20 Irrefutable Myths About Key Fob Repair: Busted

Remote Key Fob Repair

The majority of modern cars now have a remote key fob that can lock, unlock and start the car. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience problems.

They are typically very simple to repair. 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 inside the key fob. The battery is a tiny, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the function of the device. However, in addition to the battery, there are other reasons your fob might not be functioning properly. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob has stopped functioning, replace the battery.

First, make sure you have the right size battery. Almost all modern key fobs utilize the CR2032 CR2032 battery, which is a standard three-volt unit that's easily available at many stores. The size of most of these batteries is engraved on the edge of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you find the exact kind of battery that it uses.

Take your key fob apart carefully and take out the original battery. Take a photo of the inside of your fob to ensure you put it back in the correct way. This simple step can save you from having to buy a new fob because you made an error while putting it back together.

It is also important to know that some key fobs have an alternate mechanical key, called 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 car in the event that the remote control is not working. To access the key blade, you have to locate the notch that's in the center of your fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing.

If you're looking to be extra cautious, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have a built-in voltmeter, but you can get a multimeter from many hardware stores for a few dollars. Generally, the battery should read at 3.0 volts or greater. If it is below that level, it could indicate a battery in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons

Car key fobs might appear to be nothing more than, high-tech convenience items, but they aren't indestructible. Remotes can stop functioning after a period of time, especially when they are used frequently or have been exposed to physical abuse. Most of the time it's simple to spot the issue and fix it by using the remote fob. In most cases, all that is needed is a new battery.

Modern car key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For instance, they can lock and unlock the doors, activate the panic button, and even open the trunk. When the button is pressed the fob transmits a radio signal with a code that is recognized by a receiver 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 reset by simply snapping it off and ensuring whether they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be disassembled, but the battery connectors on a key fob could become loose over time. Soldering is a method to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been cut off. This will bring back the fob's functionality.

Additionally, if a fob has been damaged or dropped in some other way, the buttons may be damaged or displaced from their alignment or otherwise misaligned. These kinds of issues are usually more difficult to solve on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto shop that has the right tools and expertise.

It's always a good idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case one of the ones you regularly use stops working. This can keep you from being left without your keys or having to pay a lot of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. Check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing a new key fob.

Check the Casing

It's not uncommon for a keyfob to become wet. It can happen due to a swimming pool, a downpour, or even from your washing machine. The moisture that results can cause a range of issues with the electronic components. It's a good idea to know that you can save your key fob from death by following a few simple steps and thoroughly drying it.

The first step is to check the buttons are working properly. This usually involves removing the buttons, cleaning them, and rebuilding them. If the buttons aren't working or don't appear to be able to open, it could be time to replace your remote.

You'll also want to check the case to make sure there is nothing that could be affecting the functioning of the key fob. Utilize tweezers to remove the case and remove the battery however, do not remove the circuit board or antennas. If you disturb the circuits that keep your key fob's programmed 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 an ideal idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will prevent any future moisture issues and help the battery last longer.

If the fob still doesn't work, you can visit a dealership, or an independent shop, that is specialized in the make and model of your vehicle. They can re-program the key fob for your vehicle and hopefully return the function to its original state.

If everything 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-operated remotes look like the original key fob, however, they are more affordable and can be easily paired with your vehicle using simple instructions. NAPA offers a variety of replacements that you can program within a matter of minutes.

Check the Connections

The key fob you have may cease to function even though it is still programmed for your car.  how to repair car key fob  could be due to various reasons, such as broken battery terminal contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you may be capable of fixing it yourself by performing basic maintenance.

You should first check whether your backup remote is capable of locking and unlocking the doors of your car. If it can't then there could be a problem in your main remote. If you still can't do it, try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.

Before replacing the battery, it's recommended to take off your key fob and do a visual examination of the circuit board. You'll need to ensure that there aren't any broken solder joints that need to be re-soldering. After you're finished replacing the battery on your key fob and rebuild it.

Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to test its connection to your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. You can then break the two halves of your key fob and remove the circuitboard gently. Install a brand new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing down. After you've inserted the circuit board, you can reassemble the key fob and try again.

If this doesn't solve the issue, you could have a larger issue. In this case, call your dealer or a repair shop that is specifically geared to the make of your vehicle. They can diagnose the problem with a radio frequency test which is a gadget that determines if your key fob is sending an indication to your car's computer.

Hopefully, this guide was helpful for anyone experiencing issues with their car's key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.