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Remote Key Fob Repair Modern vehicles come with a remote control that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle. But, like all pieces of high-tech equipment it isn't without issues. Usually these are very simple to fix. It can be as simple as resetting the device which you should be able to accomplish by following the instructions for resetting in your owner's manual. Check the Battery The battery inside the key fob powers the remote control function. The battery is a tiny piece of equipment that has to be replaced regularly to ensure the functionality of the fob. There are other reasons why your key fob might not be working besides the battery. Physical damage, water exposure or internal component failure could be the reason. Whatever the cause, if your key fob is unresponsive and is not responding, it's time to replace the battery. First, make sure you have the right size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs use the standard CR2032 three-volt battery which is readily available in many stores. The majority of these batteries are stamped with the size on one of the fob's edges. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you locate the exact type of battery you need. Open your key fob carefully and remove the existing battery. Take a photograph of the inside of your fob to make sure you put it back together correctly. This simple step can save you from having to buy a new fob simply because you made an error when putting it together. It is also important to know that some key fobs include a backup mechanical key, also known as an emergency blade. It's located inside the fob's key and allows you to open your car's driver's side door in case the remote control fails to function. To access the key blade, you have to locate the notch in the center of the fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the fob's plastic casing. If you'd like to be extra cautious you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. Most modern key fobs come with a voltmeter built into their casings, but you can also purchase an extra multimeter for a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. Generally speaking, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or greater. A reading that is lower than this could mean that the battery is in its last days and requires replacement immediately. Check the Buttons Key fobs for cars may appear like nothing more than fancy modern, high-tech gadgets however they're not impervious to damage. It's not uncommon for these remote devices to stop working after a while, especially if the vehicle is frequented or there's lots of physical abuse associated with it. Fortunately, the majority of time it can be easy to identify and fix a problem with a remote key fob, and replacing the battery is typically all that's needed. Modern car key fobs include multiple buttons that perform different functions. For example, they can be used to lock and unlock the doors, activate the panic button, and open the trunk. When you press a button, the fob sends a radio signal with a code that is recognized by a receiver in the car. Some fobs include a button to start the car, which is useful on cold winter mornings as well as hot summer days. The buttons on a key fob can be reset by simply taking it apart and checking whether they're not damaged or stuck. Key fobs aren't typically designed to be disassembled, but the battery connectors on a key fob can be loose over time. Soldering is a way to connect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they have been disconnected. This will allow the fob to function again. Additionally, if a fob was damaged or dropped in any other way, the buttons might be broken or displaced from their alignment or otherwise misaligned. These issues are more difficult to fix by yourself. However, car key repair cost can fix them using the right tools and experience. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key somewhere in the event that one that you frequently use fails to function. 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. Make sure to check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage for the cost of replacing a new key fob. Check the Casing It's not uncommon for a keyfob to get wet. It can happen due to a swimming pool, a downpour or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can trigger a myriad of issues with the electronic. It's a good idea to know that you can save a key fob from death by following a few easy steps and thoroughly drying it. The first step is to make sure the buttons are working properly. This usually means removing and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons aren't functioning or appear to be able to open, it could be time to replace your remote. It is also important to inspect the case to ensure nothing is interfering with the function of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers and remove the battery. Do not disassemble the antennas or circuit board. If you damage 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 recommended to dry the fob by placing it in a plastic bag with silica gel packets or some other desiccating agent. This will help prevent future moisture problems 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 particular model and make 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, a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased on the internet or at a local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself remotes look just like the original key fob, but are much more affordable and can be easily paired with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA provides a variety of replacements that can be programmed in minutes. Check the Connections Sometimes your key fob may simply stop working, even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. This could be caused by various reasons such as damaged batteries or buttons. You could be able to fix the issue 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 a problem in your main remote. If you can't, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote. It's a great idea to take apart your key fob prior to replacing the battery and examining the circuit board. Make sure there aren't any cracked solder joints. After you've finished you can replace the battery on your key fob and put it back together. After you have replaced the battery and reassembled the key fob, you should 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. You can then break your key fob's two halves and remove the circuitboard gently. Install a brand new CR2032 3V battery with the negative end facing down. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, you are able to rebuild the key fob and try again. If this does not resolve the problem, you may have a more serious issue. In this instance you'll need to either call your dealer or an independent repair shop that is specialized in the specific model of your car. They can identify the issue by using a radio frequency tester, which is a device that determines if your key fob transmits a signal to your car's computer. This guide should be helpful to anyone who is having issues with their car key fob. Contact us if have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.