3 Common Reasons Why Your Remote Key Repair Isn't Working (And Ho…

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

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

Battery

The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace the battery. However, it is important that you use the correct type. You can refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to determine the right type. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment with care since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the problem, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rebuild its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From frequent use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. This is not unusual, but it can cause buttons to stop functioning or require a hard press for them to work. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from home and have to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few items you might already have in the house.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been 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, such as 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 painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and fob stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may bring back function to the button. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very difficult press to function it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button does not respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. This issue can be fixed by a thorough inspection. broken key repair near me and damaged cases are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making an mess, you can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not function or even stay in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can still be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're handy enough to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits signals.

Programming

Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't completely indestructible. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it back functioning again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fob fixing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it all over again.