Remote Key Fob Repair
Most modern vehicles now feature the remote key fob which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle. As with any high-tech piece equipment, there can be issues.
Usually these are very simple to fix. It's as simple as resetting it and you should be able accomplish by following the resetting guidelines in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery in a key fob. It's a small and inexpensive part that should be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the fob's functionality. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons why your key fob may not be working. These issues could include physical damage, exposure to water or internal component failure. Regardless of the cause, if your key fob's sensor is not responding, it's time to replace its battery.
First, make sure you have the correct size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs use the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. Most 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 it takes.
Once you have the proper battery take a moment to open your key fob and remove its existing battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure that you put it back together correctly. This simple trick will prevent you from buying another fob because you made a mistake when making it back together.
You should also be aware that some key fobs have an additional mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. The key blade is situated inside the key fob, and it allows you to open the door to the driver's side of your car in the event that the remote control is not working. To open the blade of the key, you must locate the notch that lies in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually a circle hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you want to be extra vigilant you can utilize a multimeter for checking the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs come with a built-in voltmeter, but you can purchase a multimeter in most hardware shops for a few bucks. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts and higher. A reading that is lower than that could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs may seem like nothing more than fancy high-tech items for convenience, but they aren't indestructible. These remote devices can stop functioning after a certain period of time, particularly when they are used frequently or were subjected to physical abuse. Fortunately, most of the times, it's simple to identify and repair a problem with a remote key fob, and changing the battery is usually all that is required.
Modern car key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For example, they can lock and unlock the doors as well as activate the panic button, and even open the trunk. When you press a button the fob sends out an audio signal using an identification code that can be recognized by a receiver inside the car. Some fobs include buttons to start the car, which is especially useful during cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
Typically, the buttons on a key fob can be reset by snapping the device in two and then checking to ensure they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically designed to be taken apart, but the battery connectors on a key fob could become loose over time. If the contacts on the button have become disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job could be enough to get them back in place and return the fob to full functionality.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned, or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are usually more difficult to repair on your own however, they can be fixed by an auto repair shop in your area with the right tools and expertise.
It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key somewhere in the event that one you use regularly stops working. You can avoid being stranded in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or paying an enormous amount to have the vehicle transported to the dealer. Check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing the key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for a keyfob's cap to get wet. It can happen due to a swimming pool, a downpour, or even from your washing machine. The moisture that is resulting can trigger a myriad of malfunctions in the electronics. It's a good idea to know that you can save a key fob from destruction by following a couple of simple steps and drying it thoroughly.
The first step is to ensure that the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them, and rebuilding them. If the buttons aren't working or don't appear to be able to open, it could 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. Use tweezers or pliers to open the case and remove the battery, but don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. If you disrupt the circuits that keep your key fob's programmed, you will need to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer 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 containing silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future problems with moisture and will make your key fob more robust.
If the fob still doesn't work, you should visit a dealership, or an independent shop, that is specialized in the make and model of your vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully restore it to its full functionality.
If all else fails then you can purchase an alternative keyfob online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look like your factory fob, but are much more affordable and can be easily connected with your vehicle using simple instructions. NAPA provides a variety of do-it-yourself replacements that you can program in a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
The key fob you have may cease to function even though it's programmed for your vehicle. It could be due to many factors that include malfunctioning contacts on the battery or buttons. If this is the case, you may be capable of fixing it yourself by performing 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 you may have problems with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.
Before replacing the battery It's a good idea to pull apart your key fob and perform a visual examination of the circuit board. Make sure there aren't any cracks in the solder joints. After you've finished, you can replace the battery on your key fob and rebuild it.
Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to test the connection with your vehicle. Insert my latest blog post in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. You can then pry apart your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing downwards. After you've inserted the circuit board, you can put it back together and try again.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a bigger problem. In this instance, you will need to call your dealer or an independent service shop that is specialized in the specific model of your car. They can determine the problem using a radio-frequency tester, which is a device that can determine if your key fob transmits signals to the car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been useful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. Contact us if have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you in getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!