Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there could be issues.
These are usually very easy to repair. You can reset it by following the instructions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The remote control is powered by the battery in a key fob. car key immobiliser repair is a small piece of equipment that has to be replaced regularly to maintain the functionality of the fob. But, aside from the battery, there are other reasons your key fob may not be working. The reasons could be physical damage, exposure to water, or internal component failure. Whatever the cause when your key fob is unresponsive, it's time for a replacement battery.
First, ensure you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs utilize a common three-volt CR2032 battery that's easily available at many stores. The majority of these batteries are engraved with the size on one of the fob's edges. You can identify the type of battery your vehicle requires by searching for the brand name.
Open your key fob carefully and remove the existing battery. Photograph the inside of the fob before you do this to ensure that you put it back together in the correct way. This simple action can save you from needing to purchase a new fob because you made an error when putting it together.
You should also be aware that some key fobs have a backup mechanical key, called an emergency blade. This is located within the key fob and allows you to access your car's driver's door in the event that your remote control isn't working. To access the key blade, you need to locate the notch that's in the center of your fob. The notch is typically a circle hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you're looking to be extra vigilant, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have an integrated voltmeter, however you can buy a multimeter in most hardware shops for a few bucks. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading below that level could indicate that the battery is in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs might appear like little more than fancy high-tech items for convenience however, they're not indestructible. It's not uncommon for these remote devices to stop working after a time, particularly when the vehicle is used frequently or if there is a lot of physical abuse involving it. Most of the time it is easy to identify a problem and fix one with the remote fob. Most of the time all that's needed is an upgrade to the battery.
A lot of modern car key fobs feature several buttons that can be used for various purposes including locking and unlocking doors and activating the panic button and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it transmits a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. 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 reset by simply taking it apart and checking whether they're not damaged or stuck. The battery connector terminals of the key fob can get loose over time, despite the fact that they are not intended to be disassembled. Soldering is a way to connect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been cut off. This will bring back the fob's functionality.
In addition, if the fob was damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons could be broken or displaced from their alignment or otherwise misaligned. These problems are more difficult to fix by yourself. However an auto repair shop in your area can fix them with the right tools and experience.
It's always recommended to keep an extra key somewhere in case one of the ones you use regularly stops working. This can prevent you from being stranded without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to get the vehicle towing back to the dealer. Also, you should examine your insurance policy for your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to see if it will cover the cost of programming or replacing a new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for the key fob to become submerged, whether from a pool, a storm or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak destruction on the electronics inside, leading to a host of malfunctions. It's a good idea to be aware that you can save your key fob from dying by following a few easy steps and thoroughly drying it.
First, make sure whether the buttons function correctly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them, and rebuilding them. If the buttons don't click back in or are stuck, it's time to replace the remote.
Examine the case to make sure that nothing is interfering in 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 batteries have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob's programming to your vehicle. And when you break the circuits, you'll need to go to a dealer or choose an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.
After you've removed and replaced the battery, it's recommended to dry the key fob out by putting it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets. This will avoid future problems with moisture and will make your key fob more robust.
If the fob is still not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your particular make and model of vehicle. They can re-program the key fob for your vehicle, and hopefully restore it to its full functionality.
If everything else fails, the replacement key fob offered by NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes are just like the original fob, but are more affordable. They can be easily connected to your vehicle by following simple instructions. NAPA provides a variety of do-it-yourself replacements that you can program in a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
Sometimes your key fob might just stop working - even though it's programmed to your vehicle. This could be caused by various reasons that include damaged contacts on the battery or buttons. If this is the case, you might be in a position to fix it yourself by performing basic maintenance.
It is important to first verify whether your backup remote able to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle. If it does then there could be issues with your primary remote. If you still can't do it, you can try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
Before replacing the battery it's recommended to take apart your key fob and perform a visual inspection of the circuit board. You'll want to ensure that there aren't any broken solder joints that must be repaired by re-soldering. When you're done, you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, make sure you test its connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of your key fob. You can then pry apart your key fob's two halves and then gently remove the circuit board. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's placed with the negative side facing down. After you have reinserted your board, you can reassemble your key fob.
If this doesn't work for you, then you may have a larger issue. In this situation you'll need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the specific model of the car you own. They can determine the problem with a radio-frequency analyzer, an instrument that determines whether your key fob sends a signal to the computer in your car.
Hopefully, this guide was helpful for anyone who is having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.