20 Myths About Key Fob Repair: Busted

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Modern vehicles are equipped with the remote key fob which can be used to lock, unlock or start the vehicle. However, like any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience problems.

They are generally easy to repair. It's as simple as resetting the device which you should be able to do by following the resetting guidelines in your owner's manual.

Check the Battery

The remote control is powered by the battery inside the key fob. The battery is a small piece of equipment that has to be replaced frequently to maintain the functionality of the key fob. However, in addition to the battery, there are other reasons your fob might not be functioning properly. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component malfunction could be the reason. If your key fob has stopped working then replace the battery.

Make sure you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs utilize a common three-volt CR2032 battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. The majority 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 locate the exact kind of battery that it uses.

Take your key fob apart carefully and take out the original battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure you put everything back together correctly. This simple action can save you from having to purchase a replacement fob because you made an error when putting it together.

You should also be aware that certain key fobs come with an alternate mechanical key, called an emergency blade. This is located within the key fob and allows you to open the driver's side door in case the remote control fails to function. To access the blade of the key, you must find the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.

If you want to check the battery voltage with extra caution, you can use the multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter embedded in their casings. However, you can also get a multimeter for just a few dollars from most hardware stores. In general the battery should read 3.0 Volts or higher. A reading below that level could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons

car key repair cost key fobs may seem like nothing more than fancy, high-tech convenience items however they're not impervious to damage. These remote devices can stop working after some time, especially if they are used often or have been subjected to physical abuse. In most cases it is easy to identify an issue and fix it with a remote fob. Most of the time all that's required is a new battery.

Modern car key repairs key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For instance they can unlock and lock the doors and activate the panic button, and even open the trunk. When a button is pressed, the fob sends a radio signal with an identification code that can be recognized by a receiver located inside the car. Some fobs also come with a button that will start the engine, which can be especially useful on cold winter mornings or hot summer days.

Typically, the buttons on the key fob can be reset simply by snapping the device in two and checking to make sure they're not damaged or stuck. The battery connector terminals of a key fob may get loose over time, even though they are not intended to be removed. Soldering is a method to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they have been disconnected. This will allow the fob to function again.

If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons could be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These types of problems are generally more difficult to solve on your own, but can usually be addressed by an auto repair shop in your area with the right equipment and experience.

It's always an excellent idea to have a spare fob somewhere in the event that one of the ones you use regularly stops working. This can help keep you from being left without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance or car key fob repairs club membership or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing the key fob.

Check the Casing

It's not common for the key fob to become wet, whether from a pool, rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The moisture that results can trigger a myriad of malfunctions within the electronic components. The good news is that the key fob can usually be kept from death's edge by drying it thoroughly and executing a few simple steps.

First, make sure that the buttons still work properly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them and reassembling them. If the buttons aren't working or don't pop in, it may be time to replace your remote.

You should also check the case to ensure there's nothing blocking the function of the key fob. Use tweezers to open the case and remove the battery but do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. If you disrupt the circuits that keep your key fob's programming you'll need to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.

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

If the fob doesn't work, you can visit a dealership, or an independent shop that specializes in the make and model of your vehicle. They can reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.

If all else fails, a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes function just like the factory fob but much more affordable. They can be easily connected to your vehicle using simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the high cost and hassle of a visit to a dealer, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed within a matter of minutes at home.

Check the Connections

The key fob you have may cease to function even though it's programmed to work for your vehicle. This could be caused by a number of factors such as malfunctioning contacts on the battery or buttons. You could be able to fix the problem yourself by performing a simple maintenance.

You should first check whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle. If it does, then you may have a problem with your main remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to try replacing the battery in your backup remote.

Before you replace the battery it's recommended to take apart your key fob and do a visual examination of the circuit board. Check for cracked solder joints. When you're done you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.

After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a small flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your key fob. From there, you can break the two parts of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Be careful when inserting a new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it is placed with the negative side facing down. Once you've successfully inserted the circuit board, reassemble the key fob and try again.

If this doesn't work, you may have a larger issue. In this case, call your dealer or a service shop that specializes in your car remote key repair's make. They can pinpoint the issue by using a radio frequency tester, which is a device that determines if your key fob is sending a signal to the computer in your car.

This guide is intended to be of assistance to anyone who is having issues with their car key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.