9 . What Your Parents Taught 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 make sure that it's not the backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your repair car remote control key doors, then there's a likely issue with the primary remote. The most common causes for mobile car key repair remote key failure are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in a car key fob to degrade. It is quite simple to change out a battery, although it is essential to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer's dealer to determine the type of battery you need. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can release caustic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the problem it could be because there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are stuck or broken 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 key fob key repair.

Buttons

Key fobs may become filthy and worn out due to 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 are away from home and have to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the home.

First, check that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and examine the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button firing when 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 case. The same procedure can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a hard press to work it is likely the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry is failing. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean, and replacing the solder, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob, and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back in place is usually all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to working condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs, but they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're handy enough to remove the sealed key fob and repair can tolerate the mess, you can take off the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle because of shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it working again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it completely.