9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote key repair (more info).

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is essential to ensure you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty press to get them working. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections 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 difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, Remote key Repair which should bring the button back to its original state.

If none of this is helpful or if the button doesn't respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board itself is damaged. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob available in the event this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside 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 issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is operating properly. If you're not comfortable with this, go to 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 are subject to lots of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto key repair near me locksmith, or the main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.