The Comprehensive Guide To Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob isn't functioning A few easy steps 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 car, then it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys result from battery or circuitry problems. Battery It is not unusual to find a battery on a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to replace a battery, although it is important to ensure that you choose the correct type that you can refer to your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals that can harm the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or broken It may be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You could also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob. Buttons Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. It is not unusual for buttons to stop functioning, or require a hefty push to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a bit of time and some of the materials you might already have in the home. First, make sure the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and look at the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Utilizing the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or have conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when the button is pressed. Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for an unattached solder connection. If this is the case, connecting them back can restore functionality to the button. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob. If, for instance, any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very hard press to work it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. This can usually be done by rubbing a pencil across the disks, which should bring the button back to working. If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be that the circuit board itself has become damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering your fob but you should also have another spare in case it doesn't work. Circuitry The circuit board of the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A very thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to enter and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's. If you're able to remove your key fob, and you're not afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their original positions is often enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition. Non-Remote Transponder Chips Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be attributed to blowing fuses. If car key repair enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you're unsure about doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's and they usually have a radio frequency tester that can tell you whether the key fob sending signals. Programming Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a lot of things. for beginners may lose their connection to the receiver in your car due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it all over again.