12 Remote Key Repair Facts To Inspire You To Look More Discerning Around The Water Cooler
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery in the key fob may be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to change out the battery, however it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you require. It is also important to check the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are damaged or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. It is not common to have buttons stop working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from home and have to switch on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.
First, verify that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button firing when pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If all of this doesn't help or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself is damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.
If central locking key repair to open your key fob and you don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working condition.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they can be cracked when a hole is made into them or in the event that a door handle of 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 open a key fob that is sealed and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it all over again.