The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work then you can fix it by following some simple steps. First, make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is likely that the main remote isn't functioning. The most common causes for key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.

Battery

It is not uncommon for the battery in a key fob for cars to get worn out. It is quite simple to change out the battery, however it is essential to make sure that you use the right type and you can consult your owner's manual, or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out the kind of battery you require. It is recommended to examine the battery compartment with care because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue there could be other issues that require professional attention. For example, if buttons seem stuck or damaged it could be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can become dirty and worn out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to stop working or require a difficult press to get them to work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from your home and you need to switch on your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons can be fixed with a bit of time and tools you already have at home.

First, check that the batteries have been correctly inserted and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open up 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 conductive paint. Use a Q-tip, dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where conductive paint is missing. Do not rub too vigorously in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Check the battery connector terminals for loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back may bring back function to the button. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons on the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressing extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will need to replaced. It is usually done by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is helpful, or if the button still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be the case that the circuit board itself has gone bad. 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 doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control may be dirty regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards is water and broken cases. A broken case can let water and other debris into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also destroy pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections.  key fob repair service  can become very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons might not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all it takes to restore keys that are not in working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can still be cracked by a hole made in them or pushed over by a lawnmower or door handle for a car. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you're handy enough to open up the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and utilize their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs are subject to lots of abuse and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob and get it working again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.