20 Things You Should ASK ABOUT Remote Key Repair Before You Buy Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the main remote. Most car remote key failures are caused by battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery inside the key fob may be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to replace a battery, although it is important to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you need. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage 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 the buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not common to have buttons stop functioning, or require a hefty press to get them working. This can be frustrating, especially when you are away from home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few items you may already have around the house.
First, check that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and look over the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If repair car key near me is the case, simply reconnecting them could restore functionality to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob stop working or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to enter the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote transponder chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled into them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.