The Ugly Facts About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob does not work, you can fix it with some simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.
If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors, then there's a likely issue with the main remote. The most frequent causes of key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on the car key fob to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you select the correct one; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty press to make them work. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at 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 look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been damaged or worn out. For example there could be conductive paint missing. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.
Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality If this is the case. You can apply the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.
If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to working.
If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.
Circuitry
The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. g28carkeys.co.uk is usually enough to fix this issue. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.
If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back into place is typically all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on blowing fuses.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.
Programming
Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.