Why We Our Love For Key Fob Repair And You Should Also
Remote Key Fob Repair
Most modern vehicles now feature remote keys that can be used to lock, unlock or start the car. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there are issues.
These are usually very easy to repair. It can be as simple as resetting it and you should be able to accomplish by following the resetting guidelines 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, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced frequently to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are many other reasons your key fob may not be functioning, aside from the battery. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure could be the reason. If your key fob has stopped functioning, replace the battery.
First, make sure you have the correct size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery that is readily available in a variety of stores. The size of many of these batteries is printed on the edges of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand will help you identify the exact type of battery it takes.
Take your key fob apart carefully and remove the existing battery. Photograph the inside of the fob prior to you do so to ensure you put everything back together correctly. This simple trick will prevent you from buying a new fob because you made a mistake when putting it back together.
It is important to be aware that some key fobs have a backup mechanical key, also known as an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob, and allows you to open the door to the driver's side of your vehicle in the event that the remote car key repairs control fails. In order to access the key blade, you need to locate the notch at the center of the fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you'd like to test the battery voltage with extra caution, you can use the multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter embedded in their casings, but you can also get an extra multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. The battery should generally be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading below that level could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs might appear to be nothing more than, high-tech convenience items, but they aren't indestructible. It's not uncommon for remotes to fail after a while, especially if the vehicle is frequently used or if there is a lot of physical abuse associated with it. Fortunately, most of the time it can be easy to identify and repair a problem with remote key fobs, and replacing the battery is typically all that is required.
Modern car key fobs come with several buttons that can perform various functions. For example, they can be used to lock and unlock the doors, activate the panic button, and even open the trunk. When a button is pressed the fob sends out a radio signal with the code that is interpreted by a receiver inside the car. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be especially handy in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob reset by simply snapping it off and ensuring whether they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't made to be removed however, the battery connector terminals on a key fob may be loose as time passes. If the button contacts have become disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job can be enough to put them back in place and allow the fob back to full function.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These types of issues are typically more difficult to fix on your own, however, they can be fixed by an auto repair shop in your area with the right equipment and experience.
Keep a spare key fob in a safe location, just in case the one you use frequently stops working. You can avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere without keys, or Workshop paying a lot to have the car towed to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing a new key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not common for a key fob to get wet, be it from a pool, a rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can cause a variety of malfunctions within the electronics. It's a good idea to be aware that you can save your key fob from death by following a couple of simple steps and drying it thoroughly.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them and reassembling them. If the buttons are stuck or don't appear to be able to open, it could be the time to replace your remote.
You'll also want to check the case to ensure there is nothing that could be affecting the functioning of the key fob. The case can be opened using tweezers and remove the battery. Don't disassemble the antennas or circuit board. If you damage 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've removed and replaced the battery, it's recommended to dry the key fob out by putting it in an airtight bag that contains silica gel packets. This will prevent future problems with moisture and will make your key fob more robust.
Finally, if the fob is still not working properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your particular model and make of vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob of your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If everything else fails, a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes are just like the original fob, but are more affordable. They can be easily paired to your vehicle using simple instructions. If you'd like to avoid the high cost and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be re-programmed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
The key fob you have may stop working even though it's programmed to work for your vehicle. It could be due to many reasons, such as broken key repair battery terminal contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you might be able to fix it yourself by carrying out some basic maintenance.
The first thing to do is ensure that your backup remote can lock and unlock your car's doors. If it can't then there could be a problem in your main remote. If not, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote car key repair.
It's a great idea disassemble your key fob before replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. Make sure there are no cracks in the solder joints. Once you're done you can replace the battery in your key fob and reassemble it.
Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to test out its connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of your key fob. From there, you'll be able to take apart the two halves 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, you can rebuild the key fob and try again.
If this does not resolve the issue, you could have a larger issue. In this case, call your dealer or a service shop that is specifically geared to the make of your vehicle. They can identify the issue by using a radio-frequency tester an instrument that determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits a signal to the computer in your car.
I hope this guide has been helpful to anyone experiencing issues with their car keys repairs's key fob. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate ask us for help. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!
