How To Get More Value From Your Key Fob Repair

Remote Key Fob Repair

Most modern vehicles now feature a remote key fob that can be used to lock, unlock or start the vehicle. However, like any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience issues.

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

Check the Battery

The remote control is powered by the battery inside a key fob. It's a tiny and affordable part that needs to be replaced frequently to ensure the fob's functionality. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons your fob isn't working. These issues could include physical damage, exposure to water, or internal component failure. Whatever the reason when your key fob's sensor is not responding, it's time for a replacement battery.

Be sure to have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032, which is easily available in a variety of stores. The majority of these batteries are engraved 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 exact type of battery it takes.

Open your key fob carefully and remove the current battery. Take a photo of the inside of your fob to make sure you put it back in the correct way. This simple trick will prevent 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 known as an emergency blade. The key blade is inside 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 fails. In order to access the key blade, you'll need to locate the notch that's located 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 test the battery's voltage using extra care, you can make use of a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs come with a built-in voltmeter, but you can purchase a multimeter from many hardware stores for a few bucks. The battery should generally be reading 3.0 volts or greater. A reading below that level could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons

Car key fobs might appear to be nothing more than modern, high-tech gadgets however, they're not indestructible. It's not uncommon for these remote devices to stop working after a time, particularly when the vehicle is being frequented or there is a lot of physical abuse involving it. Fortunately, the majority of times, it's simple to determine and repair a problem with the remote key fob and replacing the battery is typically all that's needed.

Modern car key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For example they can be used to lock and unlock the doors, activate the panic button and open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed it transmits a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs have an option to start the car, which is particularly useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.

The buttons on a key fob reset by taking it apart and checking that they are not broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't usually designed to be taken apart, but the battery connector terminals on a key fob may get loose as time passes. If the button contacts have become disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job is enough to put them back into place and return the fob to its full functionality.

Additionally, if a fob has been damaged or dropped in any other way, the buttons might be broken or out of alignment, or otherwise misaligned. These types of problems are generally more difficult to fix 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 a spare fob somewhere in the event that one of the ones you use regularly stops working. You can avoid being stranded in the in the middle of nowhere with no keys, or paying an enormous amount to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. You should also look over your car insurance policy or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see if it covers the cost of programming or replacing the new fob.

Check the Casing

It's not unusual for the key fob to become wet, be it from a pool, storm or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak havoc with the electronics inside, causing many malfunctions. The good news is that the key fob can usually be kept from death's edge by thoroughly drying it out and following a few simple steps.

First, make car key and repair whether the buttons function properly. This usually involves taking them out, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons do not pop back in or are stuck, it's time to replace your remote.

It is also important to inspect the case to make sure there's nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers and remove the battery. Don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. They have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob's programming to your vehicle. And if you disturb those circuits, you'll have to visit a dealer or an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program it.

After you've replaced and removed the battery It's an ideal idea to dry out the fob by placing it in a plastic bag filled with silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future problems with moisture and make your key fob more durable.

If, after all this, the fob isn't functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealer or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular model and make of vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob of your vehicle, and hopefully restore its full functionality.


If all else fails, an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself-operated remotes look like your factory 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 can be programmed in minutes.

Check the Connections

Your key fob may cease to function even though it is still programmed to work for your vehicle. It could be due to a variety of reasons, including damaged battery terminal buttons or contacts. You may be able fix the problem yourself by performing a simple maintenance.

You should first confirm whether your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does then there could be an issue with your primary remote. If you can't, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.

Before replacing the battery it's recommended to take apart your key fob and do an inspection of the circuit board. Check for cracks in the solder joints. Once you're done with that, you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.

After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of your key fob. Then, you can break the two halves of your key fob and remove the circuitboard gently. Be careful when inserting a new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it is placed with the negative side facing down. Once you have inserted the board you can put it back together. key fob.

If this doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a larger issue. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a service shop that is specialized in the car's model. They can determine the problem with a radio-frequency analyzer, an instrument that determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits signals to the car's computer.

We hope that this guide has been useful for anyone 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 on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.

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Pub: 03 Oct 2024 05:45 UTC
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