10 Meetups On Remote Key Repair You Should Attend
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. First, make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to change out a battery, although it is crucial to make sure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little effort and materials you already have at home.
First, verify that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and inspect the circuit board. Check for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when the button is pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back could restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons could not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually 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, but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.
If key fob repair enough to open up a key fob that is sealed and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have a RFID frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it all over again.