Juan Winder

Remote Key Fob Repair

Modern vehicles are equipped with the remote key fob which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there are problems.

Usually, they are easy to resolve. It's as simple as resetting the device and you should be able to do by following the resetting instructions in your owner's manual.

Check the Battery

The remote control is powered by the battery inside a key fob. The battery is a tiny, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced frequently to ensure the functionality of the fob. There are a variety of reasons your key fob might not be working besides the battery. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob is not functioning, replace the battery.

Be sure to have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032 that is readily available in many stores. Most of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the fob's edges. You can determine the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.

The fob must be opened carefully and remove the current battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob prior to you do so to ensure you put it back together in the correct way. This simple trick will prevent you from buying an entirely new fob if you make a mistake when making it back together.

Certain key fobs also come with a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. The key blade is within the key fob and it allows you to unlock the driver's door of your vehicle in the event that the remote control fails. To access the blade of the key, find the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing.

If you'd like to test the battery's voltage using more care, use a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter 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 that is lower than that could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons

Car key fobs may seem like little more than fancy modern, high-tech gadgets however, they're not indestructible. These remote devices can stop functioning after a certain period of time, especially when they are frequently used or were subjected to physical abuse. In most cases it is easy to identify the issue and fix it with the remote fob. Most of the time all that's needed is an upgrade to the battery.

Modern car key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For instance, they can unlock and lock the doors as well as activate the panic button, and open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed it sends a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which can be particularly useful on cold winter mornings or hot summer days.

Typically, the buttons of the key fob can be reset simply by taking the device apart and then checking to ensure they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't made to be removed however, the battery connector terminals on a key fob can get loose as time passes. Soldering can be used to connect the button contacts to the circuit board if they have been disconnected. This will restore the fob's functionality.

If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons might be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are generally more difficult to solve on your own, but can usually be addressed by an auto repair shop in your area with the right equipment and experience.

It's always recommended to keep an extra fob in the event that one of the ones you use regularly stops working. You'll be able to avoid being in the middle of nowhere without your keys, or paying an enormous amount to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. You should also examine your insurance policy on your car key fob repair service or membership in a car club or extended warranty coverage to see if it covers the cost of programming or replacing the new fob.

Check the Casing

It's not common for the key fob to become wet, be it from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can cause a variety of malfunctions within the electronic components. The good part is that a key fob can often be kept from a cliff by thoroughly drying it out and executing a few simple steps.

First, check whether the buttons are working properly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's probably time to replace the remote.

Check the case to ensure that nothing is interfering in the operation of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers and take out the battery. Do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These batteries have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle. And when you break the circuits, you'll have to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.

After you've replaced and removed the battery it's an ideal idea to dry out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will help prevent future issues with moisture and will help your key fob last longer.

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 reprogram the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.

If nothing else works then you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look as the factory key fob but are much less expensive and can be easily paired with your vehicle by following simple instructions. NAPA offers a variety of do-it yourself replacements that you can program in minutes.

Check the Connections

Sometimes your key fob repairs fob might cease to function - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. It could be due to various reasons such as broken batteries or buttons. You could be able to solve the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance.

You should first check whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car key repair cost. If it does it, then you might have issues with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.

It's a great idea take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. Check for cracks in the solder joints. After you've finished replacing the battery on your key fob and rebuild it.

After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you should test the connection to your vehicle. Insert a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to pry apart the two halves of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it is placed with the negative side facing down. Once you've successfully inserted the circuit board, you can reassemble the key fob and try again.

If this does not resolve the problem, you may have a more serious problem. In this situation, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the make of the car you own. They can diagnose the problem with a radio frequency test which is a gadget that determines if your key fob transmits a signal to the computer in your car.

This guide will be helpful to anyone having problems with their car key fob. Contact us if have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.