The Biggest Issue With Remote Key Repair And How You Can Solve It

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote. If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are issues with the circuitry or battery. Battery It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also crucial to examine the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote. Buttons Due to repeated use, key fobs may become worn and dirty. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and you need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a little time and materials you already have at home. First, make sure the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed. Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections inside the fob. If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressing very hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to working. If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have an extra in case it does not work. Circuitry The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board. If car key repair near me enough to open up your key fob, and you're not afraid of a little mess, we can take off the buttons and then 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 function or even stay in their down position. Soldering key car repair and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working. Non-Remote Transponder Chips The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them or if a car door handle or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chips failures. If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have a RFID frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob is sending signals. Programming Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it all over again.