Responsible For The Remote Key Repair Budget? 12 Top Notch Ways To Spend Your Money

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may wear out over time. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also crucial to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little effort and tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons have been damaged or worn. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place can restore functionality to the button. broken car key repair can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't working or require being pressed extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a firm press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have an extra in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back into place is typically all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking when a hole is made in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If resetting or fixing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.