Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If your backup remote is unable to unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most common causes for key malfunctions for car key fob repair remotes are issues with the circuitry or battery.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment as batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are broken car key repair near me or stuck for instance it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from your home and you need to start your car key fob repairs near me. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons are often fixable with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, verify that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply reconnecting them could bring back function to the button. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being press very hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push, then it may be because the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're able to remove your key fob and aren't afraid of a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits a signal.

Programming

mobile key repair fobs endure many abuses and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your mobile car key repair due to shock or low battery, which requires them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or the main dealer can reprogram the keyfob to get it working again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.