Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there are issues.
These are usually very easy to repair. It's as simple as resetting the device which you should be able accomplish by following the resetting guidelines in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery that is in the key fob. It's a small, inexpensive component 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. The reasons could be physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure. If your key fob's battery has stopped working Replace the battery.
Ensure you have the correct size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032, which is easily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are engraved 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 kind of battery that it uses.
Open your key fob carefully and take out the original battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure you put it back together the right way. This simple step can save you from purchasing a new fob if you make a mistake when putting it back together.
It is also important to know that some key fobs have an alternate mechanical key, called an emergency blade. The key blade is situated inside the key fob, and it lets you unlock the door of the driver's seat of your vehicle in the event that the remote control fails. To access the key blade, you have to locate the notch located in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually a circular shape that is concealed by the fob's plastic casing.
If you're looking to be extra vigilant, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have built-in voltmeters, but you can buy a multimeter in many hardware stores for a few dollars. In general the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its last stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like high-tech, fancy convenience items, but car key fobs are not durable. These remote devices can stop functioning after a period of time, especially when they are used frequently or have been exposed to physical abuse. Fortunately, most of the times, it's simple to diagnose and repair a problem with remote key fobs, and replacing the battery is typically all that's needed.
Modern car key fobs have numerous buttons that serve different functions. For instance, they can be used to lock and unlock the doors, activate the panic button, and even open the trunk. When a button is pressed the fob sends out the radio signal using a code that is recognized by a receiver in the car. Some fobs include a button to start the car, which is especially useful on cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons on a key fob can be reset simply by snapping the device in two and ensuring they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically designed to be disassembled however, the battery connector terminals on a key fob may get loose as time passes. If the button contacts have become disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job is enough to put them back into place and restore the fob to full function.
Additionally, if a fob has been damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons might be broken or out of alignment, or otherwise misaligned. These kinds of issues are typically more difficult to solve on your own, but they can be resolved by a local auto shop that has the right equipment and experience.
Keep a spare key fob a safe location, just in case the one you use frequently stops working. This can keep you from being left without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing a new key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for the key fob to become wet, be it from a pool, a rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resulting water can play havoc with the electronic components inside, causing numerous malfunctions. The good part is that keys can typically be kept from a cliff by drying it thoroughly and following a few simple steps.
The first step is to check the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually involves taking them out and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons aren't working or don't come in, it might be time to replace your remote.
It is also important to inspect the case to make sure there is nothing that could be affecting the function of the key fob. Use tweezers or pliers to open the case and take out 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 programming to your vehicle, and when you break the circuits, you'll have to visit a dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.
After you have replaced and removed your battery, it's recommended to dry the key fob out by placing it into an airtight bag that contains silica gel packets. This will help prevent future moisture issues and make your key fob last longer.
If the fob still doesn't work, you can go to a dealership, or an independent shop, that is specialized in the model and make of your vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully restore the function to its original state.
If all else fails, the replacement key fob offered by NAPA can be purchased on the internet or at a local NAPA Auto Parts store. These DIY remotes are just like the original fob, but are more affordable. They are easily paired to your vehicle with simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it-yourself replacements that you can re-program within a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Occasionally your key fob might cease to function - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. This could be due a variety of reasons, such as broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. If this is the case, you might be capable of fixing it yourself by doing basic maintenance.
You should first confirm that your backup remote is capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your vehicle. If it does, then you might have a problem with your main remote. If you can't, then it's time to replace the battery in the backup remote.
It's a great idea to take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. You'll want to ensure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that must be re-soldering. Once company website done with that you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. Insert a flathead mini screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. Then, you can break your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's placed with the negative side facing downwards. After you have reinserted the board, you can reassemble your key fob.
If this does not resolve the issue, you could have a larger problem. In this case you'll need to call your dealer or an independent service shop that specializes in the make of the car you own. They can determine the problem with a radio-frequency analyzer, a device which determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits an electronic signal to the computer in your car.
This guide should be helpful for anyone who has issues with their car key fob. If you have any further questions or issues, don't hesitate ask us for help. We'll be glad to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.