An Key Fob Repair Success Story You ll Never Believe
Remote Key Fob repair car key fob
Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. As with any high-tech piece equipment, there could be problems.
They are typically very simple to repair. You can reset it by following the steps in your owner’s manual.
Check the Battery
The battery inside the key fob powers the remote control function. The battery is a tiny piece of equipment that has How To Repair Car Key Fob be replaced regularly to maintain the function of the device. There are many other reasons your key fob might not be functioning properly, besides the battery. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component malfunction could be the reason. If your key fob has stopped functioning, replace the battery.
Make sure you have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs utilize the standard CR2032 three-volt battery which is readily available in many stores. The size of most of these batteries is printed on the edge of the key fob. You can determine the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
Once you have the proper battery, carefully open the key fob and remove its battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do this to ensure you put everything back together correctly. This simple step will save you from purchasing a new fob because you made a mistake when putting it back together.
It is important to be aware that certain key fobs come with an alternate mechanical key, also known as an emergency blade. This is located within the fob's key and allows you to open your car's driver's side door in case the remote control isn't working. To access the blade of the key repair, you must locate the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is usually a circle hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you'd like to test the battery voltage with more care, use a multimeter. Most modern key fobs have a voltmeter built into their casings, but you can also purchase a multimeter for just a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. Generally speaking, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or higher. A reading lower than that could mean that the battery is at its end and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They might look like modern, high-tech items of convenience, but car key fobs are not impervious to destruction. It's not uncommon for these remotes to fail after a time, particularly when the vehicle is frequently used or if there's an excessive amount of physical abuse associated with it. In most cases it is easy to identify the issue and fix it with a remote fob. In most cases, all that is needed is an upgrade to the battery.
Modern car key fobs include several buttons that can perform various functions. For instance they can unlock and lock the doors as well as activate the panic button, and even open the trunk. When a button on the fob is hit, it transmits a radio code to a receiver inside the vehicle. Some fobs include a button to start the car, which is particularly useful during cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons on the key fob can be reset by snapping the device in two and then checking to ensure they aren't broken or stuck. key fob repairs fobs aren't designed to be disassembled however the battery connector terminals on a key fob could be loose over time. If the contacts on the button have been disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job is enough to get them back in place and restore the fob to its full functionality.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons might be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These types of problems are usually more difficult to fix on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto shop that has the proper tools and experience.
It's always a good idea to keep an extra fob in the event that one that you frequently use fails to function. This will to avoid being stuck without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to have your vehicle towed back to the dealer. It is also advisable to check your insurance policy on your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to determine if it will cover the cost of programming or replacing the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for keys to get wet, whether from a pool, rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can trigger a myriad of malfunctions in the electronic. The good part is that keys can typically be kept from a cliff by drying out thoroughly and following a few easy steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are functioning correctly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them, and reassembling them. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's probably time to replace the remote.
It is also important to inspect the case to ensure there's nothing blocking the functioning of the key fob. Use tweezers or pliers to open the case and remove the battery, but don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These have electric current running through them that keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle, and when you break the circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.
After you have replaced and removed your battery, it's a good idea for you to dry the key fob by placing it into the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will prevent future problems with moisture and will make your key fob more durable.
If the fob does not work, you can visit a dealership or an independent shop that is focused on the model and make of your vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob to match your particular vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If everything else fails, 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 look just like your factory fob, but are much more affordable and are able to be paired with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA offers a variety of do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in minutes.
Check the Connections
Occasionally, your key fob will simply stop working, even though it's programmed to your vehicle. It could be due to a number of factors such as damaged battery contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you may be in a position to fix it yourself by carrying out basic maintenance.
The first thing you need to ensure is that the backup remote control car key repairs you have is able to lock and unlock your car's doors. If it can, then you might have an issue with your primary remote. If you're still having trouble doing it, you can try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
Before replacing the battery it's an excellent idea to take off your key fob and perform an inspection of the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that need to be replaced with solder. When you're done you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of your key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to break the two parts of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing downwards. Once you've reinserted 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 repair shop that is specialized in the make of your vehicle. They can pinpoint the issue with a radio frequency test which is a gadget that can determine if your key fob is sending an indication to the computer in your car.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for anyone having issues with their vehicle's key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!