10 Meetups About Remote Key Repair You Should Attend

how to repair car key fob to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key car repair fob isn't functioning, a few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is fairly easy to replace the battery, however it is crucial to ensure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also important to check the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there could be other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop functioning, or require a long press to make them work. This can be frustrating, especially when you are away from home and need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little effort and tools you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back into place will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. You can apply the same process 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 aren't functioning or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have a spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in your remote may be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little 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 might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers or car key repair cost door handle. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they will usually have an radio frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your repair car keys because of shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.