A Productive Rant About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work then you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the main remote. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on the key fob for cars to degrade. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For key car repair , if the buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through frequent use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a little time and a few items you have in the house.
First, check that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when the button is pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again if this is the case. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to its original state.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
If the key fob buttons function the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat away at pins and connectors that are small on the board, referred to as via's.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. 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 let you know whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer, can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting and fixing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it all over again.