10 Remote Key Repair Meetups You Should Attend

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

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

Battery

It is not unusual to find a battery on the key fob repairs near me fob for cars to get worn out. It is simple to replace batteries. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can check your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It is also essential to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are stuck or broken, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty press to get them working. This can be very frustrating especially if you're out of town and need to start your repair car key remote. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again if this is the situation. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still does not respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken key repair car key remote (click the next website) cases. A damaged case could let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board called via's.

If you're able to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

key fob repairs fobs take many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for changing the program. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.