The 9 Things 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, you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car key repair shop near me, then it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is crucial to ensure you select the correct one that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you require. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs may get dirty and worn. It is not common for buttons to stop working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them could restore function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. 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 are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote key repair, hedrick-breen.blogbright.net, control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or car key and repair door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're able to open a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.