7 Simple Strategies To Completely Rolling With Your Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote key fob that can lock, unlock and start the vehicle. But, like all pieces of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience issues.
Usually these are very simple to fix. It's as simple as resetting it which you should be able to do by following the resetting guidelines in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery of a key fob powers the remote control function. It's a small and inexpensive component that needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are a variety of reasons your key fob may not be working besides the battery. The reasons could be physical damage, exposure to water or internal component failure. Whatever the reason when your key fob's sensor is not responding it's time for a replacement battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs are powered by the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that's easily available at many stores. Most of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the fob's edges. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you find the specific type of battery you need.
Open your key fob carefully and remove the current battery. Take a photograph of the inside of your fob to ensure you put it back together correctly. This simple action can help you avoid needing to purchase a new fob because you made an error when putting it back together.
You should also be aware that certain key fobs come with an additional mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. It's located inside the fob's key and allows you to access your car's driver's door in case the remote control doesn't work. To open the blade of the key, you must locate the notch that lies in the middle of your fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you'd like to be extra vigilant, you can utilize a multimeter for checking the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs have an voltmeter embedded in their casings, but you can also get a multimeter for a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading lower than that could indicate that the battery is in its last days and needs to be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like sophisticated, luxurious convenience items but car key fobs are not durable. It's not uncommon for these remote devices to stop working after a certain time, especially if the vehicle is frequently used or if there's an excessive amount of physical abuse associated with it. In most cases it's simple to spot an issue and fix it with the remote fob. In most cases, all that is needed is an updated battery.
The majority of modern car key fobs have multiple buttons for different functions like locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it sends a radio code to a receiver inside the vehicle. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be particularly useful during cold winter mornings or hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob are reset by taking it apart and checking whether they're not damaged or stuck. The battery connector terminals on a key fob could get loose in time, even though they are not intended to be removed. Soldering is a way to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been cut off. This will restore the fob's functionality.
In addition, if the fob was dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons may be broken or out of alignment, or misaligned. These types of issues are generally more difficult to fix on your own, but they can be resolved by a local auto shop with the right tools and expertise.
It's always recommended to keep an extra fob in case one you regularly use stops working. This will prevent you from being stranded without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. It is also advisable to check your car insurance policy or membership in a car club or extended warranty coverage to determine whether it will cover the cost of programming or replacing the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for keys to get submerged, whether from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The resultant moisture can cause destruction to the electronics inside, leading to numerous malfunctions. The good news is that keys can typically be saved from a cliff by drying out thoroughly and following a few simple steps.
First, make sure that the buttons still work properly. This usually involves taking them out and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's probably time to replace your remote.
Examine the case to make sure that there is nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers, and then remove the battery. Don't remove the circuit board or antennas. These have electric current running through them that keep the key fob's programed to your car, and if you disturb those circuits, you'll have to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program the device.
After you have replaced and removed your battery, it's an ideal idea to dry the key fob out by placing it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will prevent future moisture issues and help your key fob last longer.
If the fob doesn't work, you should visit a dealership, or an independent shop that is focused on the make and model of your vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob of your specific vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If all else fails, a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes are similar to the original fob, but are more affordable. They are easily paired to your vehicle with simple instructions. NAPA provides a variety of do-it yourself replacements that can be programmed in minutes.
Check the Connections
Your key fob may stop working even though it's programmed to work for your vehicle. It could be due to many reasons, such as broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. You could be able to solve the issue yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
It is important to first verify that your backup remote is capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your car. If it does, then you may have a problem with your main remote. If not, then it's time to replace the battery in the backup remote.
car keys repair 's a great idea to disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any broken solder joints that require to be replaced with solder. Once you're done with that, you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, you should test the connection to your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. Then, vehicle key repairs can break the two halves of your key fob and remove the circuitboard gently. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it's placed with the negative side facing downwards. Once you've successfully inserted the circuit board, you are able to rebuild the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't work, then there is a bigger problem. In this case, call your dealer or a service shop that is specialized in your car's make. They can diagnose the issue by using a radio-frequency tester a device which determines whether your key fob sends an electronic signal to the computer in your car.
We hope that this guide was helpful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach us for assistance. We'll be delighted to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!