9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Remote Key Repair

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob does not work and you're not sure why, you can fix it with a few simple steps. First, ensure that it's not your backup remote.

If the backup can lock and unlock your car doors then there is likely an issue with the main remote. The most common causes for car remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside the key repair shop near me fob could be worn out over time. It is fairly easy to replace batteries, but it is important to make sure that you use the right type that you can refer to your owner's manual or contact the dealer for the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you need. It is also important to examine the battery compartment, as dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key Repair fobs may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. It is not common for buttons to cease functioning, or require a long push to make them work. This can be very frustrating especially when you're away from home and you need to start 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, ensure that the batteries are properly charged and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open up the remote and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or have conductive paint missing. Avoid rubbing too hard because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button firing when pressed.

Also, make sure to inspect the battery connector's terminals to ensure any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position can restore the button's functionality if this is the case. The same process can be used to restore function to any other loose connections within the fob.

If, for instance, any of the buttons made of rubber that are on the front of the key fob have stopped functioning or require a long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks that are on the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can usually do this 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 doesn't respond to a hard press It could be the case that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have a spare in case it does not work.

Circuitry

If the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote might be dirty. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this issue. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken car key repair near me cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're able to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making a mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, it's worth checking the connections between battery terminals. If they're loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons to their proper positions is usually enough to bring a non-working fob to a working condition.

Non-remote key repair Transponder Chips

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

If you're handy enough to open up a sealed non-remote key fob and can tolerate the mess, you can remove the circuit board and test the fuse using a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.

Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and can be damaged by a lot of things. 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 the main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. If resetting or repairing the keyfob is not working it is possible to replace it.