Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there could be issues.
Usually these are very simple to fix. You can reset it by following the directions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery in the key fob. The battery is a tiny, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced regularly in order to maintain the functionality of the fob. There are other reasons why your key fob may not be functioning, aside from the battery. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob has stopped working then replace the battery.
First, ensure you have the right size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery, which is easily available in a wide range of stores. Most 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.
When you have the correct battery, carefully open your key fob and remove its battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob before you do so to ensure you put everything back together correctly. This simple action can save you from having to purchase a replacement fob simply because you made an error while making it.
Some key fobs have a mechanical backup key known as an emergency blade. The key blade is situated inside the key fob and it allows you to unlock the driver's door of your vehicle in the event that the remote control fails. To open the blade of the key, locate the notch that lies in the middle of your fob. The notch is usually covered by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you want to be extra vigilant, you can utilize a multimeter for checking the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have a built-in voltmeter, but you can get a multimeter in most hardware shops for a few bucks. The battery should generally be reading 3.0 volts or greater. A reading that is lower than this could indicate the battery is in its last days and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Key fobs for cars may appear to be nothing more than high-tech items for convenience, but they aren't indestructible. It's not uncommon for remotes to cease working after a while, especially when the vehicle is used frequently or if there is an excessive amount of physical abuse involving it. Fortunately, the majority of time it can be easy to diagnose and fix a problem with a remote key fob, and replacing the battery is often all that's needed.
A lot of modern car key fobs have multiple buttons for different functions including locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button, as well as opening the trunk. When repair car keys on the fob is pressed, it transmits a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which can be especially useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob can be reset by snapping it off and ensuring that they are not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals on a key fob may be loose in time, even though they aren't designed to be disassembled. Soldering is a way to connect the button contacts to the circuit board if they have been disconnected. This will allow the fob to function again.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons might be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are typically more difficult to solve on your own, however, they can be fixed by a local auto shop that has the proper tools and experience.
Keep a spare key fob in an area that is secure, just in case the one you use is not working as often. This can help to avoid being stuck without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Also, you should look over your insurance policy for your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to see whether it will cover the cost of replacing or programming an entirely new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for a keyfob to get wet. It can happen due to the pool, a rainstorm, or even from your washing machine. The resultant moisture can cause destruction to the electronics inside, leading to a host of malfunctions. The good thing is that keys can typically be saved from the brink of death by drying out thoroughly and following a few simple steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are functioning properly. This usually means removing and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace your remote.
Examine the case to ensure that nothing is interfering in the operation of the key fob. Use tweezers or pliers to open the case and remove the battery however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. They have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle, and when you break the circuits, you'll need visit a dealer or 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 placing it in a plastic bag containing silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future moisture issues and make the battery last longer.
If the fob does not work, you should visit a dealership, or an independent shop, that is specialized in the model and make of your vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob of your specific vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If nothing else works then you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes are similar to the factory key fob, but cheaper. They can be easily paired to your vehicle with simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of replacements that you can re-program in minutes.
Check the Connections
Your key fob may stop working even though it is still programmed for your vehicle. This could be caused by a number of factors such as broken battery contacts or buttons. It is possible to fix the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance.
You should first check whether your backup remote able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can't, you may have a problem with your main remote. If you're still having trouble doing it, try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
It's a good idea to disassemble your key fob before replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. Make sure there aren't any cracks in the solder joints. After you're finished you can replace the battery on your key fob and rebuild it.
Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled the key fob, you're now ready to test its connection to your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you can take apart the two halves of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Install a brand new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing downwards. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, rebuild the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a larger problem. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a service shop that is specialized in your car's make. They can pinpoint the issue by using a radio frequency tester that is a device that determines whether or not your key fob transmits an indication to your car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate ask us for help. We'll be happy to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!