9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes of key malfunctions for car key fob repairs remotes are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery inside the key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs may become dirty and worn-out from repeated use. This is not atypical however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from home and need to switch on your mobile car key repair. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you have in the home.

First, check that the batteries are charged correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, open the remote key repair (visit my web site) with care and look over the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.

Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back could restore functionality to the button. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob aren't working or require being press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a firm press It could be the case that the circuit board itself is damaged. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

The circuit board of your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is often enough to resolve this problem. The most common causes for dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A damaged case can allow water and other debris to enter and short out the electronic components. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob and don't mind making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and put in new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between battery terminals. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, 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 return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-remote key repairs transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs that have them but they can be broken by a hole being made in them or pushed over by a lawnmowers blade or car key fob repair service door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually to blame for non-remote chips failures.

If you're not confident opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and use a multimeter to check that the diode is working properly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or low-battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a dealer in the main can reprogram the key fob and get it back up and running again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it may be time to replace it entirely.