Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles come with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there could be issues.
Usually, they are easy to resolve. It can be as simple as resetting it which you should be able to accomplish by following the resetting guidelines in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The battery inside a key fob powers the remote control function. It's a small, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the fob's functionality. There are many other reasons your key fob might not be working besides the battery. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component failure could be the cause. Regardless of the cause the key fob's sensor is not responding, it's time for a replacement battery.
Make sure you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. Most of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the edges of the fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you find the exact type of battery it takes.
Take your key fob apart carefully and remove the current battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob prior to you do this to make sure you put everything back together correctly. This simple step can save you from purchasing a 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. It's located inside the fob's key and allows you to open your car's driver's side door in the event that the remote control fails to function. In order to access the key blade, you have to locate the notch located in the middle of your fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you're looking to be extra cautious, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs come with a built-in voltmeter, but you can purchase a multimeter in many hardware stores for a few bucks. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. If it reads lower than that, it could indicate the battery is at its end and requires replacement immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may appear to be modern, high-tech items of convenience, but keys for cars aren't durable. These remote devices can stop functioning after a certain period of time, especially when they are frequently used or if they were subjected to physical abuse. Fortunately, most of the time it can be easy to determine and repair a problem with a remote key fob, and changing the battery is typically all that's required.
Modern car key fobs come with multiple buttons that perform different functions. For example, they can lock and unlock the doors and activate the panic button and even open the trunk. When a button is pressed, the fob sends an audio signal using an identification code that can be recognized by a receiver inside the car. Certain fobs come with buttons to start the car, which is especially useful on cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob can be reset by taking it apart and checking that they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically made to be removed however, the battery connector terminals on a key fob could become loose over time. If the contacts on the button have been disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job is enough to get them back into place and allow the fob back to full function.
If a fob is 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 tools and experience.
It's always recommended to keep a spare fob somewhere in case one you use regularly stops working. This can prevent you from being stranded without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have your vehicle towing back to the dealer. Check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing a replacement key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob's cap to get wet. It can happen due to an in-ground pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The moisture that results can cause a variety of malfunctions in the electronic components. The good thing is that a key fob can often be kept from the brink of death by thoroughly drying it out and following a few easy steps.
First, check that the buttons still work properly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace your remote.
It is also important to inspect the case to make sure there's nothing blocking the function of the key fob. Use tweezers to open the case and remove the battery but don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These batteries have electric current flowing through them that keep the key fob's programed to your vehicle, and when you break the circuits, you'll need visit a dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program the device.
After you have replaced and removed the battery, it's recommended to dry the key fob by placing it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets. This will prevent future issues with moisture and will help the battery last longer.
If, after all this, the fob is not functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your specific model and make of vehicle. They can re-program the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully restore it to its full functionality.
If you're not able to find an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes are just like the factory fob but much more affordable. They can be easily connected to your vehicle using simple instructions. If you'd like to avoid the expense 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
Sometimes your key fob might cease to function - even though it's programmed to your vehicle. This could be due to a number of factors that include damaged contacts on the battery or buttons. If this is the case, you may be able to fix it yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
The first thing you have to do is make sure that your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can't, you may have issues with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to try replacing the battery in your backup remote.
It's a good idea to disassemble your key fob before replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. Check for cracks in the solder joints. After that, you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, make sure you test the connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a small flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your key fob. Then, you can break your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Make key repair to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it's inserted with the negative side facing downwards. After you've inserted the circuit board, you are able to reassemble the key fob and try again.
If this does not resolve the issue, you could have a bigger problem. In this case, you will need to call your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the model of your car. They can diagnose the issue using a radio-frequency tester, a device which determines if your key fob transmits signals to the computer in your car.
This guide is intended to be of assistance to anyone having problems with their vehicle key fob. If you have any further questions or issues, don't hesitate reach us for assistance. Suggested Looking at 'll be happy to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!