9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with some simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, it is most likely an issue with the primary remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob could wear out over time. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if buttons appear stuck or damaged It may be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Through frequent use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. It is not common for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home.

First, check that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again If this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are deteriorating and require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is best to have an extra fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote car key repairs control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board called via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key repair shop near me fob and don't mind some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than Remote Key Repair fobs that contain them but they can be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

key repairs fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your repair car keys because of shock or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or replacing the keyfob is not working it may be necessary to replace it.