9 Things Your Parents Teach You 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 by following some simple steps. The first step is to be sure it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. Most car remote key failures are caused by circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

The battery in a key fob can get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is crucial to select the right type. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote key Repair. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality if this is the situation. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop functioning or require a difficult press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should 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 is failing. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can take off the buttons and solder new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating correctly. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the car key fob repair service's receiver due to shock or a low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.