A Provocative Rant About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key repair car fob doesn't work A few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car key repair cost remote are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop functioning, or require a long press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Check for evidence 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 alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the ignition Key repair near me 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 need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

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

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working, the circuit board inside the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a 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 may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all that's required to return keys that are not in working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, 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 Oreilly's and they usually have an RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key lock repair near me fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob to get it up and running again. If resetting or fixing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.