9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your repair car keys doors then there's a likely issue with the main remote. Most car key repair shop near me remote Key repair key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key car repair fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is important 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 crucial to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are damaged or stuck, for example, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very hard press for them to work. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you may already have around the home.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and examine the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it.

Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again If this is the case. The same process can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful or if the button does not respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this problem. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get in and short out the electronics. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.

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 solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them, or if a car door handle or lawnmower runs over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're handy enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it completely.