24 Hours To Improving Remote Key Repair
How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working
If your key fob doesn't work and you're not sure why, you can fix it by following a few simple steps. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.
If your backup remote can lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. Most problems with car remote keys result from circuitry or battery problems.
Battery
It is not uncommon to find a battery on a key fob for cars to wear out. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential that you use the correct type. You can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the right type. It is also essential to inspect the battery compartment, as batteries that are not working properly can release toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.
Buttons
Due to repeated use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. It is not common for buttons to cease working, or to require a hefty press to make them work. This can be very frustrating particularly when you're away from home and have to start your car. Even malfunctioning or worn-out buttons are often fixable with a little effort and materials you already have at home.
First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button is filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged. For example the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has become damaged or where conductive painting is missing. Don't rub too hard as this can damage the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when you press it.
Check the battery connector terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, simply connecting them back may restore function to the button. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections within the fob.
If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob aren't functioning or require to be pressed very hard the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and will need to replaced. This can be done by rubbing a pencil on the disks, which should bring the button back to life.
If none of this is helpful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press It could be that the circuit board is damaged. It is possible to fix this issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob, but you should have another spare in case it doesn't work.
Circuitry
The circuit board inside your remote control may be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. A thorough examination is usually enough to fix this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. remote key fob repair damaged case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short. Water can also eat through pins and vias, which are tiny connectors that are found on the board.
If you are handy enough to open your key fob and aren't afraid of making some mess, we can remove the buttons from their sockets and solder in 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 even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals back into place is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.
Non-Remote Transponder Chips
Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than the remote fobs that have them but they can be damaged by a hole that is that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote transponder chip malfunctions can be blamed on an exploded fuse.
If you're not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to check that the diode is functioning properly. If you're unsure about doing this, visit your local hardware store or the Oreilly's and they'll usually have an RFID frequency tester that can determine whether the key fob is sending signals.
Programming
Key fobs are subject to a lot of abuse and aren't completely indestructible. They may lose their connection to the car's receiver due to shock or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it functioning again. In the rarer case that resetting and repairing your key fob fails it could be the time to replace it all over again.