A Trip Back In Time The Conversations People Had About Key Fob Repair 20 Years Ago

Remote Key Fob Repair Modern vehicles come with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. However, like any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience problems. These are usually very easy to fix. You can reset it by following the directions in the manual of your owner. Check the Battery The battery in the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. It's a small, inexpensive part that should be replaced regularly to ensure the fob's functionality. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons why your key fob may not be working. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component malfunction could be the reason. If your key fob is not working then replace the battery. First, make sure you have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs are powered by a common three-volt CR2032 battery which is readily available in many stores. The size of the majority of these batteries is engraved on the edges of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you locate the specific type of battery you need. Once you have the proper battery then carefully open your key fob and remove its existing battery. Take key fob repairs of the inside of your fob to ensure that you put it back together correctly. This simple step could save you from having to purchase a replacement fob because you made an error while putting it together. Certain key fobs also come with a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. This is found inside the key fob and permits you to access your car's driver's door in the event that the remote control fails to function. In order to access the key blade, you have to locate the notch located in the middle 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 vigilant you can utilize a multimeter for checking the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have built-in voltmeters, but you can buy a multimeter at most hardware shops for a few dollars. In general the battery should be reading 3.0 Volts or higher. A reading lower than that could indicate the battery is on its last legs and needs to be replaced immediately. Check the Buttons They might look like sophisticated, luxurious convenience items, but keys for cars aren't impervious to destruction. It isn't unusual for these remotes to cease working after a certain time, especially if the vehicle is frequently used or if there is an excessive amount of physical abuse associated with it. Most of the time, it's easy to diagnose an issue and fix it by using a remote fob. In most cases all that's needed is an updated battery. Modern car key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For example they can be used to lock and unlock the doors, activate the panic button, and open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed it sends a radio signal to a receiver inside the vehicle. Some fobs also come with a button that will start the engine, which can be especially handy in cold winter mornings and hot summer days. The buttons on a key fob are reset by snapping it off and ensuring that they're not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals of a key fob could be loose over time, even though they are not designed to be removed. If the button contacts are disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job could be enough to put them back in place and restore the fob to its full functionality. If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons could be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to repair on your own. However, a local auto shop can fix them with the right tools and experience. Keep a spare key fob an area that is secure in case the one you use frequently stops working. You can avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere without your keys, or having to pay an enormous amount to have the vehicle transported to the dealer. It is also advisable to look over your car insurance policy or membership in a car club or extended warranty coverage to see if it will cover the cost of programming or replacing an entirely new fob. Check the Casing It's not common for keys to get submerged, whether from a pool, a rainstorm or even your washing machine. The resulting water can play destruction on the electronic components inside, causing a host of malfunctions. The good news is that the key fob can usually be kept from a cliff by drying it thoroughly and following a few easy steps. First, check whether the buttons are working correctly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace the remote. It is also important to inspect the case to make sure nothing is interfering with the function of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers and remove the battery. Don't disassemble the antennas or circuit board. These batteries have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob's programed to your car, and when you break the circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it. After you have removed and replaced the battery, it's a good idea for you to dry the key fob out by placing it into an airtight bag that contains silica gel packets. This will prevent future problems with moisture and will make your key fob more robust. If the fob does not work, you can visit a dealership or an independent shop, that is focused on the make and model of your vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully restore it to its full functionality. If all else fails then you can purchase an alternative keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself-operated remotes look as the factory key fob however, they are more affordable and can be easily connected with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA provides a variety of do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in minutes. Check the Connections Your key fob might stop working even though it is still programmed for your vehicle. It could be due to a number of factors, including malfunctioning batteries or buttons. If this is the case, you may be in a position to fix it yourself by doing 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, you may have an issue with your primary remote. If you are still unable to do it, you can try replacing the batteries in your backup remote. Before you replace the battery it's a good idea to pull off your key fob and conduct a visual inspection of the circuit board. Make sure there are no cracked solder joints. Once you're done with that you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob. Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled your key fob, it's now time to test the connection with your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your 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. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative side facing down. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, put it back together and try again. If this does not resolve the problem, you may have a bigger issue. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a repair shop that is specialized in the make of your vehicle. They can diagnose the issue by using a radio-frequency tester an instrument that determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits an electronic signal to the computer in your car. This guide should be helpful for anyone who has issues with their vehicle key fob. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate contact us for assistance. We'll be delighted to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!