9 Lessons Your Parents Teach 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 fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote isn't working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside the car keys repairs near me key fob to wear out. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to ensure that you select the correct one that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the problem there could be other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are damaged or stuck, for example, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you may already have around the 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 examine the circuit board. Examine for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Utilizing a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, Remote Key Repair reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. It is usually done by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by a quick clean, and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-Remote Key Repair chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than their 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 or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're able to open the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off 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 Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection to the car remote key repair shop near me's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work it could be the time to replace it entirely.