Remote car keys repairs near me are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, as with any piece of modern technology it isn't without issues.
Usually these are very simple to resolve. You can reset it by following the instructions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery of the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. The battery is a small component that is inexpensive and needs to be replaced regularly in order to maintain the function of the device. However, in addition to the battery, there are other reasons your fob isn't working. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component failure could be the cause. Regardless of the cause, if your key fob's sensor is not responding, it's time to replace its battery.
Be sure to have the right size battery. The majority of modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032, which is easily available in a wide range of stores. The size of many of these batteries is printed on the edge of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you locate the specific kind of battery that it uses.
When you have the correct battery, carefully open the key fob and take out its battery. Take a photo of the inside of the fob before you do this to make sure you put everything back together the right way. This simple trick will prevent you from buying a new fob if you made a mistake when making it back together.
It is also important to know that some key fobs have a backup mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. This is located within the fob's key and allows you to access your car's driver's door in case the remote control isn't working. To access the blade of the key, you must find the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is typically a circle that's hidden by the fob's plastic casing.
If you want to be extra vigilant, you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs have an voltmeter embedded in their casings. However, you can also purchase an extra multimeter for a few dollars from most hardware stores. In general the battery should be reading 3.0 Volts or higher. A reading lower than that could indicate the battery is in its last days and requires replacement immediately.
Check the Buttons
Key fobs for cars may appear like little more than fancy, high-tech convenience items however they're not impervious to damage. Remotes can stop functioning after a period of time, particularly when they are used frequently or if they have been subjected to physical abuse. Most of the time it is easy to identify the issue and fix it with the remote fob. Usually all that's required is a new battery.
Modern car key fobs include numerous buttons that serve different functions. For example, they can lock and unlock the doors and activate the panic button and open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it sends a radio code to a receiver inside the vehicle. Some fobs have an option to start the car, which is particularly useful during cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob can be reset by simply taking it apart and checking that they are not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals of the key fob can be loose over time, despite the fact that they aren't intended to be disassembled. Soldering is a method to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board if they've been disconnected. This will allow the fob to function again.
If a fob gets damaged or dropped, the buttons may be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are typically more difficult to repair on your own but can usually be addressed by an auto repair shop in your area with the right tools and expertise.
Keep a spare key fob a safe location in the event that the one you are using is not working as often. You'll be able to avoid being in the middle of nowhere without keys, or paying an enormous amount to have the car taken to the dealer. Also, you should look over your insurance policy for your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see whether it covers the cost of programming or replacing the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not unusual for a keyfob to get wet. It could be the result of an in-ground pool, a downpour, or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can trigger a myriad of malfunctions within the electronic. The good part is that the key fob can usually be kept from the brink of death by thoroughly drying it out and following a few easy steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are working correctly. This usually involves taking them out and cleaning the buttons. 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 ensure there's nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers and remove the battery. Don't disassemble the circuit board or antennas. If you disrupt 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 a good idea to dry the fob by putting it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will help prevent any future issues with moisture and will make your key fob more robust.
If the fob is still not functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your specific type of vehicle. They can reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle, and hopefully restore the function to its original state.
If all else fails then you can purchase an additional keyfob online, or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself remotes look just like your factory fob, but are much more affordable and can be easily connected with your vehicle using simple instructions. If you'd like to avoid the cost and hassle of a trip to the dealership, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be programmed in a matter of minutes at your home.
Check the Connections
Your key fob might not function, even though it is still programmed for your car. This could be due a variety of reasons, including damaged battery terminal contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you may be capable of fixing it yourself by performing basic maintenance.
The first thing to ensure is that the backup remote you have is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it does it, then you might have a problem in your main remote. If you are still unable to do it, try replacing the batteries in the backup remote.
It's a great idea to disassemble your key fob before replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. Make sure there aren't any cracked solder joints. Once you're done you can replace the battery in your key fob and put it back together.
Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, it's now time to test its connection to your vehicle. Insert a flathead mini screwdriver in the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to break 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 placed with the negative side facing down. After you've inserted the circuit board, you are able to reassemble the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't work for you, then you may have a larger issue. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a service shop that specializes in your car's make. They can determine the problem with a radio-frequency analyzer, a device which determines the frequency at which your key fob transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any further questions or issues, don't hesitate contact us for assistance. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.