10 Facts About Remote Key Repair That Can Instantly Put You In The Best Mood

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. Most car remote key failures are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in the key fob for cars to wear out. It is relatively easy to replace a battery, although it is important to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly, as dead batteries sometimes release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming your car key repair shop near me to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs could get dirty and worn. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a long press to function. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little effort and tools you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place can restore the button's functionality in the event that this is the situation. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob aren't working or require a difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing down and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board has become damaged. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and refitting, but it's recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method does not 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. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A broken case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making some mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs. However, they can be cracked in the event of a hole being drilled into them or if a car door Local handle or lawnmowers plows over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and examine the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work, you may need to replace it.