Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it with just a few steps. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car doors it is most likely an issue with the main remote. Most car remote key failures result from circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is important to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues that require professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

automotive key repair fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a long push to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and the 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 open the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is it is pressed.

Check the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back into place will allow the button to function again if this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside 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 very hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing down and remote Key repair require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. Broken and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can become extremely dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote key repair car remote control key; Look At This, transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on blowing fuses.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, 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, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take lots of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or the main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back up and running again. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.