The Intermediate Guide Towards Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repair
The majority of modern cars now have a remote key fob that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, like any piece of modern technology it isn't without problems.
They are generally easy to repair. You can reset it by following the instructions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery in the key fob. The battery is a small component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced on a regular basis in order to maintain the functionality of the fob. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons why your key fob may not be working. This could be due to physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure. If your key fob has stopped functioning, replace the battery.
First, ensure you have the right size battery. remote key fob repair of modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery which is easily found in many stores. The size of most of these batteries is printed on the edge of the key fob. You can find the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
Once you have the proper battery take a moment to open the key fob and take out its battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob prior to you do this to ensure you put it back together correctly. This simple trick will prevent you from buying an entirely new fob because you made an error when putting it back together.
You should also be aware that some key fobs include a backup mechanical key, called an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob and it allows you to unlock the driver's door of your car in the event that the remote control fails. In order to access the key blade, you have to locate the notch that's at the center of your fob. The notch is typically a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you're looking to be extra cautious you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs have a voltmeter built into their casings, but you can also purchase an extra multimeter for a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts and higher. If it is below that level, it could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs might appear like little more than fancy high-tech items for convenience however, they're not indestructible. It's not uncommon for remote devices to stop working after a certain time, especially when the vehicle is being frequented or there's an excessive amount of physical abuse involving it. Fortunately, the majority of times it's easy to determine and fix a problem with a remote key fob, and replacing the battery is usually all that is required.
A lot of modern car key fobs have several buttons that can be used for various purposes, such as locking and unlocking the doors and activating the panic button, and opening the trunk. When you press a button the fob sends out an audio signal using a code that is recognized by a receiver located inside the car. Some fobs include buttons to start the car, which is useful on cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons of the key fob can be reset by taking the device apart and checking to make sure they aren't broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be disassembled however the battery connectors on a key fob can be loose over time. If the button contacts have been disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job can be enough to put them back into place and return the fob to full function.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons could be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to fix by yourself. However, a local auto shop can fix them using the right equipment and expertise.
Keep a spare key fob in a safe location, just in the event that the one you use most often stops working. This can 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 look over your insurance policy on your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to see if it covers the cost of replacing or programming an entirely new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob's cap to get wet. It can happen due to a swimming pool, a rainstorm, or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can cause a range of issues with the electronics. The good thing is that keys can typically be kept from a cliff by thoroughly drying it out and following a few easy steps.
First, make sure that the buttons still work correctly. This usually involves taking them out the buttons, cleaning them and reassembling them. buttons. If the buttons are stuck or don't come in, it might be time to replace your remote.
Examine the case to make sure that there is nothing blocking 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. These batteries have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob's programming to your car, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery it's an ideal idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag with silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will help prevent future moisture issues and help the battery last longer.
If the fob does not work, you can go to a dealership, or an independent shop, that specializes in the make and model of your vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob of your specific vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If nothing else works, you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself remotes look just as the factory key fob however, they are more affordable and can be easily paired with your vehicle using simple instructions. NAPA provides a variety of replacements that you can program within a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Occasionally your key fob may simply stop working, even though it's programmed to your vehicle. It could be due to various reasons, including broken battery terminal contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you might be in a position to fix it 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 there could be an issue with your primary remote. If you still can't do it, you can try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
Before you replace the battery it's an excellent idea to take apart your key fob and do an inspection of the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any damaged solder joints that need to be repaired by re-soldering. When you're done you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to test the connection with your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to take apart the two parts of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's placed with the negative side facing downwards. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, you are able to reassemble the key fob and try again.
If this does not resolve the issue, you could have a larger issue. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a service shop that is specifically geared to your car's make. They can pinpoint the issue with a radio frequency test that is a device that determines whether or not your key fob is transmitting signals to your car's computer.
I hope this guide was helpful for anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask us for help. We'll be happy to assist you in getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!