Key Fob Programming in Paterson, NJ

What weather does to a fob

A key fob is a small radio transmitter running on a coin cell battery. NOAA's climate summary calls New Jersey's winters moderately cold, with occasional snow. Coin cells put out less power in the cold, so a fob that has been weak for months often quits on the first cold snap. Summers are warm and humid, and moisture that gets into a cracked case can corrode the contacts inside.

Before you ask for programming, try the simple checks:

• Replace the coin cell with the type printed on the old one.
• Look for cracks in the case or worn buttons, and let a fob that got wet dry out completely.
• Try your spare. If the spare works, the problem is the first fob, not the car.

If the spare also fails, or the car no longer recognizes a fob with a new battery, the fob may need to be paired to the car again or replaced.

Storms and street parking in Paterson

A fob that fails matters most when the car has to move. This is general information, not legal advice. During Winter Storm Stella in March 2017, the City of Paterson put emergency no-parking rules in effect on main routes including Main Street, Market Street, Broadway, 21st Avenue and Union Avenue. When an order like that applies, a car that will not unlock or start cannot be moved off the route. If your fob fails on one of those streets during a storm, say so in your request. If the fob is dead and the key is locked inside, car lockout help may be the first step.

What to have ready

• Every fob you have, working or not. On some vehicles, programming a new fob erases any that are not present, so a spare left at home can stop working.
• The VIN, from the registration or through the lower corner of the windshield.
• Photo ID and the title or registration in your name.
• The year, make and model, and whether the car has a push-button start.
• The car's location: street and cross street, and whether it is on one of the main routes above.

More on key fob programming, or see the Paterson page.