The Advanced Guide To Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work There are a few simple steps that can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the main remote is not working. The most common causes for Mobile Key Repair key malfunctions for car remotes are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery inside a car mobile Key repair fob to get worn out. It is fairly easy to change out a battery, although it is important to ensure that you use the right type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may release caustic chemicals that could harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are stuck or broken for instance it could be necessary to disassemble the remote control car key repairs and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Due to repeated use, key fobs could wear out and become dirty. It is not unusual for buttons to stop working, or to require a hefty press to get them working. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from your home and need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and look at the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other signs the buttons are damaged or worn out. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Then, using a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage 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. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again if this is the situation. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.

Finally, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a hard press to work, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to its original state.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button still does not respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board has gone bad. This can be fixed by a quick clean, and refitting, but it's ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method does not work for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this problem. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronics. Water can also destroy pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can become very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return keys that are not in functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking if a hole is drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. The majority of non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to an exploded fuse.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is working properly. If you're not comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running. If resetting or replacing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.