10 Essentials Concerning Key Fob Repair You Didn't Learn In School
Remote Key Fob Repair The majority of modern cars now have a remote key fob that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, as with any piece of modern technology it is not without its own issues. They are generally easy to repair. It can be as simple as resetting it, which you should be able accomplish by following the instructions for resetting in the manual of your owner. Check the Battery The battery in a key fob powers the remote control function. The battery is a tiny, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced frequently to ensure the functionality of the fob. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons your fob might not be functioning properly. These issues could include physical damage, water exposure, or internal component failure. Whatever the reason, if your key fob's sensor is not responding it's time to replace its battery. First, ensure that you have the correct size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a common three-volt CR2032 battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. The size of many of these batteries is stamped on the outside of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you locate the specific kind of battery that it uses. Once you have the proper battery then carefully open the key fob and remove its existing battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob to ensure that you put it back together correctly. This simple step will save you from having to purchase another fob if you made an error when putting it back together. Some key fobs have an electronic backup key, also known as an emergency blade. This is located within the key fob and allows you to access your car's driver's door in case the remote control fails to function. To open the blade of the key, find the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing. If you want to be extra vigilant, you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs come with a voltmeter built into their casings. However, you can also purchase an extra multimeter for a few dollars at most hardware stores. Generally speaking, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or greater. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its last stages and should be replaced immediately. Check the Buttons Car key fobs may seem to be nothing more than modern, high-tech gadgets however, they're not indestructible. remote key repair can stop functioning after a period of time, especially if they are used often or if they have been subjected to physical abuse. Fortunately, the majority of times it's easy to identify and fix a problem with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is often all that's required. A lot of modern car key fobs feature several buttons that can be used for various purposes, such as locking and unlocking the doors as well as activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When a button is pressed the fob transmits a radio signal with a code that is recognized by a receiver in the car. Certain fobs come with buttons to start the car, which is particularly useful during cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days. Typically, the buttons of keys can be reset simply by snapping the device apart and ensuring they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't designed to be disassembled however the battery connector terminals on a key fob can become loose as time passes. Soldering is a way to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board if they've been cut off. This will bring back the fob's functionality. Additionally, if a fob has been dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons could be broken or displaced from their alignment or otherwise misaligned. These problems are more difficult to fix on your own. However a local auto shop can fix them with the right equipment and expertise. Keep an extra key fob in a safe place in the event that the one you use frequently stops working. This can help keep you from being left without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. Make sure to 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. This can happen from an in-ground pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The resultant moisture can cause destruction on the electronics inside, causing many malfunctions. The good news is that a key fob can often be saved from the brink of death by drying out thoroughly and following a few simple steps. The first step is to ensure that the buttons are working properly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons aren't functioning or pop in, it may be the time to replace your remote. You should also check the case to make sure there's nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. key fob repairs can be opened using tweezers, and then remove the battery. Don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. If you disturb the circuits that keep your key fob's programming, you will need to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it. After you've replaced and removed the battery it's a good idea to dry the fob by placing it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will help prevent any future issues with moisture and make your key fob more robust. Finally, if the fob is not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your specific make and model of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob to match your particular vehicle and hopefully restore its full functionality. If all else fails, you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes are just like the factory fob but much more affordable. They are easily paired to your vehicle using simple instructions. NAPA offers a variety of do-it yourself replacements that you can re-program in a matter of minutes. Check the Connections The key fob you have may not function, even though it is still programmed for your car. It could be due to various reasons, including damaged battery terminal contacts or buttons. You may be able fix the problem yourself by performing some basic maintenance. The first thing you need to ensure is that your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can, then you might have problems with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to try replacing the battery in the backup remote. It's a good idea to disassemble your key fob before replacing the battery and then inspect the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that require to be repaired by re-soldering. After you're finished you can replace the battery in your key fob and put it back together. After you've replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, it's time to test the connection with your vehicle. Insert a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be able to break 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 down. Once you've successfully inserted the circuit board, you can put it back together and try again. If this doesn't work for you, then you may have a larger issue. In this case you'll need to call your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the specific model of your car. They can diagnose the problem by using a radio frequency tester which is a gadget that can determine if your key fob transmits signals to your car's computer. I hope this guide has been useful to anyone experiencing issues with their car's key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.