From All Over The Web: 20 Fabulous Infographics About Key Fob Repair

Remote Key Fob Repair

The majority of modern cars now have the remote key fob which can lock, unlock and start the car. Like any high-tech piece of equipment, there can be problems.

Most of the time, these issues are simple to resolve. You can reset it by following the instructions in the owner's manual.

Check the Battery

The remote control is powered by the battery inside a key fob. The battery is a tiny piece of equipment that has to be replaced on a regular basis to maintain the function of the device. But, aside from the battery, there could be other reasons why your key fob might not be functioning properly. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the reason. If your key fob has stopped functioning Replace the battery.

Be sure to have the right size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery, which is easily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the edges of the fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand will help you identify the specific type of battery you need.

Once you have the proper battery take a moment to open your key fob, and then remove the existing battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob to ensure you put it back together correctly. This simple action can help you avoid having to purchase a replacement fob if you make an error when putting it back together.

It is also important to know that some key fobs include an additional mechanical key, also known as an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob, and it lets you unlock the driver's door of your vehicle in the event that the remote control fails. In order to access the key blade, you'll need to locate the notch in the center of the fob. The notch is typically a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.

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 many hardware stores for a few bucks. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 Volts or higher. A reading below that level could indicate a battery in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons

They may appear to be sophisticated, luxurious convenience items but keys for cars aren't durable. It's not uncommon for these remotes to cease working after a while, especially if the vehicle is used frequently or if there's lots of physical abuse that is associated with it. Most of the time it's simple to spot a problem and fix one by using a remote fob. In most cases all that's required is an upgrade to the battery.

The majority of modern car keys have several buttons that can be used for various purposes including locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button, and opening the trunk. When a button is pressed, the fob sends the radio signal using the code that is interpreted by a receiver in the car. Some fobs also come with a button that will start the engine, which is particularly useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.

Typically, the buttons of the key fob can be reset by snapping the device apart and then checking to ensure they aren't broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be disassembled, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob could become loose as time passes. Soldering can be used to connect the button contacts to the circuit board if they've been cut off. This will allow the fob to function again.

In addition, if a fob has been dropped or damaged in some other way, the buttons could be broken or out of alignment, or misaligned in any way. These types of problems are generally more difficult to solve on your own, but they can be resolved by an auto repair shop in your area with the right tools and expertise.

It's always an excellent idea to have an extra fob in the event that one of the ones that you frequently use fails to function. This can help prevent you from being stranded without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to have your vehicle towing back to the dealer. It is also advisable to look over your car insurance policy or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see if it covers 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 moisture that results can trigger a myriad of issues with the electronics. The good part is that keys can typically be saved from a cliff by thoroughly drying it out and executing a few simple steps.

First, make sure whether the buttons function correctly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons aren't working or don't 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. Use tweezers to open the case and take out the battery, but don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. If you disturb the circuits that keep your key fob programmed it will be required to visit an Interstate All Battery Center or dealer to reprogram it.

After you've replaced and removed the battery, it's recommended to dry the fob by putting it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will avoid any future issues with moisture and make your key fob more robust.

If, after all this, the fob is still not working properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that specializes in your particular model and make of vehicle. They can reprogram the key fob for your specific vehicle and hopefully restore its full functionality.

If all else fails then you can purchase a replacement keyfob online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look like the original key fob, but are much less expensive and can be easily paired with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA offers a variety of do-it-yourself replacements that you can re-program within a matter of minutes.

Check the Connections

Sometimes your key fob might just stop working - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle.  you can try this out  could be due to various reasons, including broken battery contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you may be able to fix it yourself by performing some basic maintenance.

The first thing to ensure is that your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can, then you may have an issue with your primary remote. If not, then it's time to try replacing the battery in the backup remote.

Before replacing the battery it's a good idea to pull off your key fob and do a visual inspection of the circuit board. Make sure there are no cracks in the solder joints. Once you're done replacing the battery on your key fob and reassemble it.

Once you've replaced your battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to test its connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a mini 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. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's inserted with the negative side facing downwards. 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. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a repair shop that is specialized in your car's make. They can determine the problem with a radio-frequency analyzer, which is a device that can determine the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the computer in your car.

I hope this guide has been useful to anyone having issues with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate reach us for assistance. We'll be delighted to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!