9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace batteries. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a long press to get them working. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you have in the home.

First, verify that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and remote key repair require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed with a quick clean and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-Remote Key Repair chips are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or if a mobile car key repair door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs take many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it working again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.