This Is The Key Fob Repair Case Study Youll Never Forget
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, like any piece of modern technology, it can sometimes experience problems.
Usually, they are easy to resolve. You can reset it by following the instructions in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery in a key fob. The battery is a tiny component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced regularly in order to maintain the functionality of the fob. There are other reasons why your key fob may not be functioning, aside from the battery. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component malfunction could be the reason. Whatever the cause, if your key fob is unresponsive and is not responding, it's time to replace the battery.
First, make sure you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery which is easily found in a wide range of stores. The majority of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the edges of the fob. You can determine the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.
Open your key fob carefully and remove the current battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do so to ensure you put it back together in the correct way. This simple step can save you from purchasing a new 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. The key blade is situated within the key fob and it lets you open the door to the driver's side of your car in the event that the remote control fails. In order to access the key blade, you have to locate the notch in the center of your 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 use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter embedded in their casings, however you can also get a multimeter for just a few dollars at most hardware stores. In general the battery should read 3.0 volts and higher. A reading that is lower than that could indicate that the battery is 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. These remote devices can stop working after some time, especially when they are frequently used or if they have been subjected to physical abuse. Fortunately, a majority of the time it can be easy to identify and repair a problem with the remote key fob and replacing the battery is typically all that is required.
A lot of modern car key fobs have several buttons that can be used for various purposes, such as locking and unlocking the doors as well as activating the panic button, as well as opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is hit, it transmits a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also include a button to start the engine, which is particularly useful during cold winter mornings or hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob reset by simply snapping it off and ensuring that they are not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually made to be removed however the battery connectors on a key fob may be loose over time. If the contacts on the button are disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job could be enough to put them back on track and restore the fob to full function.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons could be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These issues are more difficult to fix by yourself. However an auto repair shop in your area can fix them with the right tools and experience.
Keep a spare key fob in a safe place in the event that the one you use is not working as often. You can avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere without your keys, or having to pay a lot to have the car transported to the dealer. You should also check your insurance policy on your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to see if it covers the cost of replacing or programming the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for a keyfob to get wet. It can happen due to a swimming pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The resultant moisture can cause destruction on the electronics inside, causing many malfunctions. The good thing is that keys can typically be saved from a cliff by drying out thoroughly and following a few simple steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are functioning properly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons do not pop back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace your remote.
Check the case to ensure that there is nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and remove the battery however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. These have electric current running through them, which keeps the key fob's programming to your vehicle. And should you disrupt these circuits, you'll need visit a dealer or select Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.
After you've replaced and removed the battery it's a good idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will avoid any future issues with moisture and make your key fob more robust.
If the fob still doesn't work, you should visit a dealership or an independent shop that is focused on the model and make of your vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the key fob to your vehicle and hopefully restore the function to its original state.
If all else fails then you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it yourself remotes are similar to the original fob, but are more affordable. They are easily paired to your vehicle by following simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it yourself replacements that can be programmed in minutes.
Check the Connections
Your key fob might not function, even though it is still programmed for your car. It could be due to a number of factors such as broken contacts on the battery or buttons. You could be able to fix the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance.
It is important to first verify that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If broken car key repair near me can't, you may have an issue with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to try replacing the battery in the backup remote.
Before you replace the battery it's a good idea to pull apart your key fob and perform an examination of the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that must be re-soldering. Once you're done with that, you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
After you've replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you're now ready to test its connection with your vehicle. Put a flathead mini screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of the key fob. Then, you can break your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative end facing downwards. Once you have inserted the board, you can reassemble your key fob.
If this doesn't solve the issue, you could have a bigger issue. In this case, call your dealer or a repair shop that is specialized in the car's model. They can diagnose the issue by using a radio-frequency tester which is a device that can determine the frequency at which your key fob transmits a signal to the car's computer.
This guide is intended to be of assistance to anyone who is having issues with their car key fob. If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate contact us for assistance. We'll be happy to assist you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.