Guide To Key Fob Repair: The Intermediate Guide To Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles come with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there can be issues.
Usually these are very simple to resolve. It's as simple as resetting it and 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 that is in a key fob. The battery is a small, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced frequently to maintain the function of the device. However, in addition to the battery, there are 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 is not working then replace the battery.
Make sure you have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs use a common three-volt CR2032 battery which is readily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the edges of the fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you locate the specific kind of battery that it uses.
When you have the correct battery, carefully open the key fob and take out its existing battery. Take a photograph of the inside of the fob to make sure you put it back together correctly. This simple step could save you from having to purchase a replacement fob if you make an error when putting it together.
Some key fobs also have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. This key blade is located within the key fob and allows you to open the door to the driver's side of your car in the event that the remote control fails. To access the blade of the key, locate the notch that lies in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you'd like to test the battery's voltage with more care, make use of a multimeter. Most modern key fobs come with an voltmeter embedded in their casings, but you can also get an extra multimeter for a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. In general the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. If it is below that level, it could indicate a battery in its last stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
car remote key fob repair key fobs might appear to be nothing more than modern, high-tech gadgets however they're not impervious to damage. It's not uncommon for these remote devices to stop working after a while, especially if the vehicle is frequented or there's lots of physical abuse involving it. Fortunately, the majority of times it's easy to diagnose and fix the issue with the remote key fob and changing the battery is usually all that's required.
The majority of modern car key fobs have several buttons that can be used for various purposes including locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button, as well as opening the trunk. When the button is pressed the fob sends out a radio signal with an identification code that can be recognized by a receiver inside the car. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which is especially handy on cold winter mornings or hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob are reset by simply snapping it off and ensuring that they are not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be taken apart however, the battery connectors on a key fob can get loose as time passes. Soldering is a way to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been disconnected. This will bring back the fob's functionality.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned, or out of alignment. These types of issues are usually more difficult to fix on your own, but can usually be addressed by an auto repair shop in your area with the right equipment and experience.
Keep a spare key fob in a safe location in case the one you use frequently stops working. This will to avoid being stuck without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have the vehicle towing back to the dealer. You should also look over your car key repairs insurance policy, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to see whether it will cover the cost of replacing or programming the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob to become wet. It could be the result of the pool, a downpour, or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak havoc with the electronics inside, causing a host of malfunctions. The good news is that the key fob can usually be saved from the brink of death by thoroughly drying it out and following a few simple steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are functioning properly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them, and rebuilding them. If the buttons aren't functioning or come in, it might be time to replace your remote.
You'll also want to check the case to make sure there's nothing blocking the functioning of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove 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 programming it will be required to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you've replaced and removed the battery, it's recommended to dry the fob by placing it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will help prevent any future issues with moisture and make your key fob more robust.
Finally, if the fob isn't working properly, you'll need to visit a dealer or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular make and model of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob of your specific vehicle and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If nothing else works, you can purchase a replacement keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself-operated remotes look as the factory key fob but are much more affordable and are able to be paired with your vehicle using simple instructions. If you want to skip the expense and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes at home.
Check the Connections
Occasionally your key fob may simply stop working, even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. This could be due a variety of reasons, including broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. It is possible to solve the issue yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
The first thing to do is ensure that your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does it, then you might have an issue with your primary Remote control car key repairs. If not, then it's time to try replacing the battery in the backup remote.
It's a good idea to take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. Check for cracked solder joints. After that you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, test the connection to your vehicle key repairs. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. From there, you can take apart the two pieces of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative end facing downwards. After you have reinserted the board you can put it back together. key fob.
If this doesn't work, you have a bigger issue. In this case, call your dealer or a repair shop that specializes in the car's model. They can identify the issue by using a radio frequency tester, which is a device that determines whether or not your key fob is transmitting an indication to your car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for anyone who is having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.