A Productive Rant About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside the car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace batteries. However it is crucial that you use the correct type. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment with care, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key repair shops near me fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a long press to work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Then, using a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously as this can damage the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place could restore function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob aren't functioning or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. This can be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have another 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 function or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote key repairs transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the mobile key repair near me fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.