9 Things Your Parents 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 be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a car key fob to get worn out. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you need. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you are out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few items you might already have in the house.

First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the Remote key repair and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a long press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. This can be fixed with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key repair fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all that's required to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can be damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you're not sure with this, Remote key repair you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.