10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car remote key fob repair doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for electronic car key repair near me remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is relatively easy to replace the battery, however it is essential to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a hard press to make them work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to start your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the Remote Key Repair with care and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place may restore functionality to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a firm press It could be that the circuit board is damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or Remote Key Repair dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it all over again.