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 A few easy steps can fix it. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote isn't working. Most car keys repairs remote key failures result from circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you use the correct kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example, it may be necessary remove the remote key repair and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. It is not unusual for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with 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. Examine for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when the button is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality If this is the case. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a hard press It could be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy 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 a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in their place is generally all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working, you may need to replace it.