9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote car key repairs is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on the key fob for cars to degrade. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is crucial to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote key repair. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example, it may be necessary take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a long press to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to switch on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little effort and tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside the fob.

If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't 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. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able to remove your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the 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 door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on blowing fuses.

If you're able to remove a key fob that is sealed and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have an RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob sending a signal.

Programming

mobile key repair fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto key fob repair locksmith or main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it up and running again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.