before replacing the battery, it’s a good idea to pull off your key fob and perform an inspection of the circuit board. You’ll want to make sure that there aren’t any cracked solder joints that require to be repaired by re-soldering. After that you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your key fob. From there, you’ll be able 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 is placed with the negative side facing down. Once you’ve successfully inserted the circuit board, you can rebuild the key fob and try again.
If this doesn’t work, you may have a larger issue. In this case you’ll need to either call your dealer or an independent repair keys near me shop that specializes in the make of the car you own. They can diagnose the problem using a radio frequency tester that is a device that determines if your key fob is sending an indication to the car’s computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for anyone who is experiencing issues with their car’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!