Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles come with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. As with any high-tech piece equipment, there can be issues.
They are generally easy to fix. It's as simple as resetting it which you should be able accomplish by following the resetting guidelines in your owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery inside a key fob. It's a small and inexpensive part that should be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the fob's functioning. There are a variety of reasons your key fob may not be functioning properly, besides the battery. This could be due to physical damage, exposure to water or internal component failure. Regardless of the cause the key fob's sensor is not responding, it's time to replace its battery.
First, ensure that you have the correct size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery, which is easily available in a variety of stores. Most of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the fob's edges. You can find the type of battery your vehicle requires by searching for the brand name.
The fob must be opened carefully and remove the existing battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob prior to you do this to ensure that you put it back together in the correct way. This simple trick will prevent you from having to purchase an entirely new fob because you made an error when making it back together.
Some key fobs also have an electronic backup key, also known as an emergency blade. This is located within the key fob and permits you to open the driver's side door in the event that your remote control doesn't work. In order to access the key blade, you have to locate the notch that's in the center of the fob. The notch is typically a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you want to check the battery's voltage using more care, use a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter in their casings. However, you can also purchase a multimeter for just a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. Generally, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or higher. A reading lower than that could mean that the battery is at its end and needs to be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like sophisticated, luxurious convenience items but keys for cars aren't impervious to destruction. It isn't unusual for these remotes to cease working after a time, particularly if the vehicle is frequently used or if there's a lot of physical abuse that is associated with it. Fortunately, a majority of the times it's easy to diagnose and fix the issue with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is usually all that is required.
Modern car key fobs have multiple buttons that perform different functions. For example, they can unlock and lock the doors, activate the panic button and open the trunk. When a button is pressed the fob transmits an audio signal using the code that is interpreted by a receiver located inside the car. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be especially useful 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. Key fobs aren't designed to be disassembled however, the battery connectors on a key fob may become loose over time. Soldering can be used to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they have been disconnected. This will restore the fob's functionality.
In addition, if the fob has been dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons might be damaged or out of alignment, or misaligned in any way. These types of problems are usually more difficult to fix on your own, but can usually be addressed by an auto repair shop in your area with the proper tools and experience.
Keep a spare key fob in a safe place in the event that the one you are using is not working as often. This can keep you from being left without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have your vehicle towed back to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance or 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, be it from a pool, rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resultant moisture can cause destruction to the electronics inside, leading to numerous malfunctions. The good thing is that the key fob can usually be saved from a cliff by drying it thoroughly and following a few easy steps.
The first step is to check the buttons are functioning correctly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them, and reassembling them. If the buttons don't click back in or are stuck, it's time to replace the remote.
You'll also want to check the case to ensure nothing is interfering with the functioning of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers, and then remove the battery. Don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These have electric current running through them, which keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll need 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 a good idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag with silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will help prevent any future issues with moisture and make your key fob more durable.
If, after all this, the fob isn't functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular type of vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob to match your vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If nothing else works then you can purchase a replacement keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself remotes are similar to the factory fob but much more affordable. They can be easily paired to your vehicle with simple instructions. NAPA offers a variety of replacements that you can re-program in a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Occasionally your key fob may simply stop working, even though it's still connected to your vehicle. This could be due various reasons, such as broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. You may be able solve the issue yourself by performing basic maintenance.
The first thing to do is make sure that the backup remote you have is able to lock and unlock your car's doors. If it does, then you may have problems with your primary remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to try replacing the battery in the backup remote.
It's a good idea to disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and then inspect the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any damaged solder joints that require to be repaired by re-soldering. Once you're done you can replace the battery in your key fob and rebuild it.
Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled the key fob, it's time to test its connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. You can then break your key fob's two halves and then gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing down. After you have reinserted the board you can put it back together. key fob.
If this doesn't work, then you have a bigger issue. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a repair shop that specializes in your car's make. They can identify the issue using a radio-frequency tester, an instrument that determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the car's computer.
Hopefully, relevant webpage was helpful for anyone experiencing issues with their car's key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be delighted to assist you in getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!