The Worst Advice We ve Been Given 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 fix it. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote can unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car remotes are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside the car key fob to wear out. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to inquire about the right type. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance, it may be necessary remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from home and you need to switch on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little time and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, soldering them back in place could restore function to the button. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a very long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you are unable to get the button to respond when pressed hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to pass through and Car Remote Key Fob Repair short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and you don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than remote fobs, however they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or when a door handle for a Car Remote Key Fob Repair or lawnmower runs over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to open a key fob that is sealed 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 not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your repair car key due to shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it completely.