20 Questions You Need To To 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 isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix it. First, ensure that car key repair service 's not the backup remote.

If the backup is able to lock and unlock your car door, then there's a likely issue with the main remote. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by circuitry or battery problems.

Battery

The battery in the key fob may get worn out over the course of time. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you use the correct type. You can refer to the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the correct type. It's also a good idea to inspect the battery compartment carefully since dead batteries may leak caustic chemicals that can cause damage to the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue there could be other issues requiring professional attention. For instance, if the buttons seem to be 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 may become filthy and worn out due to frequent use. This is not unusual however, it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very hard press for them to function. This can be a hassle especially when you're away from home and you need to switch on your car. Even broken or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time 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 has been filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other signs that buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip that has been dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that has damaged or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard as this can erode the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when the button is pressed.

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

If any of the rubber buttons at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be press extremely hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button could have worn out and will require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen across the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button does not respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board itself has gone bad. It is possible to fix the issue by cleaning and re-soldering the fob but you should also have an extra in case it does not work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the keys fob buttons are functioning, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. This issue can be fixed through a thorough examination. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A damaged case allows water and other debris to get in and short out the electronic components. 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 you're not afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and put new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the battery terminal connections. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in place is usually all that's required to return the key fob that is not working to working order.

Non-Remote Transponder Chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, however they are still susceptible to being cracked by a hole that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmower or car door handle. The failure of the fuse is usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you can take the circuit board off and use a multimeter to determine if the diode is functioning correctly. If you're not sure with this, visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will tell you whether the key fob is sending an RF signal.


Programming

Key fobs are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or a dealer in the main can reprogram the keyfob and get it working again. In the event that resetting or repairing your key fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it entirely.