10 Facts About Remote Key Repair That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. The majority of car remote key malfunctions result from circuitry or battery issues.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to degrade. It is relatively easy to replace batteries, but it is crucial to ensure that you use the right type; you can look in the owner's manual or talk to the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It's recommended to inspect the battery compartment thoroughly since dead batteries may leak harmful chemicals that can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there may be additional issues requiring professional attention. For example, if buttons seem to be stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.
Buttons
From repeated use, key fobs can become worn and dirty. It is not uncommon to have buttons stop working, or to require a long press to make them work. This can be frustrating particularly when you're away from home and need to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little effort and the tools you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries are properly placed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Examine for indications of rust or other indications that the buttons are damaged or worn. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is pressed.
Check the battery connector's terminals for loose solder connections. Soldering them back in place will allow the button to function again If this is the case. The same procedure can be used to restore function to any other loose connections inside the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being pressing extremely hard the graphite disks at the back of the button may have worn out and will require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.
If all of this doesn't help or if the button still does not respond to a firm press It could be because the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob however, you should have another spare in case it does not work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control could be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors found on the board.
If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons could not work or even become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back in their place is generally all that's needed to return the key fob that is not working to working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Failures of the fuse are typically to blame for non-remote chip failures.
If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to verify that the diode is functioning properly. If remote car key repair 're not comfortable doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have an RFID frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.
Programming
Key fobs endure many abuses and aren't indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main, can reprogram your keyfob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob fails, it could be time to replace it completely.