5 Laws That Can Help The Remote Key Repair Industry

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

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

If the backup can lock and unlock your car door, it is most likely an issue with the main remote. The most frequent causes of car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is simple to replace a battery. However it is essential to select the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment thoroughly because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem there could be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. It is not unusual for buttons to cease functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with just a bit of time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.

First, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Look for evidence of rust, or other signs the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance there could be conductive paint missing. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can erode the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is the button is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, soldering them back in place may restore functionality to the button. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which will bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work or you not be able to get the button respond when pressed hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in your Remote Car Key Repairs might be dirty. The issue can be solved through a thorough examination. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A broken car key repair near me case can allow water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are small connectors that are found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons may not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers or car door handle. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be attributed to blowing fuses.

If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to check that the diode is operating correctly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can determine if the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, requiring the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram your keyfob and get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it all over again.