9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Remote Key Repair

how to repair car key fob to Fix a key repair car Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work A few easy steps can be taken to fix it. First, check to make sure it's not your backup remote.

If the backup remote is able to lock and unlock your car doors then there's a likely issue with the main remote. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to change out batteries, but it is essential to make sure 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 what kind of battery you need. It is also important to inspect the battery compartment, since batteries that are not working properly can release caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not fix the issue there may be additional issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons appear stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rebuild its components. It is also possible to reprogramme the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs could become worn and dirty. This is not atypical however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to work. This can be a hassle particularly when you're away from your home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and some of the materials you may already have around the home.

First, check that the batteries are correctly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped into rubbing alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has worn-out or where conductive paint is missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can apply the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob are not functioning or require to be pressed extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and will require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press, then it may be because the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering your fob, but you should have another spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons are working the circuit board in your remote might be dirty. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. Broken cases and water are the most common causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronics. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors on the board.

If you are handy enough to open your key fob, and you don't mind making a mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and then solder 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 might not function or even stay 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 lock repair near me fob that is not working to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips sealed in a sealed case are more durable than remote fobs. However, they are susceptible to cracking if a hole is drilled into them or if a car door key repair near me handle or lawnmower runs over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can take off the circuit board and check the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not sure with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't indestructible. They can lose their pairing to the car's receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. If resetting or fixing your keyfob does not work it is possible to replace it.