9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it by following some simple steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car key remote repair remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in the key fob for cars to wear out. It is relatively easy to replace the battery, however it is important to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote car key repair. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a long press to get them working. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and have to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for indications 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 into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob aren't functioning or require to be pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button still does not respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in the remote key repair car key fob (http://proect.org/user/conepyjama65/) could be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you if the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your automotive key repair fob and get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it entirely.