20 Tools That Will Make You More Efficient At Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob repair car keys
The majority of modern cars now have the remote key fob which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment it is not without its own problems.
Usually these are very simple to resolve. It's as simple as resetting the device, which you should be able to accomplish by following the resetting instructions in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery in the key fob. The battery is a tiny, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced regularly in order to maintain the function of the device. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons your fob might not be functioning properly. The reasons could be physical damage, water exposure, or internal component failure. If your key fob is not functioning, replace the battery.
First, make sure you have the correct size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032 that is readily available in a variety of stores. The majority of these batteries are engraved 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.
Take your key fob apart carefully and remove the existing battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure that you put it back together in the correct way. This simple trick will prevent you from having to purchase a new fob because you made a mistake when making it back together.
It is also important to know that certain key fobs come with an alternate mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. This key blade is located within the key fob and it allows you to unlock the door of the driver's seat of your vehicle in the event that the remote control is not working. To access the blade of the key, you must locate the notch that lies in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically a circular shape that is concealed by the fob's plastic casing.
If you want to check the battery voltage with more care, use a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have built-in voltmeters, but you can purchase a multimeter in many hardware stores for a few dollars. Generally, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or more. If it reads lower than that, it could indicate the battery is in its last days and needs to be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like high-tech, fancy convenience items however, keys for cars aren't indestructible. It's not uncommon for these remotes to fail after a certain time, especially when the vehicle is being frequented or there's an excessive amount of physical abuse involving it. Fortunately, a majority of the times, it's simple to diagnose and fix the issue with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is typically all that is required.
Modern car key fobs have several buttons that can perform various functions. For example, they can be used to lock and unlock the doors as well as activate the panic button and open the trunk. When you press a button the fob transmits the radio signal using an identification code that can be recognized by a receiver inside the car. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which is particularly useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob can be reset by simply snapping it off and ensuring that they're not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically designed to be disassembled however the battery connectors on a key fob may get loose over time. If the buttons' contacts are disconnected from the circuit board A simple soldering job can be enough to get them back on track and restore the fob to full function.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons may be damaged, misaligned, or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are generally more difficult to fix on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto shop with the proper tools and experience.
Keep a spare key fob a safe location, just in case the one you use most often stops working. This can help prevent you from being stranded without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. You should also check your insurance policy for your car or car key button repair club membership extended warranty coverage to determine whether it will cover the cost of replacing or programming a new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for a keyfob to get wet. This can happen from a swimming pool, a rainstorm, or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak havoc with the electronics inside, causing numerous malfunctions. The good part is that keys can typically be saved from a cliff by drying out thoroughly and following a few simple steps.
First, make sure that the buttons still work properly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons aren't functioning or pop in, it may be time to replace your remote.
Examine the case to make sure that nothing is interfering in the operation of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers, and then remove the battery. Don't remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disrupt the circuits that keep your key fob programmed you'll need to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.
After you have removed and replaced your battery, it is an ideal idea to dry the key fob out by putting it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. This will prevent any future moisture issues and make the battery last longer.
If the fob is not functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealer or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular type of vehicle. They can reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully restore it to its full functionality.
If all else fails then you can purchase a replacement keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look like the original key repair shop near me fob, but are much less expensive and can be easily paired with your vehicle by following simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the high cost and hassle of a trip to the dealership, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed within a matter of minutes at home.
Check the Connections
Sometimes, your key fob will just stop working - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. It could be due to various reasons that include malfunctioning contacts on the battery or buttons. It is possible to fix the issue yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
You should first check whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can't, you may have problems with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.
It's a good idea to disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and then inspect the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any cracked solder joints that need to be replaced with solder. After that, you can replace the battery and rebuild the key fob.
After you've replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, it's now time to test the connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of your key fob. You can then break your key fob's two halves and gently remove the circuitboard. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it is placed with the negative side facing downwards. After you have reinserted your board you can put it back together. key fob.
If this doesn't work, then there is a bigger problem. In this instance, you will need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the specific model of the car you own. They can determine the problem by using a radio-frequency tester a device which determines the frequency at which your key repair fob transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer.
This guide will be helpful to anyone who is having issues with their vehicle key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be delighted to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!