9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote key repair cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in a car key fob repair near me key fob to wear out. It is quite simple to change out a battery, although it is crucial to ensure you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Through repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hard press to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from home and you need to switch on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and the tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries have been correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing conductive paint. Use the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when the button is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. You can follow the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being pressed extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press, then it may be because the circuit board itself is damaged. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside the remote could be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. 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 some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's required to return a non-working key fob to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they can be cracked when a hole is made into them or in the event that a door handle of a car key fob repair service or lawnmower runs over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on blowing fuses.

If you're handy enough to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your emergency car key repair due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it all over again.