9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Remote Key Repair

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 some simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

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

Battery

The battery inside the key fob could be worn out over time. It is easy to replace a battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or broken car key repair It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to function. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car remote key repair. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which will 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 push, then it may be because the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronics. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're able to open your mobile key repair near me fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car key repair shop near me. Most of the time non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.