How To Resolve Issues With Remote Key Repair
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 it's not the 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 frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not unusual for the battery inside the key fob for cars to wear out. It is relatively easy to change out a battery, although it is essential to ensure you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty press to make them work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're out of town and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or damaged car keys repair can be fixed with a bit of 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 has been filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is it is pressed.
Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place can restore the button's functionality If this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.
If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If none of this is useful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button, but you should have a spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you're handy enough to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to blowing fuses.
If you're able to open the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and check the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits signals.
Programming
Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it all over again.