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10 Essentials To Know Key Fob Repair You Didn't Learn In School
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 is not without its own issues.

They are generally easy to fix. You can reset it by following the directions in the owner's manual.

Check the Battery

The remote control is powered by the battery inside a key fob. It's a tiny and affordable part that should be replaced frequently to ensure the fob's functioning. But, aside from the battery, there could be other reasons why your key fob may not be working. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component failure could be the cause. If your key fob has stopped functioning then replace the battery.

First, ensure that you have the right size battery. Most modern key fobs are powered by a CR2032 three-volt battery that is readily available in a variety of stores. The size of most of these batteries is stamped on the edges of the key fob. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you find the specific kind of battery that it uses.

Once you have the right battery then carefully open the key fob, and then remove the battery. Take a picture of the inside of the fob to make sure you put it back in the correct way. This simple trick will prevent you from having to purchase an entirely new fob if you made a mistake when making it back together.

Some key fobs have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. It's located inside the fob's key and allows you to open your car's driver's side door in the event that your remote control isn't working. To open the blade of the key, you must find the notch in the middle of your fob. The notch is usually covered by the plastic casing of the fob.

If you want to be extra cautious, 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, but you can also purchase a multimeter for just a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. In general, the battery should be reading 3.0 volts and higher. A reading that is lower than that could indicate that the battery is in its last stages and should be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons


Key fobs for cars may appear to be nothing more than modern, high-tech gadgets, but they aren't indestructible. It's not uncommon for remotes to fail after a time, particularly when the vehicle is frequently used or if there's an excessive amount of physical abuse involving it. Fortunately, a majority of the times it's easy to identify and repair a problem with the remote key fob and replacing the battery is typically all that is required.

Modern car key fobs include multiple buttons that perform different functions. For example, they can lock and unlock the doors and activate the panic button, and even open the trunk. When a button on the fob is pressed, it transmits a radio code to a receiver inside the vehicle. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be especially handy during cold winter mornings or hot summer days.

The buttons on a key fob can be reset by snapping it apart and checking that they're not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals on a key fob may get loose over time, even though they aren't intended to be disassembled. Soldering is a way to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been cut off. This will allow the fob to function again.

If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned, or out of alignment. These kinds of issues are typically more difficult to solve on your own, but they can be resolved by a local auto shop that has the proper tools and experience.

It's always an excellent idea to have an extra fob in case 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 car towed to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance or car club membership or extended warranty coverage to determine 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 the pool, a rainstorm, or even from your washing machine. The resulting moisture can wreak havoc with the electronics inside, leading to numerous malfunctions. The good part is that keys can typically be saved from the brink of death by drying it thoroughly and following a few simple steps.

The first step is to make sure the buttons are working properly. car key fob repair involves taking out the buttons, cleaning them and rebuilding them. If the buttons don't click back in or are stuck, it's time to replace the remote.

It is also important to inspect the case to ensure there's nothing blocking the functioning of the key fob. Use tweezers or pliers to open the case and remove the battery but do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. If you damage 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 replaced and removed the battery, it's a good idea to dry out the fob by putting it in a plastic bag containing silica gel packs or other desiccating agent. This will prevent future moisture issues and help the battery last longer.

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

If all else fails, you can purchase a replacement keyfob online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These do-it-yourself-operated remotes look like the original key 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 visit to a dealer, NAPA offers several do-it-yourself replacements that can be reprogrammed in minutes at home.

Check the Connections

Sometimes, your key fob will just stop working - even though it's still programmed to your vehicle. It could be due to many reasons, such as broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. If this is the case, you might be capable of fixing it yourself by performing basic maintenance.

The first thing to ensure is that your backup remote can lock and unlock your car's doors. If it can't, you may have an issue with your primary remote. If not, then it's time to replace the battery in your backup remote.

Before replacing the battery, it's a good idea to pull off your key fob and perform a visual examination of the circuit board. Make sure there are no cracks in the solder joints. After you're finished you can replace your key fob battery and reassemble it.

After you've replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, you're now ready to 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. From there, you'll be in a position to break the two parts of your key fob, and gently remove the circuit board. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing downwards. Once you've reinserted the circuit board, you are able to rebuild the key fob and try again.

If this doesn't resolve the problem, you may have a more serious problem. In this situation you'll have to contact your dealer or an independent repair shop that specializes in the make of the car you own. They can diagnose the problem by using a radio frequency tester that is a device that can determine if your key fob is sending a signal to the computer in your car.

I hope this guide has been useful for anyone who is experiencing issues with their car's key fob. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to help you get back on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.

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