Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may be worn out over time. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right type. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, verify that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply connecting them back can restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections in the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still does not respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or repair car remote control key door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually 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 remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, Key repair visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the Key repair fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto key repair near me locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.