7 Simple Tips For Refreshing Your Key Fob Repair Remote Key Fob Repair

Modern vehicles are equipped with the remote key fob which can lock, unlock and start the vehicle. Like any other high-tech piece of equipment, there can be issues.

They are generally easy to fix. You can reset it by following the steps in the manual of your owner.

Check the Battery

The battery in the key fob powers the remote control function. It's a small and inexpensive part that needs to be replaced on a regular basis to ensure that the fob's function is maintained. However, in addition to the battery, there could be other reasons your fob may not be working. Damage to the physical, exposure to water or internal component malfunction could be the reason. Whatever the cause, if your key fob is unresponsive it's time for a replacement battery.

Be sure to have the right size battery. Almost all modern key fobs use the standard CR2032 three-volt battery which is readily available in many stores. The size of the majority of these batteries is engraved on the outside of the key fob. You can identify the kind of battery your car requires by searching for the brand name.

The fob must be opened carefully and remove the current battery. Take a photo of the inside of your fob to ensure that you put it back together correctly. This simple step can save you from having to purchase another fob if you make an error when making it back together.

Some key fobs also have a mechanical backup key called an emergency blade. This is found inside the fob's key and allows you to open your car's driver's side door in the event that your remote control fails to function. To access the key blade, you need to locate the notch located in the middle of the fob. The notch is usually covered by the plastic casing of the fob.

If you'd like to be extra cautious, you can make use of a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. The majority of modern key fobs have a voltmeter built into their casings, but you can also purchase a multimeter for just a couple of dollars at many hardware stores. The battery should generally be reading 3.0 volts or more. If it reads lower than that, it could indicate the battery is in its last days and should be replaced immediately.

Check the Buttons

Car key fobs might appear like nothing more than fancy modern, high-tech gadgets however, they're not indestructible. They can cease functioning after a certain period of time, particularly when they are used frequently or have been exposed to physical abuse. Fortunately, a majority of the times, it's simple to diagnose and repair a problem with remote key fobs, and changing the battery is typically all that's needed.


Modern car key fobs include several buttons that can perform various functions. For instance 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 within the vehicle. Certain fobs come with buttons to start the car, which is especially useful on cold winter mornings and hot summer days.

Typically, the buttons on a key fob can be reset by snapping the device in two and ensuring they aren't broken or stuck. Key fobs aren't designed to be disassembled however, the battery connector terminals on a key fob may get loose over time. If key fob repair are 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 function.

In addition, if a fob has been damaged or dropped in any other way, the buttons might be broken or out of alignment, or misaligned in any way. These types of issues are typically more difficult to solve on your own, but can usually be addressed by a local auto shop that has the right equipment and experience.

It's always recommended to keep a spare fob somewhere in case one that you frequently use fails to function. You'll avoid being stuck in the middle of nowhere without your keys, or having to pay a lot to have the car towed to the dealer. Also, you should look over your insurance policy on your car or car club membership extended warranty coverage to see whether it will cover the cost of programming or replacing a new fob.

Check the Casing

It's not common for keys to get wet, be it from a pool, rainstorm, or even your washing machine. The resulting moisture can cause a range of malfunctions within the electronics. It's good to know that you can save your key fob from destruction by following a few simple steps and drying it thoroughly.

First, verify that the buttons still work properly. This usually involves removing and cleaning the buttons. If the buttons are stuck or don't come in, it might be time to replace your remote.

It is also important to inspect the case to ensure there is nothing that could be affecting the function of the key fob. Use tweezers to open the case and remove the battery but do not disassemble the circuit board or antennas. They have electric current flowing through them, which keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle, and when you break the circuits, you'll need go to a dealer or choose an Interstate All Battery Center location to reprogram it.

After you've removed and replaced the battery, it's a good idea for you to dry the key fob out by putting it in an airtight bag that contains silica gel packets. This will prevent any future issues with moisture and will help the battery last longer.

If the fob doesn't work, you should visit a dealership, or an independent shop, that specializes in the make and model of your vehicle. They can reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully return the function to its original state.

If nothing else works, you can purchase an alternative keyfob online or at your local NAPA Auto Parts shop. These DIY remotes look as the factory key fob but are much less expensive and are able to be paired with your vehicle following easy instructions. NAPA provides a variety of do-it yourself replacements that you can re-program within a matter of minutes.

Check the Connections

Your key fob may stop working even though it's programmed for your car. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including broken battery terminal buttons or contacts. If this is the case, you might be able to fix it yourself by doing some basic maintenance.

The first thing you have to ensure is that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If remote key repairs can't then there could be a problem in your main remote. If you aren't able to, it's time to try replacing the battery in the backup remote.

Before replacing the battery, it's recommended to take apart your key fob and conduct an inspection of the circuit board. Check for cracked solder joints. Once you're done you can replace your key fob battery and put it back together.

After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, test its connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a small flathead screwdriver into the notch at the bottom of your 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. Carefully insert a new CR 2032 3V battery, ensuring that it is placed with the negative side facing downwards. After you've inserted the circuit board, you can put it back together and try again.

If this does not resolve the problem, you may have a more serious issue. If this is the case, contact your dealer or a service shop that specializes in the make of your vehicle. They can diagnose the issue with a radio-frequency analyzer, which is a device that can determine whether your key fob sends signals to the car's computer.

This guide will be helpful to anyone who is having issues with their vehicle key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be happy to assist you get on the road again in Deptford or Cherry Hill.