9 . What Your Parents Taught You About 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 the backup remote is able to lock key repair near me and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. Most car keys repair remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a car key fob to degrade. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is crucial to select the right kind. You can check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are damaged or stuck for instance it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and need to switch on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you have in the home.

First, verify that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote with care and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place could restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.

Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronics. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-Remote key repair transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that have them however they are still susceptible to being damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures could be attributed to a blown fuse.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is operating properly. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key repair fob sends an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram your key repair near me fob and get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it all over again.