The Worst Advice We've Received On Remote Key Repair
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. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.
If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote isn't working. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on the car key fob to get worn out. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important to select the right type. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It is also crucial to check the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.
Buttons
Due to frequent use, key fobs may get dirty and worn. This is not atypical, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. 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 time and tools you already have at home.
First, verify that view publisher site are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where conductive painting 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, carefully check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place can bring back function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.
Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped 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 should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button does not respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Broken and damaged cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and connectors 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 a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.
If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob transmits signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to many abuses and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.