How To Explain Remote Key Repair To Your Grandparents
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes of car remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not unusual to find a battery on the car key fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace the battery. However, it is important that you choose the right kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Through frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are out of town and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you have in the home.
First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button firing when it is pressed.
Examine the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressing extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. remote key fob repair will bring the button back to life.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's best to have an extra fob available in the event this method fails for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control could 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 broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board.
If you're able to open up 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. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons may not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to working.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
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 for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will tell you whether the key fob transmitting a signal.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails it is possible to replace it.