10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You Get Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct kind. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to inquire about the right kind. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the 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

Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to turn on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Utilizing car key remote repair near me -tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place can restore function to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

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. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case can let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able to open your key fob, and don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

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

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning 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.