How To Get Better Results From Your Key Fob Repair

Remote Key Fob Repair Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there could be issues. Usually these are very simple to resolve. You can reset it by following the directions in the manual of your owner. Check the Battery The remote control is powered by the battery inside a key fob. It's a small and inexpensive component that needs to be replaced regularly to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are many other reasons your key fob might not be functioning, aside from the battery. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob's battery has stopped working then replace the battery. Ensure you have the correct size battery. Almost all modern key fobs are powered by the CR2032 CR2032 battery, which is a standard three-volt unit that's easily available at many stores. Most of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the edges of the fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand will help you identify the specific kind of battery that it uses. Open your key fob carefully and remove the current battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do this to ensure you put everything back together in the correct way. This simple trick will prevent you from purchasing another fob because you made a mistake when making it back together. key fob repair should also be aware that some key fobs have a backup mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob and allows you to unlock the door of the driver's seat of your car 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 a circular shape that is concealed by the fob's plastic casing. If you're looking to test the battery's voltage with more care, use the multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have an integrated voltmeter, however you can purchase a multimeter from most hardware shops for a few dollars. Generally, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. If it reads lower than that, it could indicate that the battery is in its last days and needs to 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. They can cease functioning after a period of time, particularly if they are used often or have been exposed to physical abuse. Fortunately, most of the times, it's simple to determine and repair a problem with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is usually all that's required. Modern car key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For instance, they can be used to lock and unlock the doors as well as activate the panic button, and open the trunk. When a button is pressed the fob transmits the radio signal using a code that is recognized by a receiver located inside the car. Certain fobs come with an option to start the car, which is especially useful in cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days. Typically, the buttons on keys can be reset simply by snapping the device apart and checking to make sure they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically designed to be taken apart, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob may become 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 get them back on track and restore the fob to full functionality. If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons might be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to repair by yourself. However an auto repair shop in your area can fix them using the right tools and experience. It's always a good idea to keep an extra key somewhere in the event that one that you frequently use fails to function. You'll be able to avoid being in the middle of nowhere without keys, or having to pay an enormous amount to have the vehicle transported to the dealer. It is also advisable to look over your insurance policy for your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see whether it covers the cost of programming or replacing a new fob. Check the Casing It's not common for a key fob to get wet, be it from a pool, storm or even your washing machine. The resulting water can play destruction to the electronics inside, causing many malfunctions. It's important to be aware that you can save your key fob from destruction by following a few easy steps and thoroughly drying it. First, make sure whether the buttons are working properly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons aren't functioning or come in, it might be the time to replace your remote. You should also check the case to ensure nothing is interfering with the function of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers and remove the battery. Do not disassemble the antennas or circuit board. These batteries have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob programmed to your car, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll have to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it. After you've removed and replaced the battery, it's recommended to dry the fob by placing it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future moisture problems and will make your key fob more robust. If, after all this, the fob is still not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealer or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular model and make of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality. If nothing else works then you can purchase a replacement 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 by following simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it-yourself replacements that you can program within a matter of minutes. Check the Connections Your key fob may stop working even though it is still programmed for your vehicle. This could be due many reasons, including damaged battery terminal buttons or contacts. You may be able solve the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance. It is important to first verify whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can't, you probably have problems with your primary remote. If you still can't do it, try replacing the batteries in the backup remote. Before you replace the battery it's recommended to take apart your key fob and conduct an examination of the circuit board. Make sure there aren't any cracked solder joints. When you're done you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob. Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, it's time to test its connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of your key fob. From there, you'll be able to pry apart the two halves of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it is placed with the negative side facing downwards. After you have reinserted your board, you can reassemble your key fob. If this does not resolve the issue, you might have a bigger problem. In this instance, you will need to call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the model of your vehicle. They can pinpoint the issue with a radio frequency test which is a gadget that determines whether or not your key fob is sending a signal to the computer in your car. We hope that this guide was helpful to anyone experiencing issues with their car'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!