20 Questions You Should Ask About Remote Key Repair Before You Decide To Purchase It How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob won't work then you can fix it by following just a few steps. The first step is to make sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote is unable to lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the main remote is not working. The most frequent causes of key problems with your car remote are circuitry or battery issues.

key fob repair service is not uncommon for the battery inside a car key fob to wear out. It is easy to replace a battery. However it is essential that you use the correct kind. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also essential to check the battery compartment as dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance, it may be necessary disassemble the remote and rework each component. You could also try reprogramming your car to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

From repeated use, key fobs may wear out and become dirty. This is not uncommon, but it can cause buttons to stop working or require a hard press for them to function. This can be a hassle, especially when you are away from your home and need to turn on your car. Even worn-out or malfunctioning buttons can be fixed with a little time and the tools you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and inspect the circuit board. Look for signs of corrosion or other indications that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Utilizing a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that have damaged or have conductive paint missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint and stop the button from firing when it is pressed.

Examine the battery connector's terminals carefully for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, reconnecting them can bring back function to the button. You can use the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection in the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob are not working or require being press extremely hard the graphite disks on the back of the button might have worn out and will require replacement. This is usually done by rubbing a pencil over the disks, which should bring the button back to life.

If all of this doesn't help, or if the button doesn't respond to a hard push It could be because the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button however, you should have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

The circuit board in your remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob work or not. A thorough inspection will usually resolve this issue. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short circuit the electronic components. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open your key fob, and you're not afraid of making a mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and then solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. If they're loose, the buttons might not function or get stuck in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back into place is typically all it takes to restore a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips


The sealed non-remote chips are more durable than remote fobs, however they are susceptible to cracking when a hole is made in them or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmower runs over them. Fuse failures are usually to blame for non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to verify that the diode is working correctly. If you're not confident doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they'll usually have an RF frequency tester that will let you know if the key fob is sending signals.

Programming

Key fobs aren't indestructible and are susceptible to being damaged by a lot of things. They can lose their pairing with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low battery, which calls for the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or a main dealer can reprogram your key fob to get it back up and running. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working, it could be time to replace it all over again.