10 Meetups On Key Fob Repair You Should Attend
Remote Key Fob Repair
The majority of modern cars now have remote keys that can lock, unlock and start the car. As with any high-tech piece equipment, there can be issues.
These are usually very easy to repair. It's as simple as resetting the device which you should be able to do by following the resetting guidelines in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery inside the key fob. remote key fob repair is a small component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the functionality of the key fob. There are a variety of reasons your key fob may not be functioning properly, besides the battery. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob's battery has stopped functioning then replace the battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032 which is easily found in many stores. The majority 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 should help you locate the exact type of battery you need.
Once you have the proper battery, carefully open your key fob and take out its battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do so to ensure you put everything back together in the correct way. This simple step can save you from having to buy a new fob simply because you made an error while putting it together.
You should also be aware that some key fobs include a backup mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. This is found inside the key fob and permits you to open your car's driver's side door in case the remote control isn't working. To access the key blade, you have to locate the notch that's in the center of the fob. The notch is typically a circular shape that is concealed by the fob's plastic casing.
If you'd like to be extra cautious you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs come with built-in voltmeters, but you can buy a multimeter from many hardware stores for a few dollars. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 Volts or higher. If it is below that level, it could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Key fobs for cars may appear to be nothing more than modern, high-tech gadgets however they're not impervious to damage. It's not uncommon for these remotes to cease working after a certain time, especially when the vehicle is frequented or there is a lot of physical abuse involving it. Most of the time it's simple to spot a problem and fix one with the remote fob. Most of the time all that's required is a new battery.
A lot of modern car key fobs feature several buttons that can be used for various purposes including locking and unlocking the doors as well as activating the panic button, and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed 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 of the key fob can be reset simply by taking the device apart and checking to make sure they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be disassembled, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob can be loose as time passes. If the contacts on the button have been disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job could be enough to put them back into place and allow the fob back to full functionality.
Additionally, if a fob has been damaged or dropped in any other way, the buttons could be damaged, out of alignment or misaligned. These problems are more difficult to repair by yourself. However a local auto shop can fix them using the right equipment and expertise.
It's always recommended to keep a spare fob somewhere in case one of the ones you use regularly stops working. This can prevent you from being stranded without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to get the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage for 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 resultant moisture can cause havoc with the electronics inside, leading to a host of malfunctions. It's good to know that you can save your key fob from death by following a few easy steps and drying it thoroughly.
The first step is to check the buttons are functioning properly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them, and reassembling them. If the buttons are stuck or don't pop in, it may be time to replace your remote.
You should also check the case to make sure there's nothing blocking the function of the key fob. Use tweezers or pliers to open the case and remove the battery, however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disturb the circuits that keep your key fob programmed it will be required to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram 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 in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets. This will prevent any future moisture issues and make the battery last longer.
If the fob doesn't work, you can visit a dealership or an independent shop, that specializes in the model and make of your vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob of your vehicle and hopefully restore its full functionality.
If you're not able to find a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased on the internet or at a local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes are similar to the factory key fob, but more affordable. They can be easily connected to your vehicle using simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Your key fob might not function, even though it is still programmed to work for your vehicle. It could be due to a number of factors, including damaged battery contacts or buttons. You could be able to fix the issue yourself by performing basic maintenance.
The first thing to do is make sure that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car's doors. If it can't, you may have issues with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to try replacing the battery in your backup remote.
Before replacing the battery, it's recommended to take apart your key fob and do an inspection of the circuit board. Make sure there are no cracked solder joints. When you're done you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.
Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to test out its connection with your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of your key fob. From there, you can pry apart the two halves of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing down. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, you are able to reassemble the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't work, then you may have a larger issue. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a service shop that is specifically geared to the make of your vehicle. They can diagnose the issue using a radio-frequency tester, an instrument that determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the car's computer.
This guide is intended to be of assistance to anyone having problems with their vehicle key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.