9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working There are a few simple steps that can fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, it is likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not uncommon to find a battery on a car key car repair fob to get worn out. It is simple to replace a battery. However, it is important that you choose the right kind. You can consult your owner's guide or contact the manufacturer to find out the right kind. It is recommended to inspect 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 problem it could 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 key fob repair near me and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new device.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs can wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to cease functioning or require a hard press for them to function. This can be frustrating especially when you're away from home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can often be fixed with a bit of time and a few items you have in the home.

First, make sure that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that the buttons are worn or damaged, such as missing the conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for an unattached solder connection. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. You can use the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob key repair.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber that are 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 deteriorating and need to be replaced. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil on the disks. This should bring the button back to working.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still not be able to get the button respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. This can be fixed by a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is recommended to have an additional fob in case this method fails for you.

Circuitry

The circuit board inside your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob are working or not. A thorough inspection is usually enough to fix this problem. Broken cases and water are the most frequent causes of dirty boards. A damaged case could let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also get through pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind making a mess, we can take off the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth looking at the battery terminal connections. If they are loose, the buttons could not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their original positions is often enough to restore a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote key repair (pop over to these guys) chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, but they can be cracked if a hole is drilled in them or when a door handle for a car or lawnmowers is pushed over them. Most of the time, non-remote transponder chips fail, and this can be blamed on an exploded fuse.

If you're handy enough to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and examine the fuse with an instrument to verify diode function. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob sends a signal.

Programming

Key fobs take many abuses and aren't impervious to damage. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or low battery, requiring them to be reprogrammed. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. In the rarer case that resetting or repairing your key fob repair service fob isn't working it could be the time to replace it all over again.