Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to change out a battery, although it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you require. It's also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty press to get them working. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and have to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the home.

First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, remote key repair or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Broken and Remote Key Repair damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you're able to open your key repair service fob, and you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in their place is generally all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the Remote Key Repair (Http://Extension.Unimagdalena.Edu.Co/) fobs that have them but they can still be damaged by a hole that is made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is operating properly. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they usually have an RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.