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 doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can fix it. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to 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 issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is relatively easy to change out batteries, but it is essential to make sure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

key repair near me fobs can become dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not unusual to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hard push to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and have to start your car key repair shop near me. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you have in the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and Remote Key Repair replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can still be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key repair key fob and Remote Key Repair are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it up and running again. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.