The Sage Advice On Remote Key Repair From An Older Five-Year-Old

How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't working, a few easy steps can fix it. First, ensure that it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot lock and unlock the doors of your car, then it is most likely that the primary remote isn't functioning. Most car remote key failures result from battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

The battery inside the key fob could get worn out over the course of time. It is relatively easy to change out batteries, but it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct type; you can look in your owner's manual, or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to determine the type of battery you need. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully, as dead batteries sometimes leak caustic chemicals that can damage the remote. If replacing the battery does not solve the issue, there may be other issues requiring professional attention. If the buttons are broken or stuck, for example it could be necessary to remove the remote car key repair near me and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key repairs near me fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. This is not uncommon however it can cause buttons to cease working or require a very difficult press to get them to function. This can be very frustrating particularly if you're away from home and you need to start your vehicle. Fortunately, even worn out or damaged buttons can be fixed with a little time and a few items you may already have around the home.

First, verify that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully open the remote and inspect the circuit board. Check for signs of rust or other signs the buttons have been worn or damaged. For example, conductive paint may be missing. Then, using the Q-tip, dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently clean any membrane contacts that have worn or where conductive paint is missing. Avoid rubbing too hard, since this could cause damage to the conductive paint and block the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, be sure to check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. Soldering them back in place will restore the button's functionality If this is the situation. The same method can be used to restore functionality to any other loose connections inside the fob.

Finally, if any of the buttons made of rubber on the front of the key fob have stopped working or require a long press to function, it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are deteriorating and need to be replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button to life.

If none of this is useful or if the button still does not respond to a hard push, then it may be that the circuit board has gone bad. It is possible to fix this with a quick clean and re-soldering, but it is ideal to have a spare fob on hand in the event that this method does not work for you.

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 examination will usually resolve this problem. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and damaged cases. A damaged case could allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, causing it to short. Water can also damage pins and connectors that are small on the board, which are known as via's.

If you're handy enough to remove your key car repair fob and aren't afraid of some mess, we can de-solder the buttons and solder new ones in their place. It's also worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. If they are loose, the buttons might not function properly or become stuck in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob to a working condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chip are more durable than the remote fobs they are contained in, but they can be broken by a hole being that is drilled into them or over by a lawnmowers or door handle for a car. The majority of non-remote key fob repair near me transponder chip failures can be attributed to blowing fuses.

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 examine the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're not sure with this, you can visit your local Oreilly or hardware store and use their RF frequency tester. This will inform you whether the key fob transmits a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and can be damaged by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection to the car key lock repair near me - visit the website,'s receiver because of shock or a low battery, which requires the reprogramming. A professional auto locksmith, or main dealer, can reprogram your key fob and get it back working again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key fob isn't working it may be time to replace it completely.