The Biggest Problem With Remote Key Repair And How You Can Solve It
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob won't work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is most likely that the primary remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
The battery inside a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also essential to check the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there may be additional issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you may already have around the house.
First, make sure that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for indications of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can bring back function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.
If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.
If you're handy enough to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often 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 their remote fobs, but 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. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you're not confident opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends a signal.
Programming
Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob and get it up and running again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it entirely.