The Advanced Guide To Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure it's not the backup remote.

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

Battery

The battery in the key fob may be worn out over time. It is relatively easy to change out the battery, however it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you require. It is also essential to examine the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing  please click the next post  does not fix the issue, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck, for example it might be necessary to take the remote apart and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from repeated use. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to function. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, ensure that the batteries are up correctly and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply soldering them back in place could restore functionality to the button. The same process can be used to restore function to any loose connections in the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a very long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are wearing down and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which will bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work or you cannot get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry has failed. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in the remote could be dirty. This problem can be resolved by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most common causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to enter the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making a mess, we can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. They can become extremely filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back into place is usually enough to restore a non-working fob to working.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or car door handle. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're able to remove the sealed key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they will usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine if the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs endure a lot of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer can reprogram your keyfob to get it functioning again. If resetting or repairing your key fob fails, you may need to replace it.