The Top 5 Reasons People Win At The Key Fob Repair Industry
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote keys that can lock, unlock and start the car. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment it is not without its own issues.
Most of the time, these issues are simple to fix. It's as simple as resetting it which you should be able do by following the resetting instructions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery in the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. The battery is a tiny piece of equipment that has to be replaced on a regular basis to maintain the function of the device. However, in addition where to repair car key remote the battery, there are other reasons your fob isn't working. These issues could include physical damage, water exposure, or internal component failure. Whatever the cause when your key fob's sensor is not responding, it's time for a replacement battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. Almost all modern key fobs are powered by the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that's easily available at many stores. The majority of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the fob's edges. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand will help you identify the specific type of battery you need.
Once you have the right battery, carefully open the key fob and remove its existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob prior to you do this to ensure that you put it back together correctly. This simple trick will prevent you from purchasing a new fob if you made an error when putting it back together.
Some key fobs have an electronic backup key, also known as an emergency blade. This key blade is located inside the key fob, and allows you to open the door to the driver's side of your vehicle in the event that the remote control fails. To access the blade of the key, you must locate the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you'd like to be extra cautious you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter in their casings, however you can also purchase an extra multimeter for a few dollars at most hardware stores. In general, the battery should read 3.0 volts or more. A reading below that level could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like high-tech, fancy convenience items but keys for cars aren't indestructible. It isn't unusual for these remote devices to stop working after a time, particularly when the vehicle is frequently used or if there's a lot of physical abuse involving it. In most cases, it's easy to diagnose the issue and fix it by using a remote fob. Usually all that's needed is a new battery.
Modern car key fobs have numerous buttons that serve different functions. For example, they can be used to lock and unlock the doors and activate the panic button and even open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it sends a radio signal to a receiver within the vehicle. Certain fobs come with a button to start the car, which is particularly useful in cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons on a key fob can be reset by simply taking the device apart and then checking to ensure they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be taken apart, but the battery connector terminals on a key repair service fob may get loose as time passes. If the contacts on the button have been disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job could be enough to put them back into place and return the fob to its full functionality.
In addition, if the fob was damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons could be damaged, out of alignment or misaligned. These kinds of issues are typically more difficult to repair on your own however, they can be fixed by a local auto shop that has the right tools and expertise.
It's always a good idea to keep an extra fob in the event that one that you frequently use fails to function. You'll avoid being stuck in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or having to pay an enormous amount to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. Check your car key fob repair near me insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing the key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob's cap to get wet. This can happen from the pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The moisture that results can cause a range of issues with the electronic. The good part is that the key fob can usually be saved from death's edge by drying out thoroughly and following a few easy steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually means removing, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons are stuck or don't come in, it might be the time to replace your remote.
You'll also want to check the case to make sure nothing is interfering with the operation of the key fob. Use tweezers to open the case and remove the battery however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disrupt the circuits that keep your key fob's programmed you'll need to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you have replaced and removed your battery, it's an ideal idea to dry the ignition key repair near me fob out by placing it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will help prevent future moisture issues and help the battery last longer.
If the fob is not functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealer or an independent shop that specializes in your specific type of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your specific vehicle and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If everything else fails, the replacement key fob offered by NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes look just as the factory key fob but are much less expensive and can be easily connected with your vehicle using simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the high cost and hassle of a trip to the dealership, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
Occasionally your key fob may simply stop working, even though it's still connected to your vehicle. It could be due to various reasons such as malfunctioning batteries or buttons. You may be able solve the issue yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
You should first confirm whether your backup remote is capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your car key repair service. If it can't then there could be issues with your primary remote. If you are still unable to do it, try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
Before you replace the battery It's recommended to take off the key fob and conduct a visual examination of the circuit board. Check for cracks in the solder joints. Once you're done, you can replace the battery on your key fob and reassemble it.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, test the connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your key fob. From there, you'll be able to break the two parts of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's inserted with the negative side facing down. After you have reinserted the board and reassembled your key fob.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a larger problem. In this case you'll need to either call your dealer or an independent service shop that specializes in the model of your vehicle. They can identify the issue by using a radio-frequency tester an instrument that determines whether your key fob sends a signal to the car's computer.
I hope this guide was helpful for anyone who is experiencing issues with their car's key fob. If you have any other questions or issues, don't hesitate ask us for help. We'll be happy to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.