The 10 Most Scariest Things About 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. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most car remote key failures are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may be worn out over time. It is quite simple to change out a battery, although it is crucial to ensure you use the right type that you can refer to the owner's manual or talk to the manufacturer's dealer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or broken it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and need to turn on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and materials you already have at home.

First, remote car key repair check that 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 indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using the Q-tip, Remote Car Key repair dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that are damaged or have conductive paint missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place can restore function to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not working or need to be pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and need to replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working.

If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a hard press It could be the case that the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob available in the event this method fails for you.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A very thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short out the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in place is usually all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote car key Repair Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them, or if a car keys repairs door handle or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob sends signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob and get it working again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be necessary to replace it.