How To Get More Benefits With Your Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repair Modern vehicles are equipped with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, like any piece of modern technology it isn't without problems. They are typically very simple to fix. It can be as simple as resetting it which you should be able accomplish by following the resetting guidelines in the manual of your owner. Check the Battery The battery in a key fob powers the remote control function. It's a tiny and affordable component that needs to be replaced regularly to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons your key fob may not be working. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the reason. If your key fob has stopped working, replace the battery. Be sure to have the right size battery. Almost all modern key fobs are powered by the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that's easily available at many stores. The size of the majority of these batteries is printed on the outside of the key fob. You can determine the type of battery your vehicle requires by searching for the brand name. Once you have the right battery take a moment to open your key fob, and then remove the battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob to make sure you put it back together correctly. This simple step will save you from having to purchase another fob if you made a mistake when putting it back together. Some key fobs also have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. It's located inside the key fob and allows you to open the driver's side door in case the remote control fails to function. In order to access the key blade, you'll need to locate the notch located in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically a circular shape that is concealed 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 come with an integrated voltmeter, however you can buy a multimeter at most hardware shops for a few dollars. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts and higher. If it is below that level, it could indicate that the battery is in its last stages and should be replaced immediately. Check the Buttons Car key fobs may seem like little more than fancy modern, high-tech gadgets however they're not impervious to damage. It's not uncommon for remotes to cease working after a time, particularly if the vehicle is frequented or there's lots of physical abuse associated with it. Fortunately, most of the times, it's simple to diagnose and repair a problem with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is typically all that's needed. Modern car key fobs come with several buttons that can perform various functions. For instance, they can be used to lock and unlock the doors and 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 in the car. Some fobs include buttons to start the car, which is useful on cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days. Typically, the buttons on keys can be reset by taking the device apart and then checking to ensure they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically designed to be taken apart, but the battery connectors on a key fob could get loose as time passes. If key repairs on the button have been disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job is 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 broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to fix on your own. However, a local auto shop can fix them with the right tools and experience. Keep an extra key fob in an area that is secure, just in the event that the one you use most often stops working. You can avoid being stranded in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or having to pay an enormous amount to have the vehicle transported to the dealer. It is also advisable to check your insurance policy for your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to determine if it covers the cost of programming or replacing a new fob. Check the Casing It's not unusual for a keyfob to get wet. It could be the result of the pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The moisture that results can cause a variety of malfunctions in the electronics. The good thing is that a key fob can often be kept from a cliff by drying out thoroughly and executing a few simple steps. The first step is to check the buttons are still functioning properly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them and reassembling them. If the buttons do not pop back in or are stuck, it's time to replace your remote. You should also check the case to ensure nothing is interfering with the function of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers, and then remove the battery. Do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. These have electric current running through them that keep the key fob programmed to your vehicle, and should you disrupt these circuits, you'll have to go to a dealer or choose an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program the device. After you've removed and replaced the battery It's recommended to dry out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future moisture issues and make your key fob last longer. If the fob doesn't work, you should visit a dealership or an independent shop that is focused on the make and model of your vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the key fob for your vehicle, and hopefully restore the function to its original state. If nothing else works, you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes are similar to the original fob, but are cheaper. They can be easily paired to your vehicle using simple instructions. If you're looking to avoid the cost and hassle of a visit to a dealer, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in a matter of minutes at your 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 to many reasons, including damaged battery terminal contacts or buttons. You could be able to fix the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does then there could be issues with your primary remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to replace the battery in the backup remote. Before you replace the battery it's an excellent idea to take off the key fob and conduct a visual inspection of the circuit board. You'll want to make sure that there aren't any broken solder joints that must be repaired by re-soldering. Once you're done with 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 out its connection with your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a small flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your key fob. From there, you can take apart the two pieces of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Make sure to insert a brand new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it's placed with the negative side facing down. After you've inserted the circuit board, you are able to rebuild the key fob and try again. If this does not resolve the issue, you might have a larger problem. In this situation you'll need to either call your dealer or an independent service shop that is specialized in the specific model of the car you own. They can pinpoint the issue by using a radio frequency tester which is a gadget that determines whether or not your key fob transmits signals to the computer in your car. This guide will be helpful for anyone who has issues with their car key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!