Remote Key Fob Repair

Modern vehicles come with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there could be issues.

Most of the time, these issues are simple to fix. You can reset it by following the directions in the manual of your owner.

Check the Battery

The remote control is powered by the battery in a key fob. The battery is a tiny component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced on a regular basis in order to maintain the functionality of the fob. But, aside from the battery, there could be other reasons why your key fob might not be functioning properly. The reasons could be physical damage, exposure to water, or internal component failure. Regardless of the cause, if your key fob's sensor is not responding, it's time to 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. The size of most of these batteries is printed on the edges of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand will help you identify the specific type of battery it takes.

Take your key fob apart carefully and remove the current battery. Take a picture of the inside of your fob to ensure you put it back in the correct way. This simple step can save you from needing to purchase a new fob if you make an error when putting it back together.

Certain key fobs also come with a mechanical backup key 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 the remote control fails to function. To access the key blade, you need 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'd like to test the battery voltage with extra care, you can use the multimeter. Most modern key fobs come with a voltmeter built into their casings, however you can also purchase a multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. Generally speaking, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or greater. If it reads lower than that, it could mean that the battery is on its last legs and requires replacement immediately.

Check the Buttons

They might look like sophisticated, luxurious convenience items, but car key fobs aren't indestructible. They can cease functioning after a period of time, especially when they are used frequently or if they were subjected to physical abuse. Fortunately, a majority of the time it can be easy to determine and fix the issue with a remote key fob, and changing the battery is often all that's needed.

The majority of modern car key repairs near me keys have numerous buttons for various functions including locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button, as well as opening the trunk. When a button is pressed the fob transmits the radio signal using a code that is recognized by a receiver in the car. Some fobs have an option to start the mobile car key repair Near me, which is particularly useful during cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days.

Typically, the buttons on keys can be reset simply by snapping the device in two and checking to make sure they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be disassembled, but the battery connector terminals on a key repairs near me fob may be loose over time. Soldering is a way to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board if they've been cut off. This will bring back the fob's functionality.

Additionally, if a fob has been dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons may be damaged or out of alignment, or otherwise misaligned. These types of issues are generally more difficult to fix on your own, but can usually be addressed by an auto repair shop in your area with the right tools and expertise.

It's always recommended to keep an extra fob in the event that one of the ones that you frequently use fails to function. This can keep you from being left without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to have your vehicle towed back to the dealer. Check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing the key fob.

Check the Casing

It's not unusual for a keyfob to get wet. This can happen from a swimming pool, a downpour, or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak destruction on the electronic components inside, causing a host of malfunctions. It's important to know that you can save your key fob from dying by following a few simple steps and thoroughly drying it.

First, make sure whether the buttons function correctly. This usually involves taking them out and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace the remote.

Check the case to ensure that there is nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers and take out the battery. Don't remove the antennas or circuit board. These have electric current running through them that keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle. And when you break the circuits, you'll have to visit a dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.

After you've removed and replaced the battery it's a good idea to dry out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will prevent future problems with moisture and make your key fob more durable.

If the fob does not work, you can visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in the make and model of your vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully restore it to its full functionality.

If nothing else works If all else fails, you can buy an alternative keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes are similar to the factory key fob, but more affordable. They are easily paired to your vehicle with simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the expense and hassle of a visit to a dealer, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in minutes at home.

Check the Connections

Occasionally, your key fob will just stop working - even though it's programmed to your vehicle. This could be caused by various reasons such as malfunctioning batteries or buttons. It is possible to fix the issue yourself by performing some basic maintenance.

You should first check that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does, then you may have a problem with your main remote. If you are still unable to do it, try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.

Before replacing the battery it's a good idea to pull off the key fob and conduct a visual inspection of the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that need to be repaired by re-soldering. Once you're done with that, you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.

After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, make sure you test its connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of your key fob. You can then pry apart 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. Once you've successfully inserted the circuit board, rebuild the key car repair fob and try again.

If this doesn't resolve the issue, you might have a more serious problem. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a repair shop that specializes in your car's make. They can diagnose the problem with a radio frequency test which is a gadget that can determine if your key fob is transmitting a signal to your car's computer.

We hope that this guide has been helpful for anyone who is having issues with their vehicle's key fob. Contact us if have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!