Cambridge Education

Remote Key Fob Repair

Modern vehicles are equipped with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. However, as with any piece of high-tech equipment, it can sometimes experience issues.

Most of the time, these issues are simple to fix. 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 in a key fob. It's a tiny and affordable part that should be replaced regularly to ensure the fob's functioning. There are other reasons why your key fob might not be functioning properly, besides the battery. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob has stopped functioning, replace the battery.

First, ensure that you have the correct size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs are powered by the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. Most of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the edges of the fob. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you locate the specific type of battery you need.

Take your key fob apart carefully and remove the current battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob prior to you do this to ensure you put it back together correctly. This simple trick will prevent you from having to purchase a new fob if you made an error when making it back together.

Some key fobs also have an electronic backup key, also known as an emergency blade. This is located within the key fob and permits you to open the driver's side door in the event that the remote control fails to function. In order to access the key blade, you need 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 test the battery's voltage using more care, use a multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs have an voltmeter in their casings. However, you can also purchase a multimeter for just a few dollars at most hardware stores. Generally, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading lower than that could indicate the battery is at its end and needs to be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons

Car key fobs might appear like little more than fancy, high-tech convenience items, but they aren't indestructible. Remotes can stop functioning after a period of time, particularly when they are used frequently or have been exposed to physical abuse. In most cases, it's easy to diagnose a problem and fix one by using a remote fob. In most cases all that's needed is an updated battery.

A lot of modern car key fobs have several buttons that can be used for various purposes like locking and unlocking doors and activating the panic button, as well as opening the trunk. When a button is pressed the fob sends out a radio signal with the code that is interpreted by a receiver inside the car. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be particularly useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.

The buttons on a key fob can be reset by snapping it apart and checking that they are not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals of the key fob can get loose over time, despite the fact that they aren't intended to be removed. If the contacts on the button are disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job could be enough to get them back into place and allow the fob back 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 an auto repair key shop in your area can fix them using the right tools and experience.

Keep a spare key fob in a safe place in case the one you use is not working as often. This can keep you from being left without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy on your car, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to determine whether it covers the cost of programming or replacing a new fob.

Check the Casing

It's not common for the key fob to become submerged, whether from a pool, full a rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The moisture that is resulting can cause a variety of issues with the electronics. It's a good idea to be aware that you can save a key fob from dying by following a few easy steps and drying it thoroughly.

The first step is to check the buttons are working correctly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them and reassembling them. If the buttons aren't functioning or pop in, it may be time to replace your remote.

You should also check the case to make sure there is nothing that could be affecting the functioning of the key fob. The case can be opened using tweezers and take out the battery. Don't disassemble the antennas or circuit board. If you disrupt the circuits that keep your key fob 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 out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will prevent any future moisture issues and help your key fob last longer.

If the fob doesn't work, you should visit a dealership or an independent shop, that is specialized in the model and make of your vehicle. They can reprogramme the key fob to match your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.

If nothing else works then you can purchase a replacement keyfob online or in your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look like your factory fob, but are much less expensive and can be easily connected with your vehicle following easy instructions. If you want to skip the cost and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed in a matter of minutes at your home.

Check the Connections

Your key fob might cease to function even though it's programmed for your vehicle. This could be due to various reasons, including damaged battery terminal contacts or buttons. You could be able to solve the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance.

You should first check whether your backup remote able to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle. If it does then there could be an issue with your primary remote. If you're still having trouble doing it, try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.

It's a great idea disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and then inspect the circuit board. Check for cracks in the solder joints. After that you can replace the battery and put back together the key fob.

Once you've replaced the battery and reassembled your mobile key fob repair fob, it's time to test out its connection to your vehicle. This can be accomplished by inserting a mini flathead screwdriver into the notch on the bottom of your key fob. You can then break the two halves of your key fob and then gently remove the circuit board. 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 does not resolve the problem, you may have a larger problem. In this instance, you will need to call your dealer or an independent service shop that specializes in the specific model of your car. They can diagnose the problem with a radio frequency test, which is a device that determines if your key fob is sending a signal to the car's computer.

This guide should be helpful to anyone having problems with their car key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!