The Three Greatest Moments In Key Fob Repair History
remote car key repairs Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles come with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there can be issues.
Most of the time, these issues are simple to fix. You can reset it by following the steps in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery in the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. It's a small and inexpensive part that needs to be replaced frequently to ensure the fob's functionality. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons your key fob may not be working. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component malfunction could be the reason. If your key fob's battery has stopped working, replace the battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs utilize the CR2032 CR2032 battery, which is a standard three-volt unit which is readily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the fob's edges. You can identify the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
Once you have the right battery then carefully open your key fob and take out its battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure you put everything back together in the correct way. This simple step can help you avoid having to buy a new fob simply because you made an error while putting it back together.
It is also important to know that some key fobs include an additional mechanical key, also known as an emergency blade. This is located within the fob's key and allows you to access your car's driver's door in the event that the remote control fails to function. To open the blade of the key, find the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically covered by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you're looking to be extra vigilant, you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have a voltmeter built into their casings, but you can also get a multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. Generally speaking, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or greater. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its last stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may appear to be modern, high-tech items of convenience, but car key fobs are not impervious to destruction. Remotes can stop working after some time, particularly if they are used often or if they have been exposed to physical abuse. Fortunately, a majority of the time it can be easy to determine and fix a problem with the remote car key repairs key fob and replacing the battery is usually all that is required.
Modern car key fobs include multiple buttons that perform different functions. For example, they can lock and unlock the doors as well as activate the panic button and open the trunk. When a button on the fob is hit, it sends a radio code to a receiver inside the vehicle. Some fobs include an option to start the car, which is useful during cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob are reset by simply taking it apart and checking that they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually made to be removed, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob may get loose as time passes. If the buttons' contacts have been disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job could be enough to put them back on track and return the fob to full function.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons may be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These types of problems are generally more difficult to solve on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto key fob repair shop with the proper tools and experience.
It's always a good idea to keep a spare fob somewhere in case one you regularly use stops working. This can help prevent you from being stranded without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. You should also examine your insurance policy on your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to see whether it will cover the cost of programming or replacing an entirely new 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 resulting moisture can cause a variety of issues with the electronic components. It's important to be aware that you can save your key fob from dying by following a couple of simple steps and thoroughly drying it.
First, check whether the buttons are working correctly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them, and reassembling them. If the buttons aren't functioning or come in, it might be time to replace your remote.
It is also important to inspect the case to ensure there's nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. The case can be opened using tweezers, and then remove the battery. Don't disassemble the antennas or circuit board. These batteries have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll have how to repair car key fob visit a dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program the device.
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 help 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 specializes in the make and model of your vehicle. They can re-program the key fob to your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If you're not able to find an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it yourself remotes are similar to the factory key fob, but more affordable. They can be easily connected to your vehicle with simple instructions. If you want to skip the cost and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in minutes at home.
Check the Connections
Your key fob might not function, even though it is still programmed for your car key repair service. It could be due to a variety of reasons, such as broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. You could be able to fix the issue yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
You should first confirm whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does, then you probably have a problem with your main remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.
Before replacing the battery, it's an excellent idea to take off the key fob and conduct a visual examination of the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any broken solder joints that must be repaired by re-soldering. When you're done, you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
After you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, it's now time to test out its connection with your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you can take apart the two parts of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative end facing down. After you've inserted the circuit board, you can rebuild the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't work for you, then you have a bigger issue. In this case, you will need to call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the make of the car you own. They can pinpoint the issue by using a radio frequency tester which is a gadget that determines if your key fob is sending an indication to the computer in your car.
We hope that this guide has been useful for anyone who is experiencing issues with their car's key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.