Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work then 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 car key repair cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys result from circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob may wear out over time. It is simple to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you choose the right type. You can refer to your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to determine the right type. It is also important to examine 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 requiring professional attention. For instance, if buttons seem stuck or broken key repair, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You could also try reprogramming your vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become filthy and worn out due to repeated use. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are away from home and you need to start your car key button repair. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little time and the 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. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become worn-out or where conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position will allow the button to function again in the event that this is the case. The same method can be used to restore function to any other loose connections in the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber 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 deteriorating and require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still cannot get the button to respond when pressed 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 have another spare in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons are working the circuit board that is inside your remote may be dirty. A thorough examination is often enough to resolve this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to pass through and short out the electronic components. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're able to remove your Key repair fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can become very dirty and if they're loose the buttons might not function or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all that's required to return a non-working key fob to working order.

Non-remote car key repair transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken key repair near me by a hole being 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 blowing fuses.

If you're handy enough to open a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse using an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, requiring 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, you may need to replace it.