The Ugly Facts About Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working If your key fob does not 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 the backup can lock and unlock your car doors, then there is likely an issue with the primary remote. repair car key near me for key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues. Battery It is not uncommon for the battery in the car key fob to get worn out. It is easy to replace the battery. However, it is important that you choose the right type. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It's recommended to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require professional attention. If buttons are stuck or broken for instance it might be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device. Buttons Key fobs may become dirty and worn out from repeated use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a hard press to get them working. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and you need to turn on your car. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few materials you may already have around the house. First, verify that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and examine the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have become worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed. Also, be sure to check the battery connector's terminals to ensure a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can apply the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection within 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 difficult press to function it is likely that the graphite disks on the back of the button are wearing out and need to be replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life. If none of this is helpful or if the button does not respond to a hard push It could be the case that the circuit board has become damaged. This can sometimes be repaired with a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is recommended to have an additional fob on hand in the event that this method fails for you. Circuitry The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination will usually resolve this problem. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case allows water and other debris to pass through and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are small connectors on the board. If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and aren't afraid of making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and then solder new ones. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or may even remain in their down position. Soldering the terminals, and putting the button back into place is typically all it takes to restore the key fob that is not working to working order. Non-Remote transponder chips Sealed non-remote transponder chips are much more durable than the remote fobs that contain them however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this could be attributed to an exploded fuse. If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not sure with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob transmits a signal. Programming Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection to the receiver in your car because of shock or a low battery, which calls for them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer can reprogram the key fob and get it back working again. If resetting or repairing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.