11 Methods To Redesign Completely Your 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 with just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential to select the right type. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not unusual however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're out of town and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the house.
First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for remote car key repair of rust, or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be 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 doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage 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 aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all that's needed to return the key fob that is not working to working order.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers 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 confident opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is operating properly. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs take many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob to get it up and running again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it completely.