5 Laws That Will Help The Remote Key Repair Industry
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can fix it. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes of car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery in the car key fob to wear out. It is relatively easy to replace the battery, however it is essential to ensure that you choose the correct type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you require. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it could be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Through repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a long press to function. This can be very frustrating especially if you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you have in the house.
First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it.
Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If repair car key remote is the case, simply connecting them back could bring back function to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to its original state.
If all of this doesn't help, or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob in case this method doesn't work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board of your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage 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 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 the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be damaged by a hole that is drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.
Programming
Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.