20 Myths About Key Fob Repair: Busted

Remote car key repairs Key Fob Repair

Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, like any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience problems.

Usually, they are easy to resolve. It is as easy as resetting it which you should be able do by following the instructions for resetting in the owner's manual.

Check the Battery

The battery of the key fob powers the remote control function. It's a small and inexpensive part that needs to be replaced regularly to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are many other reasons your key fob might not be working besides the battery. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component malfunction could be the reason. Whatever the reason when your key fob isn't responding and is not responding, it's time for a replacement battery.

First, ensure you have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs utilize a common three-volt CR2032 battery that's easily available at many stores. The size of most 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 type of battery you need.

The fob must be opened carefully and take out the original battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob prior to you do so to ensure you put everything back together in the correct way. This simple step could help you avoid needing to purchase a new fob simply because you made an error while putting it together.

It is also important to know that certain key fobs come with an alternate mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. This is found inside the key fob and permits you to access your car's driver's door in the event that your remote control fails to function. To access the blade of the key, find the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically a circle hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.

If you want to check the battery voltage with extra care, you can make use of a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have a voltmeter built into their casings, but you can also get an extra multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. Generally, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or greater. 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 to be nothing more than high-tech items for convenience however, they're not indestructible. It's not uncommon for these remotes to fail after a while, especially when the vehicle is being frequently used or if there's lots of physical abuse associated with it. Most of the time it is easy to identify the issue and fix it with the remote fob. Usually all that's needed is an updated battery.

Modern car key fobs have numerous buttons that serve different functions. For example they can unlock and lock the doors, activate the panic button, and open the trunk. When the button is pressed the fob transmits a radio signal with a code that is recognized by a receiver in the car. Some fobs have buttons to start the car, which is useful during cold winter mornings and hot summer days.

Typically, the buttons on keys can be reset simply by snapping the device apart and ensuring they aren't broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals of a key fob could be loose over time, even though they are not intended to be removed. Soldering can be used to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been disconnected. This will restore the fob's functionality.

If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons could be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to fix on your own. However an auto repair shop in your area can fix them using the right tools and experience.

Keep an extra key fob in a safe location, just in the event that the one you are using is not working as often. You can avoid being stranded in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or paying an enormous amount to have the car taken to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing a replacement key fob.

Check the Casing

It's not uncommon for a key fob to get submerged, whether from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The moisture that is resulting can cause a range of malfunctions within the electronics. The good news is that keys can typically be saved from the brink of death by drying it thoroughly and following a few simple steps.

First, make sure whether the buttons are working properly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons don't click back in or feel stuck, it's probably time to replace your remote.

Check the case to ensure that there isn't any obstruction to the operation of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers, and then remove the battery. Do not disassemble the antennas or circuit board. If you disturb the circuits that keep your key fob's programming you'll need 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 out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will prevent any future issues with moisture and will make your key fob more robust.

If the fob is not functioning properly, you'll need 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 for your particular vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.

If all else fails, a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it yourself remotes function just like the original fob, but are cheaper. They can be easily connected to your vehicle with simple instructions. If you want to skip the high cost and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be re-programmed within a matter of minutes at home.

Check the Connections

The key fob you have may cease to function even though it's programmed for your vehicle. This could be due various reasons, including broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. You could be able to solve the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance.

The first thing you have to ensure is that your backup remote key fob repair is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car key fob repair. If it can, then you may have an issue with your primary remote key repair. If you still can't do it, you can try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.

It's a great idea to take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and then inspect the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any damaged solder joints that need to be replaced with solder. Once you're done with that you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.

After you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, it's time to test out its connection with your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. You can then break your key fob's two halves and then gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the negative side facing down. After you have reinserted your board and reassembled your key fob.

If this doesn't work, then there is a bigger problem. In this case, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent service shop that specializes in the model of your car. They can identify the issue by using a radio-frequency tester an instrument that determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer.

This guide is intended to be of assistance to anyone having problems with their vehicle key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.