20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Key Fob Repair
Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there could be issues.
Usually, they are easy to fix. It's as simple as resetting the device which you should be able accomplish by following the instructions for resetting in the manual of your owner.
Check the Battery
The battery of the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. The battery is a small, inexpensive part that needs to be replaced regularly in order to maintain the function of the device. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons why your key fob may not be working. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component failure could be the reason. Whatever the reason when your key fob is unresponsive it's time for a replacement battery.
First, make sure you have the correct size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a three-volt CR2032 which is easily found in a variety of stores. The majority of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the fob's edges. A quick search for the name of your vehicle's brand should help you find the exact kind of battery that it uses.
Open your key fob carefully and take out the original battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob to make sure you put it back in the correct way. This simple action can help you avoid having to buy a new fob because you made an error while making it.
Certain key fobs also come with a mechanical backup key known as an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob and it lets you unlock the door of the driver's seat of your vehicle in the event that the remote control fails. To get to the blade of the key, you must find the notch in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you're looking to be extra cautious you can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs come with a voltmeter built into their casings, however you can also get an extra multimeter for a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. If it is below that level, it could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and must be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
Car key fobs may seem like nothing more than fancy modern, high-tech gadgets however, they're not indestructible. It's not uncommon for these remote devices to stop working after a certain time, especially if the vehicle is frequently used or if there's an excessive amount of physical abuse associated with it. In most cases, it's easy to diagnose an issue and fix it by using a remote fob. Most of the time all that's needed is an updated battery.
Modern car key fobs come with numerous buttons that serve different functions. For instance, they can unlock and lock the doors as well as activate the panic button and open the trunk. When a button is pressed, the fob sends a radio signal with a code that is recognized by a receiver located inside the car. Some fobs also come with a button that will start the engine, which is especially handy in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
broken car key repair on a key fob reset by simply taking it apart and checking whether they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't made to be removed however, the battery connectors on a key fob may get loose over time. If the contacts on the button have become disconnected from the circuit board and need to be soldered, a simple job is enough to get them back into place and restore the fob to full functionality.
If car key repair cost gets damaged or dropped, the buttons might be broken, misaligned, or out of alignment. These types of problems are typically more difficult to fix on your own, however, they can be fixed by a local auto shop with the right equipment and experience.
It's always an excellent idea to have an extra fob in case one you use regularly stops working. This can help to avoid being stuck without your keys or having to pay a large amount of money to get the vehicle towed back to the dealer. It is also advisable to look over your car insurance policy, car club membership or extended warranty coverage to see whether it covers the cost of replacing or programming the new fob.
Check the Casing
It's not uncommon for the key fob to become submerged, whether from a pool, rainstorm or even your washing machine. The resulting water can play havoc with the electronic components inside, causing a host of malfunctions. The good part is that a key fob can often be kept from a cliff by thoroughly drying it out and executing a few simple steps.
The first step is to make sure the buttons are still functioning properly. This usually involves removing, cleaning and reassembling the buttons. If the buttons aren't functioning or come in, it might be time to replace your remote.
Examine the case to make sure that there is nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Remove the case using tweezers and take out the battery. Don't remove the antennas or circuit board. These batteries have electric current flowing through them that keeps the key fob's programed 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 a good idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag with silica gel or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future issues with moisture and will help your key fob last longer.
If the fob isn't functioning properly, you'll need to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular make and model of vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully restore it to full functionality.
If you're not able to find an alternative key fob from NAPA can be purchased online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it yourself remotes are just like the original fob, but are cheaper. They can be easily connected to your vehicle by following simple instructions. If you'd like to avoid the high cost and hassle of a dealership visit, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed in minutes at home.
Check the Connections
Your key fob might not function, even though it is still programmed for your vehicle. It could be due to various reasons, including malfunctioning battery contacts or buttons. If this is the case, you might be able to fix it yourself by performing some basic maintenance.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car. If it can, then you may have problems with your primary remote. If you are still unable to do it, try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
It's a great idea to disassemble your key fob prior to replacing the battery and inspect the circuit board. Make sure there are no cracked solder joints. After that you can replace the battery and reassemble the key fob.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you should test the connection to your vehicle. Use a flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of the key fob. From there, you'll be in a position to take apart the two halves of your key fob and gently remove the circuit board. Be careful when inserting a new CR 2032 3V battery, making sure that it's placed with the negative side facing downwards. After you have reinserted your board you can put it back together. key fob.
If this doesn't solve the issue, you might have a larger problem. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a repair shop that specializes in the car's model. They can diagnose the problem with a radio frequency test which is a gadget that determines whether or not your key fob is sending an indication to your car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been useful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. If you have any additional questions or issues, don't hesitate ask us for help. We'll be glad to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!