The 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, a few easy steps can fix it. The first step is to be sure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle, it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most frequent causes of car keys repair near me remote key failure are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in the key fob for cars to get worn out. It is easy to replace a battery. However, it is important to select the right kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct type. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak caustic chemicals which can damage the remote. If changing the batteries does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons seem to be stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to take the remote apart and rework its components. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new remote.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however, it can cause buttons to stop working or require a very long press to work. This can be a huge hassle especially if you're away from home and need to start your vehicle key repairs. Fortunately, even worn-out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with a little time and a few materials you may already have around the house.

First, check that the batteries are correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Take the remote apart and look over the circuit board. Check for signs of corrosion or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, such as missing paint that is conductive. Use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to gently clean any membrane contacts that are worn or where conductive paint is missing. Don't rub too hard in order to damage the conductive paint and prevent the button from firing when you press it.

Also, carefully check the battery connector's terminals for any loose solder connections. If this is the case, connecting them back can bring back function to the button. You can follow the same method to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the buttons made of rubber 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 require replacement. You can do this by rubbing a pencil over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it could be that the circuitry has failed. 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 in the remote control could be dirty, regardless of whether the buttons on the key fob function or not. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. Water and broken cases are the most frequent causes of boards that are dirty. A broken case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key fob and don't mind a little mess, we can remove the solder from the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth examining the battery terminal connections. They can get very filthy and if they're not tight enough, the buttons might not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and buttons back in their place is generally all it takes to restore keys that are not in working order.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken by a hole being drilled into them or run over by a lawnmower or car key repair door handle. Failures of the fuse are typically the cause of non-remote key fob repair near me chip failures.

If you're able to open up the sealed key fob and are able to bear the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter for proper diode function. If you're not comfortable with this, go to your local Oreilly or hardware store and test their RF frequency tester. This will let you know whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged by a variety of factors. They can lose their pairing to the receiver in your car key repairs due to shock or low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith or dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob to get it working again. If, in the unlikely event that resetting and repairing your key fob doesn't work, it could be time to replace it all over again.