10 Tell-Tale Symptoms You Must Know To Find A New Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is simple to replace batteries. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. key repair car could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you have in the house.

First, verify that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on 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 back to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat away at 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 you don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

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 that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're able to open the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.