9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with some simple steps. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

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

Battery

The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is quite simple to replace batteries, but it is essential to make sure that you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be extremely frustrating particularly if you're out of town and need to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where to repair car key remote conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back could restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, Remote Key Repair it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be damaged by a hole that is made in them or remote key repair pushed over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote key repair transponder chip failures could be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.