12 Companies Leading The Way In Key Fob Repair

Remote Key Fob Repair The majority of modern cars now have the remote key fob which can be used to lock, unlock or start the car. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there can be issues. Most of the time, these issues are simple to fix. You can reset it by following the steps in the owner's manual. Check the Battery The battery of a key fob powers the remote control function. It's a small, inexpensive component that needs to be replaced regularly to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. There are a variety of reasons your key fob might not be functioning, aside from the battery. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component malfunction could be the reason. If your key fob has stopped working, replace the battery. Make sure you have the right size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery which is easily found in many stores. The size of most of these batteries is stamped on the edges of the key fob. You can identify the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name. Once you have the right battery take a moment to open the key fob, and then remove the battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure that you put it back together the right way. This simple step will save you from having to purchase another fob if you made a mistake when making it back together. Some key fobs have an electronic backup key, also known as an emergency blade. The key blade is situated inside the key fob and it lets you open the door to the driver's side of your vehicle in the event that the remote control is not working. To get to the blade of the key, you must locate the notch that lies in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing. If you'd like to be extra vigilant, you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have a voltmeter built into their casings, but you can also purchase a multimeter for just a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. In general, the battery should read 3.0 volts or more. A reading that is lower than this could indicate that the battery is at its end and needs to be replaced immediately. Check the Buttons They might look like sophisticated, luxurious convenience items however, car key fobs are not indestructible. They can cease working after some time, especially when they are frequently used or if they have been subjected to physical abuse. Fortunately, most of the times, it's simple to diagnose and fix a problem with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is often all that's needed. Modern car key fobs have numerous buttons that serve different functions. For instance they can be used to lock and unlock the doors and activate the panic button, and open the trunk. When a button is pressed, the fob sends the radio signal using the code that is interpreted by a receiver located inside the car. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be especially handy on cold winter mornings or hot summer days. The buttons on a key fob can be reset by snapping it off and ensuring that they're not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals on a key fob may be loose over time, even though they are not designed to be removed. If the buttons' contacts have become disconnected from the circuit board, a simple solder job is enough to get them back in place and restore the fob to full function. If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons could be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are generally more difficult to fix on your own, but they can be resolved by a local auto shop with the right tools and expertise. It's always a good idea 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 in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or paying an enormous amount to have the car towed to the dealer. You should also check your insurance policy on your car or membership in a car club or extended warranty coverage to see if it will cover the cost of replacing or programming a new fob. Check the Casing It's not common for the key fob to become submerged, whether from a pool, a rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The moisture that results can trigger a myriad of malfunctions in the electronic. It's important to know that you can save a key fob from dying by following a couple of simple steps and drying it thoroughly. First, check whether the buttons function correctly. This usually involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons don't pop back in or feel stuck, it's time to replace the remote. You should also check the case to ensure there is nothing that could be affecting the operation of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers, and then remove the battery. Do not disassemble the antennas or circuit board. They have electric current flowing through them that keep the key fob programmed to your car, and when you break the circuits, you'll need to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it. After you have replaced and removed the battery, it's recommended to dry the key fob by placing it in the bag of a plastic bag with silica gel packets. key fob repairs will prevent future problems with moisture and make your key fob more robust. If, after all this, the fob is not functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your specific type of vehicle. They can re-program the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully return the function to its original state. If all else fails, an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased on the internet or at a local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it yourself 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 can be programmed in a matter of minutes. Check the Connections Your key fob may stop working even though it is still programmed for your car. It could be due to various reasons, including damaged battery terminal contacts or buttons. It is possible to fix the problem yourself by performing a simple maintenance. You should first confirm whether your backup remote capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your vehicle. If it does it, then you might have issues with your primary remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to try replacing the battery in your backup remote. Before replacing the battery it's recommended to take off the 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 require to be replaced with solder. When you're done you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob. Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, it's now time to test the connection with your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of the key fob. Then, you can break the two halves of your key fob and then gently remove the circuit board. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's inserted with the negative side facing down. After you've inserted the circuit board, you are able to reassemble the key fob and try again. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you might have a more serious problem. In this case, call your dealer or a service shop that specializes in the make of your vehicle. They can diagnose the issue using a radio-frequency tester, which is a device that can determine the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the car's computer. Hopefully, this guide has been helpful for anyone who is having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate reach us for assistance. We'll be happy to assist you in getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!